If you’ve spent any time in in our community (or really anywhere with a good happy hour), you’ve probably seen it — a group of golfers or friends settling in at a local restaurant after a round, the laughter flowing as easily as the drinks. Then, as the meal wraps up and the server asks about the check, comes the familiar chorus: “Separate checks, please!”
While this might seem harmless — even logical — it’s worth pausing to think about what that request really means for the person taking care of your table.
For one, “separate checks” can make sense when it’s a group of strangers or a business meeting where people don’t really know each other. But when it’s a group of friends who meet every week or neighbors who golf together regularly, it often creates a lot of extra work for the server. They must track each order, divide up sides and drinks, manage the credit card shuffle, and make sure no one’s meal gets missed or misapplied. That’s time they could be spending serving other tables — and, ultimately, earning more income.
So here’s something to keep in mind next time your group sits down together:
If you do ask for separate checks, be patient, be kind, and — most importantly — don’t forget that your server’s tip is how they earn their living. A few extra dollars added to your gratuity can go a long way in showing appreciation for the extra effort.
In short, whether it’s one check or six, let’s make sure we’re as generous with our gratitude as we are with our laughter. After all, we come to these restaurants to enjoy time with friends — and that should include treating the people who make it all possible with respect and fairness.