on group outings at say....a restaurant and the bill comes?
Do you tell the waiter/waitress to make it individual bills?
Do you keep it a group bill and have everyone throw their money in?
I only asked because I partially witnessed a horror story. Like to hear it? Well, here goes.
I arrived late to a friend's going away party. By the time I arrived everyone was almost finished eating/drinking and just chatting together. I didn't order anything because I already ate at another engagement before I got to the party. The waitress comes over and places the bill on the table. The host then asks everyone to look at the bill and throw their money onto the table.
People start to leave one-by-one and the host, myself, a few other people are still left. While talking to someone, I overheard the host's friend counting the money and then I heard the record-scratching phrase "oh sheet...we're short."
$111.00 short. No....I didn't misplace a decimal.
The math is simple. A Benjamin plus an Alexander Hamilton plus a George Washington.
The host's friend counts the money again...this time pounding each paper bill onto the table like she's playing dominoes. Another record-scratching phrase..."fawk...we're really FAWKING short." I didn't know what to do. I didn't order anything so I know my conscience is clear. I still feel bad for the host...for god's sake...it is her night and people skipped out on the bill. If it was me, you would have seen steam coming out my ears as I'm dialing everyone's number to grill them about the bill.
My theory is a couple things happen. 1) People didn't include money for a tip...which was already added to the bill since it was a party of like 15 people. 2) People grossly underestimated what they ordered...meaning someone probably paid for their food but didn't count the liquor they ordered. We all know that liquor can sometimes be twice as much as the food we order. 3) Three or four people left without paying because they forgot or they didn't have any money or they thought someone else (possibly the host) would cover their portion?
Either way. That was absolutely grimey. If it was my night, I can tell you that I would have ended a friendship for anyone that walked out without paying and not speaking to me. Luckily, the host's friend dug into her purse and pulled out a 100 large and then an Andrew Jackson to cover the shortfall of the bill.
Crisis avoided.
6 comments:
I think you should pay your part and then leave. Never leave before the check is paid. That is very rude.
I normally only do this situation with very close friends.
First of all I always carry cash. If each person's bill is about equal, we'll just half the check, and lastly, ask if the water can split the check BEFORE you order.
Usually at the restaurants I go to the waiter/ess asks if the bill is going to be split among the party and if they don't we make sure before the bill is rung up that the orders drinks and etc. are separate
I don't play that group bill with my people (race) unless I know the group I'm with like *that* cause folks will skip out on a bill faster than they skip out on a tip esp if gratuity is already included
I'm glad the hosts friend gave the money I agree with u some friendships would end or be severely downgraded to acquaintance status after such a tacky incident
@Epsilonicus...totally agree.
@Southern Girl...I can agree with that too.
@Diamonds...lucky it wasn't me...because friendships would have ended that night.
Make it clear upfront to the server, if the order didn't come out of my mouth it ain't on the menu. I've been with family at family style restaurants where the bread ain't free, and all these rolls are hitting the table but no one has any money at the end. Don't assume anything, even with family.
@Athena Nike...you are so right about never assuming anything.
Post a Comment