I try to and if I notice the server is swamped, I try to tell him/her that we understand and will not be "problems"- they are usually SO RELIEVED by that.

Good point! I often will say (and emphasize) "when you have a chance" when it's something small like an extra napkin or something. I see so many people so hyped up for NOW NOW NOW!!!! that it should be legal, acceptable and encouraged for the waitstaff to slap some of these people upside their heads... and say Didn't your mother teach you any manners???? :D

I agree completely. I usually try to say something to the wait people and the management if I have enjoyed my meal. People seem to be only to happy to complain, and if a complaint is warranted, that's fine. But I like to say something positive too. I don't think they get to hear that often enough. It's a tough job to please so many people.

I always speak up - whether the food and service were great or not - I want them to know I appreciate their efforts! When something isn't good, I let the cashier know that, too.

Have and will! both ways

One summer during college I worked as a waitress. Boy, did I learn a lot about tipping! Like, even the girl who just pours you coffee deserves a decent tip. I regularly buy coffee for 90 cents in a diner and leave at least a dollar for the waitress. I know she's a college girl-she graduated high swchool with my daughter. One afternoon, while I was waitressing, a diner gave me a couple of dollars (maybe 5?-that was almost 40 years ago) to give to the chef. He really liked his meal and wanted to show his gratutude. That was the only time that happened.

Few years back, going thru Kentucky Fried Chicken drive thru, the server was just DOWN RIGHT NICE. I complimented him, and when I got home, called the manager and told him as well.

Oh yes...a habit of mine for years.
Had a steak the other night that was not only a superb cut of meat, but it was flavored and done just to a "T". I told the server, and asked her to relay to the kitchen.

I always compliment them if it is good. In return I get smiles from them because they remember me. When I eat at Freddie's Custard I thank the cooks who are visible to the customers.

I also tell the help. then the managers if a place is dirty, especially if the food is good and the place is dirty. I quit eating at two CiCi's because their place is filthy. I drive across town to eat at a clean CiCis.

Believe me a good word or a pat on the back, when deserved can make someones day. I try to compliment when it is warranted. Our local paper has the local police blotter in it every week and sometimes things are worded so funny. I emailed the paper and told them how funny that is and how much I enjoy reading it. The editor emailed me back and said it was nice to have a comment on the paper that was nice, compared to the nasty, complaining ones.

Yes I do. They do remember and the next time I'm in I know my g food with be given special care in a good way. I have made a lot of cooks happy and they go the extra mile for me.

I try to compliment all businesses when they get something right. I only compliment when I'm sincere though so it really means something. I d don't do it too be nice. I do it when it's the truth.

Dotmom, newspapers are one spot many, including myself tend to forget about, though in defense of me, I don't read that many papers anymore. But a few months back there was an article and I don't even remember the details on it, all I recall is there was a big kerfuffle someplace or somehow over the article and I recall I saw nothing wrong with it and sent an email to that effect to the author. I got the nicest email back from him thanking me and explaining that he too was mystified about the ruckus. Was nice to receive that email.

I agree totally wildchild, Back when I dealt heavily with the public, I always said an insincere compliment is worthless, but a sincere one is priceless. Not totally unlike a redundant, mechanical "thank you, come again" doesn't mean much but a sincere appreciation (no matter the wording) is meaningful.

I should make it clear that I *do* believe in holding people and places accountable for screw-ups, bad service and the like, but I think it's only fair to send a compliment too, when appropriate.

Way back when I used to cook for a Mom and Pop place. It meant so much when a tip and good words came my way. I know the waitress's make tips but didn't share when I cooked. I'm known to personally take a tip to the cook, without the good food they wouldn't have a business.

One day I was in a McDonald's. I saw a very elderly woman come in, order a "senior coffee", and sit at a table with her coffee, . Then one of their delivery trucks pulled up and the driver got out. He came in, sat with the old lady for a while, chatting and smiling. Then he got up, went to the counter, got a breakfast sandwich, brought it back and gave it to the woman. He sat there talking and smiling till she finished. I was so impressed, I went to the counter and told the manager what I'd seen. He said "Oh, that's Josh. He's my best employee." I walked over and gave Josh $5 and wished him a nice day. He had certainly made mine great!