Red Lobster Rant

With the holiday’s upon us, we can’t help but be reminded, “Don’t Drink And Drive”. This small phrase can mean the difference between life and death, as well as the difference between holiday joy and ultimate despair. An incident occurred two weeks ago, that I feel should be brought to the public’s attention. I was recently employed as a food server by Red Lobster. During my training there, the Beverage & Hospitality Manager told us, “Red Lobster is not known as the place to drink alcohol”. This was a logical statement, as everyone knows that buying a drink in a restaurant such as Red Lobster costs a lot more than if you went to your local bar or stopped by the corner liquor store. Roughly two weeks ago, we had a server’s meeting, and we were all handed a “Server Expectation Guide”. Within this guide were the requirements set upon each server to properly perform their job function. As I read through the guide, I was thinking, “this is all common sense, duh”. But, as I turned to the section titled, “Server Performance”, I found a paragraph that one, I don’t agree with, and two, sheds a very disturbing light on the Red Lobster organization. The paragraph states:
“When you first approach your table, you must suggest an alcoholic beverage, appetizer, and mention our fresh fish feature: this is non-negotiable.
I found this paragraph very disturbing. Why would I be required to suggest alcohol when the concept of Red Lobster is quoted (from the managers at the restaurant as well as their own web site) as Quality seafood at moderate prices in an informal, nautical, family-oriented setting. Why would they require the servers to suggest alcohol to anyone? Is it right to suggest alcohol to grandma and grandpa when they have the grandkids with them? Is it right to suggest alcohol to mom and dad (whether they have the kids with them or not), knowing one of them has to drive the car home? Why would ANY restaurant want their employees to “push” alcohol on anyone, knowing what the consequences could be? Now don’t get me wrong, I know that a person can enjoy an alcoholic drink with dinner and not pose any serious danger to anyone, I think the reason this paragraph irritated me so, was the non-negotiable part. When asking the manager about it, I was told, “just what it says, non-negotiable”. I for one find this very disturbing… In addition to the non-negotiable alcohol push, Red Lobster also allows servers under the legal drinking age to serve alcohol. So, not only are they allowing those who can’t drink to sell drinks, but they are requiring them to “push” alcohol. What kind of statement does this make? If you wish to become invloved, or just want information on the facts of Drinking and Driving, visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Website. Have a nice day! :)

AUTHORS NOTE: Of course, I didn’t work there long, but I did make enough money to give Gidget something nice for Christmas! ;)