Aviator's

A penny for your service...

Hostess, thank you for seating me promptly and the older gentlemen (not my waiter) who brought me my meal; these were the 2 positive aspects of my experience.

After I was seated, my attempts to get staff members’ attention were unsuccessful. I waited as other customers who were seated after me, receive service while some staff members stood around in the doorway of kitchen and reception area chatting with each other.

My first introduction to my “waiter” was when I finally got his attention as he was about to pass by me again. (By this time 4 waiters passed me without acknowledging that I was trying to get there attention.) Before I could explain why I was in desperate need of water (literally just had an asthma attack from running from gate B15 to B54 needless to say I missed my connection...sorry I digress), he interrupted me and became defensive and stated that “You looked worked up.”

I stated that I had been trying to get someone’s attention and he was like well “I was helping the other table (a group of hardworking men... I promise this, too, is relevant).” Then, he stated “You look like you’re ready to order.”

So in a matter of moments, we weren’t off to a good start. He didn’t introduce himself, he insulted me with his sarcastic tone/remarks and his interactions with male customers versus single female customers were night and day.

When he brought my water he did so in a sarcastic way. He intentionally scurried across the restaurant to bring my water and placed it down in front of me as if to say “may I get you anything else your highness?” It was extremely condescending.

I continued to watch his interactions with others, in particular, that group of hardworking men. And then that’s when I heard him say “I am not like a squirrly girl [insert chuckles from the hardworking men folk].”

So thank you, sir, for bringing me water, taking my order, and topping off my cup 3x. It was worth a penny (I paid way too much for a basic, dry burger and fries and receive mediocre at best service; the sauces were savory and pretty good though).

I hope this is a teachable moment for the team at this establishment. I work in customer service too, and I see people while they’re at their worst. So, I can only imagine dealing with anxious, irritable, caffeinated airline passengers day in and day out. Doubtful I will dine there again especially with Smashburger coming to the airport and other upcoming restaurants being added.