National Waiters’ Day 2023: National Waiters’ Day is observed on May 16 to honour and uplift the United Kingdom’s hospitality industry employees. As the term ‘waiter’ derives from the noun ‘wait,’ the profession entails waiting on people and tending to their every need. The creator of the holiday, Fred Siriex, describes it as a fantastic opportunity to promote the numerous career opportunities available in the hospitality industry. National Waiters’ Day requests that we open our souls and wallets to demonstrate our sincere appreciation for this demanding yet rewarding profession.
HISTORY OF WAITERS DAY
National Waiters’ Day combats the stigma that waitressing is merely an unskilled occupation, rather than a respectable and diligent profession that can lead to a rewarding career. The day is a tribute to the entire hospitality industry, not just waiters. According to the renowned Anthony Bourdain, “you can always tell if someone has worked in a restaurant. The only people who can cultivate empathy are those who have stood between a famished mouth and a $28 pork chop.”
National Waiters’ Day is the brainchild of the French restaurateur Fred Sirieix, who designated the day to honour the hospitality industry as a thrilling and rewarding career. Passion is the result of Sirieix’s extensive history in the hospitality industry. After his first employment as a waiter at age 16, Siriex developed a unique outlook on a life of service, which led him to pursue a career in catering. According to him, his limited service experience taught him more about life than any fancy degree ever could.
Since 2013, the entire United Kingdom has observed National Waiters’ Day. The day is affiliated with Springboard Charity and has previously collaborated with the London Hospitality Festival. A unique Waiters’ Day Competition is conducted in which waiters race to transport a water tray from one location to another without spilling. In 2018, Springboard’s race raised over £30,000 to assist hospitality industry professionals advance their careers.
WAITERS DAY ACTIVITIES
Plan an evening out.
There is no better method to honour professionals than to appreciate their work. Visit a brand-new eatery that you have been considering for some time.
Put on the apron
Sign up for volunteer hours in the service industry if you have the opportunity. Working as a waiter cultivates soft skills, including promptness, discipline, humility, and observation, and prepares you for the real world. You will learn more in pubs and dining rooms than in any university.
Tip generously
Mark the day of the national commemoration of waiters by leaving a generous tip, preferably at least 10 percent. Gratuities are given directly to waiters and assist them in paying their expenses.
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Arrive on time
Arrive early and allow your waiter to direct you to your table before the restaurant becomes crowded for dinner.
Take note of the specials
Even if you already have a dish in mind, pay attention to the specials and gesture in agreement.
Provide immediate feedback
Indicate any issues you have and provide the waiter with an opportunity for resolution.
Find out their identities
Learn the waiter’s name and use it in conversation to establish rapport with him or her.
Fund your account
While acts of courtesy are a great starting point, nothing demonstrates appreciation quite like a generous tip.
WHY WE LOVE WAITERS DAY
It is an assurance of a delicious meal.
Being courteous and polite to your waiter will not cost you a dime, but it will make him or her a personal favourite. Who wouldn’t want it? On National Waiters’ Day, we commemorate the tireless and arduous profession of waiters by indulging in a lavish meal.
It’s an honourable profession.
Elites frequently look down upon waitressing. But nothing is more honourable than getting up every day and working diligently to earn a pound. National Waiters’ Day combats the stigma associated with wait staffing as a profession and honours the devoted individuals who work in this demanding field.
It’s an appropriate tribute
The demanding and unappreciated nature of the job of a waiter makes the dedication worthwhile. If you appreciate spotless tables, fresh food, and seamless service, the 16th of May is your opportunity to thank the waiters who make it all possible.
WAITERS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 16 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | May 16 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 16 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 16 | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 16 | Sunday |
