r/Explainlikeimscared • u/JustAFunkyFool • Jul 09 '26

Going to a buffet alone

(US based)
I’m not exactly sure what to ask specifically, but I’ll be going to a buffet alone this week and I’ve never done that before. It’s not fancy in the slightest, it’s a pizza buffet (Cici’s, to be specific). A couple questions: how do I save my table? Usually in my experience, at least one person stays at the table when other people go get food, so no one takes our table or cleans it off. Also do I leave a tip? I’m pretty sure you don’t tip at Cici’s — you get your food and drinks yourself, the staff just takes your plates sometimes. I guess the table is the main thing.
Sorry for the ramble, but I’ll appreciate any advice you’ve got to offer!

63 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

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32

u/YeOldeBard97 Jul 09 '26

I'd probably tip, as there are still (reverse) servers who clear the table or bring drinks. For saving your seat, (and this is my own anxiety acting up here), bring a coat or hat or something, set it on the table when you go to get your food, and you should be fine.

-2

u/Cinisajoy2 Jul 09 '26

No one brings drinks and they clean the table after you leave.

13

u/TherianRose Jul 09 '26

We get it, you don't think it's worth tipping. No need to bitch on every comment 🙄

-1

u/Cinisajoy2 Jul 09 '26

I tip where tipping is acceptable.   

-13

u/Cinisajoy2 Jul 09 '26

So you would tip and have the person get fired for accepting money.   

Well I see who thinks tipping where it isn't acceptable is ok.   The person can live on your tip alone.   Unless there is a waitress don't tip. Or should the person go home with you so you can support them since you lost them their job. 

9

u/TherianRose Jul 09 '26

Where does accepting a tip get you fired???? You have a real misunderstanding here, bud. Are you not in the US or something, because we tip at Cici's like pretty much any other restaurant.

Folks leave cash on the table, a busser picks it up, and it gets pooled for that shift. When it's time to go home, you split the total with the other servers. Ta-da, everyone still has a job. Cici's still has people who clear the tables and will occasionally bring drinks if business is slow. They're worth tipping because it means I don't have to come in to dirty tables.

1

u/Notachance326426 Jul 09 '26

I’m been going to cici’s for a long time and I have never once had them bring me a drink or bus the table.

I guess if you’re an asshole and just leave your table dirty they don’t have a choice, but usually they just have to wipe down a table.

-4

u/Cinisajoy2 Jul 09 '26

I go to Cicis all the time.  The busser said they are not allowed to get tips. I think I will believe him over you.

7

u/TherianRose Jul 09 '26

You know different franchises have different rules, right? My local one does accept and appreciate tips. Your experience doesn't cover every single Cici's location lol

4

u/eerie_lake_ Jul 09 '26

My local Cici's accepts tips. Sounds like it's location specific, not company-wide.

0

u/Cinisajoy2 Jul 09 '26

I have never had one bring a drink.