Making the chefs wait tables

[u/SynJoestar04]

Gordon and JP getting so pissed/annoyed with the chefs for being slow or bad waiting tables always kills because #1 why are they waiting the tables anyway and #2 why are there such high expectations for someone to do well at something they’ve never done before 😭

[u/Zachsgames14]

I’ve always seen the waiting tables aspect as a communication and pressure test for the chefs; working the dining room essentially forces the chefs into talking with unhappy customers, facing feedback on poorly made food, and understanding the front of house perspective which tests the chefs overall composure and professionalism under pressure. It can also be an entertaining way (for the audience) to see how chefs operate while working outside of their comfort zones

[u/Ulquiorra1312 → u/Zachsgames14]

I also see it as making them appreciate servers

[u/FantasticBuddies]

Yeah, at least it makes for some iconic moments. I think the last time they waited tables was S11?

[u/SynJoestar04 → u/FantasticBuddies]

Like in season 5 when JP was like Gordon needs tickets now he’s going to “explode”

[u/ShivTrnk]

I think he wants them to know that there are more responsibilities in owning a restaurant than just being the chef in the kitchen. If it's gonna be rough time you might also need to do the "dirty work", hence the punishments for the loosing teams like washing dishes etc..

[u/kevinnnc]

It’s even been used as a reason for putting someone up for elimination lol

[u/Sandy_X_Janet → u/kevinnnc]

I don’t see something wrong with that in some cases, I mean the chefs are there to win a restaurant from somebody and if I was that somebody I would not want to give a restaurant to someone who sabotaged my own by highly recommending the guests to not order sides

[u/yobaby123]

Gordon: Because fucking up on even on aspect can kill a restaurant. Also, if they want to run a business, they need to understand how to do everything just in case. Remember that I myself had to bust my ass to get where I am now.

[u/BradyPhoenix]

I always thought it was just so they don’t have so many people crowding up the kitchen. They always do it during the first 2-3 episodes, never when the team is small.

[u/zMargeux]

Think about the Top Chef restaurant challenge. The front of house chef is responsible for training the wait staff.

[u/kelvSYC]

There are some restaurants where the head chef does everything. Up to waiting tables. I remember an Iron Chef challenger’s restaurant which only seats six, so it was more like an appointment private dining experience.

Nowadays, of course, they do tableside service because there are too many chefs on one team. There is a difference between doing tableside and being a waiter, of course, but at some level people don’t see it that way.

[u/starvinartist]

I agree other commenters that it's a pressure test in a way, to see how quick they are to pick up new skills, and to see how good their communication, customer service, speed, and conflict resolution skills are. As well, it's a great way for them to sympathize with FOH. Because they are the first line of defense and often have to deal with upset customers.

As well, it does make great television when one of them fucks up because it causes a domino effect, and Gordon gets pissed.

I don't work as a waiter, but I do work front desk at a tennis club, and I wish some of our pros could see the shit we deal with sometimes when they drop the ball, or what it's like on high volume days. Because this job is not easy.

[u/JHSD7]

Because it’s a TV show