For those who vacation in the Northwoods, most arrive and leave on Saturday, but the big night is usually Friday. This is when the majority of people including locals head to their favorite restaurant for the traditional Fish Fries. Are most establishments busy? YES. Do most people understand they might have to wait a while to be seated? NO.

If you live in a resort town, you get used to a lot of vacationers at different times of the year. But this year being the 4th of July fell on a weekend, last week was one of the busiest weeks that I can ever remember. From checkout lines to the back of the grocery store, trying to find a parking spot in town or being seated at a restaurant was difficult. I understand all of this, but there are others that do not, especially when it comes to dining out.

Over the years Monica and I have met and became not only great friends, but family to many in the service industry. From bartenders, wait staff, hostesses and kitchen staff, this past week we have heard how overwhelmed they all were. We have also overheard and/or have been told the service has been terrible at many bar/restaurants.

When you are on vacation or just want to go out that night, everyone looks forward to a great dining experience, right? But if you arrive at a resort restaurant, supper club and you cannot find a seat to have a drink before dinner or there is a half hour to an hour wait to be seated, that cannot be helped.

Do I like not being able to find two seats together at a local bar for Monica and myself or not being seated at a table immediately at one of our favorite places?  Of course not, but I understand the situation and are sympathetic towards the employees of that location.

Every business in the Northwoods does their best to satisfy each customer, but for some, that isn’t enough. I guess certain people do not understand when an establishment is overwhelmed. Do these types of people care if the bar is three people deep? NO, they want their drinks now. Are these people aware there are many customers ahead of them? NO.

Do they understand the kitchen can only put out a certain amount of food at one time? Do they know or care that the chefs and their staff are also preparing food in an area close to 100 degrees? NO.  Do these people expect the server or hostesses to tell others to vacate their table admittedly after eating so other can be seated? YES. Why?  Because these people are oblivious to the world around them. Are these the type to write terrible reviews on that business’ website? YOU BET THEY ARE.

For everyone that understands that I am NOT against vacationers or others visiting resort areas, THANK YOU.  I’m just asking to have patience when dealing with crowded restaurants, supper clubs and bars. Instead of yelling or being belligerent, a smile and a simple we totally get you are busy, to the hostesses, wait staff and bartenders will go a long way. I guarantee everyone in the service industry would be thankful for understanding.

For those who do not understand how to deal with businesses during peak hours and take it out on the employees, I DONT CARE.