Don't be a jerk. Here are 5 ways to be a better restaurant customer during the pandemic

Two years into the global coronavirus pandemic, many things in life have changed, not least of which are the protocols and norms for dining out.

As with many industries, Arizona restaurant owners are working to figure out how to stay open, how to keep their staff and customers safe and how to deal with the ever-changing landscape of staffing issues and food shortages.

The most recent wave of COVID-19, caused by the extremely contagious omicron variant, saw some metro Phoenix restaurants return to temporary closures and takeout.

The current, extremely high levels of COVID-19 within Arizona make removing a mask to eat at a restaurant a risky activity. Those who have received a full course of vaccinations including a booster shot are the most protected, however breakthrough cases where vaccinated people still get sick are on the rise. Exposure to elderly or immunocompromised family members along with personal health should all be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to eat out.

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When customers do opt to dine at a restaurant, it's important to go into the experience with the understanding that things are not the same as they were pre-pandemic. The keys to enjoying a night out mostly come down to patience and flexibility. So, before making a reservation or heading to your favorite restaurant, it's a good idea to adjust your expectations to better align with the 'new normal' of dining.

Expect slower service

Restaurants around the Valley and the country are still struggling to hire staff, which has lead to reduced hours and even temporary restaurant closures due to lack of workers.

Many restaurants are operating with smaller teams, so the employees who do show up are working extra hard to serve more guests with less support.

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Something that goes hand in hand with a shortage of staff is slower service. If one or two servers are tasked with taking care of an entire restaurant, they might forget your water refill.

Likewise, there may be fewer staff and cooks in the kitchen, which means your food might take a little longer.

Remember that being in a public facing role also puts restaurant staff at a higher risk for catching COVID-19, which means they're putting their health on the line to do their jobs.

Go easy on your server, be patient and if you can, consider leaving a big tip.

The bottom line: When going out for a meal, plan for a leisurely experience.

Don't assume empty tables are available tables

Why is there a thirty minute wait when you can clearly see there are tons of empty tables?

These days, empty tables can mean one of two things: Either the restaurant has lowered its capacity, seating fewer tables in order to space people out and keep everyone safely socially distanced, or there are not enough staff.

Large restaurants need lots of servers, each of whom take care of a specific section of tables. With less staff, entire sections may not have anyone available to serve them. This can lead to long wait times until a table becomes available in an open section.

That said, if you have a preference for where you'd like to sit, perhaps at a table closer to a window or farther from other tables in the restaurant, don't feel shy to ask. Just be prepared to wait for it.

Bottom line: One way to avoid long waits is to make a reservation or call ahead and put your name on the waitlist. And, if you have a specific table preference, let them know.

Have a backup order in mind

Due to shipping delays, lack of delivery drivers and other supply chain issues, certain ingredients are hard to get, which is why it's becoming increasingly common for a server to greet a table of customers and then run down the list of items the restaurant is sold out of.

Grocery store shelves are once again seeing empty spots and for local restaurants, distributor delays and order cancellations have left owners scrambling.

When you dine out, go into the experience with the understanding that there might be no more pulled pork, jalapeno poppers or a certain beer available on tap.

Bottom line: When you are perusing the menu, it's a good idea to pick a few options. That way, if the restaurant is out of your first pick, you are ready with a backup order.

Check social media before you go

One common practice frequently employed by food fanatics everywhere is to scour the restaurant's social media pages before visiting. Even if this isn't your usual pre-dining practice, a quick social media check before heading out the door can provide essential information.

These days, Instagram is one of the first places restaurants post news, whether that's an exciting special that night or an announcement that the restaurant is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 exposure, staff shortages or other unforeseeable issues.

If a restaurant requires masks or proof of vaccination, that information is typically also posted on social media, which can help you come prepared.

Bottom line: Before you head to a restaurant, check social media to make sure a closure has not been announced.

If you make a reservation, keep it

Restaurants have always operated with very thin margins, but right now the impact of no-show reservations are huge.

The more guests on the reservation, the bigger the potential harm. If a table is saved for a group, the restaurant may turn away walk in customers, and when the reservation party doesn't show up, that table's worth of sales are lost.

In order to combat this potential loss, some restaurants and bars have started implementing a reservation fee or deposit that is applied to the overall cost of the meal upon service.

That said, stay home if you're feeling unwell. If you've been exposed to COVID-19, follow updated CDC guidelines. If you need to cancel, call or message the restaurant to let them know you won't be able to make it.

Bottom line: Even though it's always been considered courteous to call and cancel an unneeded reservation, these days, it's vital.

Reach the reporter at tirion.morris@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter at @tirionmorris, on Facebook at Tirion Rose and on Instagram at tirionrose.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 5 ways to be a better restaurant and bar customer during a pandemic