Dear Vi,
Help I know that the customer is king, but sometimes it is impossible for me to do what they want when they want it. My question, simply put, is: Is the customer always right?
Signed, Meg in Boston.

Dear Meg,
What a great question! It is one we can spend much time debating, depending on which side of the table we are sitting on. I've asked waiters from around the counrty what they think and the answers have been a resounding "No, but . . ." Here are some of their responses:

"I like to convey that the customer is always right. But, do I really feel that they are? No, but the customer always comes first." - Tony Smith, Routh Street cafe, Dallas, Tx

"The customer is always right in that they should have the value for his/her money and should be compensated for his/her money. But, is the customer always right? No." - Jim Miller, Fountain Restaurant, Philadelphia, Pa

"You are not there to battle with customers. Apologize, talk to the kitchen, talk with the other guests and make sure that they know that you are concerned. Be quick. Be Smooth. Make the experience positive. Be flexible. Be accomodating." - Lia Taylor, Lark Creek Inn, Ca

"Whether they are or aren't, it doesn't matter, they always are." - Karl Meyer, Carlos, Chicago, Il

"Not always. But a good waiter is able to deal with that. The customer is always treated with respect. Sometimes there are miscommunications. Waitering is a people process and a good waiter knows this." - Greg Butch, Elizabeth's on 37th, Savannah, Ga

"No, but it is a good service person who can always leave the customer felling right." - Joe Beddall, Hay Adams, Wash DC

"The whole point of the profession is to make the guest have as pleasurable an experience as possible. Whether they are right ot not doesn't matter." - Dale Robbinson, Red Sage, Wash DC