Keep the camping in the woods people

I wanted to take a moment today to maybe try and explain why my day was absolutely jam-packed with frustration.

To begin, I would like to assert that contrary to popular belief, Cracker Barrel is not a campground... or any restaurant for that matter. No, Cracker Barrel is a dining establishment, designed to deliver you moderately-priced southern food with a "country fresh" smile. So please, if you plan on pitching your tent and camping at my table for more than 1.5 hours please consider leaving just compensation.

Today I had a four-table section, which is nothing to complain about during a busy morning and early-afternoon rush. However, today, three of my four tables were campers. That is.. they sat at their respective tables for more than 1.5 hours as mentioned before. One table consisted of two long-lost friends who decided to reconnect over two Old Timers breakfasts (with sourdough whole wheat toast) and another camping post consisted of two women who came in to chit-chat over a mere 1 cup of hot chocolate each (their bill was $4 btw..) Oh but my FAVORITE table, was a group of three men and one woman who decided to have a three-hour business meeting. Yes. They came in at 9:38 am and did not leave until 12:36 pm. Yes, I counted. Why? Because they didn't even originate as my table... so I didn't even benefit from them sitting in my section.

So thank you employees of "Solar Green" for costing me approximately $20 as you sat and discussed sales tactics at my table for THREE HOURS. Ya know what... guess who won't be buying your lightbulbs... if you guessed ME, you are correct. I understand the corporate world... I do... but real professionals rent out rooms and caterers for business meetings... they don't go to the local Cracker Barrel and essentially steal office space from a struggling waitress. Shame on you.

Please take note dear readers. Yes restaurants are perfect for social gatherings, but do realize that every extra minute you sit at that table your server loses much-needed money. So when you tip, consider compensating them not only for their service but for the time you spent at their table.

Thank you and goodnight. The end.