Phone calls & errands
How to send food back at a restaurant
You’re talking to Kendra, your server. Your burger came out well-done when you ordered it medium, and the fries are cold. Your server is stopping by. The goal: say what’s wrong in one line and ask for exactly what you want instead.
Your first line
Kendra starts with “Hi! How is everything tasting?”
“It’s not quite right, actually. I ordered the burger medium and it came out well-done, and the fries are cold. Could you have it remade?”
Name the outcome: one line on what’s wrong and exactly what you want instead, so she can head straight to the kitchen.
What Kendra might say, and what to say back
Kendra: “Oh, that’s usually how it comes, but I can ask.”
You: “Thanks. I ordered it medium, so I’d like it medium, please.”
Kendra: “The kitchen’s pretty slammed. A remake could be a while.”
You: “That’s okay, I’ll wait. About how long do you think?”
Kendra: “I could bring you some sauce for it?”
You: “Thanks, but I’d rather have it the way I ordered it. A remake, please.”
Two things that trip people up
- Saying “it’s fine” now, then complaining later.Speak up when your server checks on you. One friendly line is enough.
- Hinting (“it’s a little… different”) or blaming your server.Say exactly what’s wrong and what you want, and thank them.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Kendra pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Frankie, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Name the outcome.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.