Slowness is very irritating, though it's often the kitchen being so busy that determines the speed of service. It's interesting how a wait person can make or break an evening. But I dislike when someone has given poor service all through the meal and then at the end they try to do a little something to recover in order to get a good tip. Still I give them A for effort if they do realize when they haven't done their best. Invariably the best service comes from staffers who love their work surroundings.
Satisfaction begins at the top.
Noah admits that the cascade effect of forgetting to bring one item and then having to remember even more items made waiting tables a complicated job. There's obviously no magic formula for guaranteeing a memorable dining experience. Make sure people have something to eat or sip the minute they sit down. They'll take more time ordering, and they'll be willing to wait longer for the arrival of that first dish. Don't abandon the patrons.