New Law In Illinois To Effect The Food Service Industry

Springfield - The people of the state of Illinois passed several referendums in the most recent mid-term elections. While the minimum wage decision will effect them, the one that servers are most appreciative of is the catch up vs. order referendum. Patrons of restaurants, diners and the like will now be forced to place their order before catching up with their friends.

“What a relief!” said one server, who didn't wish to be identified. “Finally we can put in the order and the (guests) can catch up with one another while their order is being prepared!” The average appetizer takes about 8-10 minutes to prepare and dinner could be as much as 20-30 minutes of wait time. This should give patrons ample time to find out what is going on in the life of their friend and their friend's family and friends. Server Laurie went on to say that this will eventually cut down on the wait time for other patrons who wish to dine at her establishment.

“By cutting down on the wait time, we can offer that table to (guests) quicker and serve more people.” said James, a restaurant manager. “This will increase profits and the guest experience. I mean, who wants to wait an extra 20 minutes while (guests) share pictures of their grand kids?” It all seems to boil down to a lack of empathy from those with a booth to the booth-less individuals awaiting a meal. “I want to tell them,” James continued, “You waited 40 minutes for your table and now people are waiting longer, more than an hour, for yours. Please stop swiping through pictures of your cruise of Alaska and put in an order of Spinach Dip!”

The initiative stemmed from a little known class action lawsuit known as “Hosts v The We Haven't Even Looked Yet.” In order to make this a statewide option for all dining enthusiasts, the referendum was brought to the public.

Starting January 1^st, patrons will be forced to place their order in a timely manner and issued a warning to peruse the menu provided if it is not done at their earliest convenience. Should patrons wish to “catch up,” they will be encouraged to do so at the very least after placing an appetizer order. Drinks must be ordered within 3 minutes of gaining access to a table and/or seating area.

Those who did not support the bill sited that sometimes they get wrapped up in their conversations and are just having fun finding out what has recently happened to their friend or family member. In response to these protests, supporters of the bill told them to “get a (expletive) Facebook account.”

While this was a win for the food service industry, more legislation may be on the way dependent upon the outcome of a case against those who stay too long after the bill has been delivered. All eyes are on “We Didn't Notice The Lights Came Up And The Music Was Cut v I Am Getting Dangerously Close To Overtime And Will Now Have To Give Up A Whole Shift While You Sip Cold Coffee”