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[GustyGardens]

It means they are attracted to you.

This is probably the only right answer in the thread.

 

[TiredofWinning]

They want you to clap at the end you Nazi.

 

[hydrophilic attack]

They want the tip.

To provide good service so you don't go complaining and moreso for you to leave a good tip.

i do this a lot at my job. it probably comes across as completely fake but sometimes I mean it.

They want you in a good mood at the end of the meal so you give them a decent tip.

So is the entire relationship between me and my server only based on the tip I will give at the end

Nothing they say to me means meaning, it's all about the financial transaction at the end

 

[Astral Dog]

To bond with you and get a good tip. Better they tell you that your choice in chicken was a mistake?

Ugh i would not chose that one sir, too spicy too spicy too much fat this one's better fresh lettuce. 👌

 

[blame space]

So is the entire relationship between me and my server only based on the tip I will give at the end

Nothing they say to me means meaning, it's all about the financial transaction at the end

i don't get tips at my job but i do try to make people feel good about what they're buying.

customer service in this country is so weird

 

[KdylanR92]

I saw the thread title opened the thread and immediately ctrl f "clap".

So predictable.

 

[reKon]

Is this the original clap thread?

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=883565

 

[daviyoung]

So is the entire relationship between me and my server only based on the tip I will give at the end

Nothing they say to me means meaning, it's all about the financial transaction at the end

A visit to a restaurant is based on you getting food and paying for it. What else do you expect?

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

Never had that happen.

 

[Syriel]

They want the tip.

One and done.

 

[Astral Dog]

So is the entire relationship between me and my server only based on the tip I will give at the end

Nothing they say to me means meaning, it's all about the financial transaction at the end

Welcome to America 👏

 

[Neo C.]

In other countries, the waiters and waitresses are nice because they are decent people.

In the US they are nice because they want the tip.

 

[WhiteRabbitEXE]

So you encountered an enthusiastic waiter, and now this is the dining experience in all of the US.

Essentially how all "why does ____ happen in the US" threads were born.

 

[Kyuur]

I've had waitstaff do the 'good choice' thing here in Canada but never for finishing the meal. I like to think that they're genuine at least some of the time in regards to the former; in most restaurants I know you usually get a free meal out of working there and I'm sure the staff would have stuff they actually like.

 

[psyfi]

what are the clapping jokes about

edit: nm got it

 

[aadiboy]

So is the entire relationship between me and my server only based on the tip I will give at the end

Nothing they say to me means meaning, it's all about the financial transaction at the end

Did you just learn what the purpose of money is?

 

[Strangelove77]

In other countries, the waiters and waitresses are nice because they are decent people.

In the US they are nice because they want the tip.

Sure, man.

 

[NeonBlack]

So is the entire relationship between me and my server only based on the tip I will give at the end

Nothing they say to me means meaning, it's all about the financial transaction at the end

You've got it, kid

 

[Daingurse]

Sure, man.

 

[Sophia]

I just went to Michigan last week. People do it there. Maybe you just don't order well?

I've never heard of someone congratulating on finishing food. Where exactly were you in Michigan? Like that's just so bizarre to me. I don't think it has anything to do with tips either, because I tip pretty generously.

Staff giving compliments on choices I've heard before, but it's almost always in context of me being indecisive and asking for their opinion.

 

[Angry Grimace]

I feel like so many questions would be answered when we get weird questions on GAF if people weren't allowed to just omit their location from their profiles.

 

[Angry Grimace]

In other countries, the waiters and waitresses are nice because they are decent people.

In the US they are nice because they want the tip.

In most countries I have found they're just not nice, actually.

 

[Anion]

Never had this happen lol. Well the congratulate after finishing the plate. I always have them ask how the food was though.

I've been to a ton of restaurants across the nation and no one congratulated on finishing food lol.



-
Only reason I can think of is if OP is a super skinny small guy and he orders the largest thing on the menu LOL

 

[daviyoung]

I feel like so many questions would be answered when we get weird questions on GAF if people weren't allowed to just omit their location from their profiles.

I think OP is from Scandinavia or UK.

 

[KillLaCam]

Never experienced this before. That's weird. I'd guess that they're probably just being friendly.

 

[Strangelove77]

 

[ghostofsparta]

they want a big tip mayne, our restaurants expect you to pay their employees so pony up

 

[Astral Dog]

They are suposed to do this every time you leave but sometimes are bussy

 

[Amalthea]

It means you successfully ate a lot of greasy food and you made no leftovers that a hungry homeless could later fish out of a dumpster. Two things Americans are most proud of.

 

[GhostWriter24]

I expect a full round of applause after finishing my meal, along with an encore request.

 

[seat]

Would you prefer the waiter fat-shame you? Because it sounds like you want the waiter to fat-shame you.

 

[Sesuadra]

To provide good service so you don't go complaining and moreso for you to leave a good tip.

maybe it is my german grumpiness, but in that situation I'd think the person is making fun of me and not leave a tip at all lol..at least for the first time experiencing it.

 

[Amalthea]

Would you prefer the waiter fat-shame you? Because it sounds like you want the waiter to fat-shame you.

That's what Europeans are used to, no matter how much they weight. Usually when asking for seconds the waiters will tell you "No more escargots for you, fatty!", then they slap you.

 

[How About No]

Would you prefer the waiter fat-shame you? Because it sounds like you want the waiter to fat-shame you.

"Wow, I've never actually seen anyone eat all the fish tacos in one sitting before. Congrats?"

 

[hydrophilic attack]

I think OP is from Scandinavia or UK.

Sweden, yes

Would you prefer the waiter fat-shame you? Because it sounds like you want the waiter to fat-shame you.

I do have a bit of a belly (all my excess fat goes there) but at 72 kg at 174 cm I wouldn't say I'm fat. Definitely not fat by American standards

 

[Angry Grimace]

A lot of it the US has an specific service culture - its not considered acceptable to be a rude or bad server because customers will absolutely complain and oftentimes make a scene if you're considered even the slightest bit rude.

The result of this is that companies have often strict guidelines about what you have to say and how you act in front of customers, which is independent on the tips - it's just part of the work environment.

 

[KillLaCam]

That's what Europeans are used to, no matter how much they weight. Usually when asking for seconds the waiters will tell you "No more escargots for you, fatty!", then they slap you.

I'd actually would find that hilarious if it happened to me

 

[Brinbe]

Never experienced any of that in my life eating out in the States. That's simply an abnormal experience.

 

[Dice//]

re-affirming the purchase

 

[ThatRandomCliff]

I eat out all the time, I live in America and i have never been congratulated on finishing my meal. They do sometimes say "good choice, that is my favorite" and I take that as... Its their favorite. No big deal really. I wouldnt really say that its them congratulating you on making the right choice, its more of them simply verifying that other people (them) also like what you have chosen. Anyway, its better than them coming up to you after you've eaten and be like "Tip me or else"

 

[Hazmat]

So is the entire relationship between me and my server only based on the tip I will give at the end

Nothing they say to me means meaning, it's all about the financial transaction at the end

I'm so sorry that you had to hear it here that your waitress didn't actually think you were awesome for ordering your filet medium rare.

The next thing we know the guy that took my ticket at Wonder Woman didn't actually care if I enjoyed the show!

 

[Sesuadra]

That's what Europeans are used to, no matter how much they weight. Usually when asking for seconds the waiters will tell you "No more escargots for you, fatty!", then they slap you.

don't forget the stink eye you'll get from the other customers.

 

[PHOENIXZERO]

It's all about the tips.

This is definitely not a thing I've experienced in Michigan, unless I specifically asked the waiter for suggestions. And I've never had them congratulate me upon finishing a meal...

Yeah, I haven't either. ¯\_(&#12484_/¯

 

[KoopaTheCasual]

Next thread on NeoGaf, "Why do Americans keep bearing their teeth at me and saying the morning is good aligned? Are some mornings evil? Are they going to bite me?"

.

 

[Imperfected]

American menus always have multiple "gotcha" items that are there to make you look foolish in front of your friends and loved ones. It's customary to congratulate anyone who managed to dodge the traps for their keen judgment and good taste.

 

[Chuck Norris]

This is true they definitely over service you for the tips in America. In Sydney with no tipping culture, waiters act like its a chore.

 

[DiscoJer]

I am reminded of the talking cow (or whatever it was exactly) in the book, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, which congratulated you for what choices you made from its body.

As the author, Douglas Adams, was British, surely he encountered that sort of thing in the UK at some time. Maybe it was different in the 1970s.

 

[neorej]

It's an American thing. I had a waiter clapping every time he came to clean up the table.

 

[gosox333]

I work pure retail hell every day without tips factoring into the equation. The name of the game is to make customers happy by any means necessary so they continue on their way to spend money (and stop bothering you).

You tell them that thing they found is "awesome" regardless of the meaning of the word.

I mean it sounds dumb but it's how I make my money

 

[riotous]

What words were actually spoken?

Like.. "nice work on that"??? There's euphemisms that basically just mean "you ate it all" that aren't really meant to congratulate you.