Published June 18, 2015

Which is more appropriate: Guest or Customer?

If you work in a family restaurant, quick service, or fast casual establishment, you probably serve customers. If you work in an upscale restaurant with tablecloths and a fine selection of wine, you likely serve guests. Why the distinction?

This article from Shiftgig explores this question. Technically, customer is the correct definition according to the dictionary. Customers buy goods and services, and since the restaurant isn’t giving away food for free, they’re serving customers.

Yet when you look up “guest,” one of the definitions given is “a customer at a restaurant.” It’s become commonplace to treat diners as guests, as if we’re allowing them into our home as honored and beloved friends, especially in high class establishments.

Read the full article here: “Guest” Vs. “Customer” – Does the Word Make the Restaurant?

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