The Big Day

The The Big Day is finally here. THR33 opened its doors to the people of Thomson, GA on August 26, 2010. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation (from the staff as well as the customers), excitement, and a bit of worry as I wonder how we would do. Were we really ready for this? How would people around here react to our establishment? Would they like the food?

Despite a few kinks that need to be ironed out through the course of time and adjustment, I think we are doing well. I was and am greatly thankful for those who were patient and understanding of this. Many have told us that they were glad to finally be getting some variety of food around here. I heard more than once that they were glad we had come to them.

There was one thing that I just couldn’t seem to get my head around, though. People in this part of the country really do not know how to tip. Considering how many had come through our doors on opening day, about 90 percent of them left $0 in tips. Don’t worry, you didn’t read that incorrectly: ZERO, as in nothing, in tips. Wow. I really don’t think it had anything to do with the food or the service (as some people that I know here have told me that this is the norm). I really hope that this wouldn’t always be the case, otherwise I would feel really bad for my servers.

Now we are fast approaching our one-month mark. I am happy to say that the tips have improved, although by general standards, it’s still not much. Let’s just say that, on average, the population here tends to tip a mere 10% compared to the standard 15-18% elsewhere. Luckily, my servers remain positive. “It’s not much, but at least it’s something.” Amen to that!