The Glass Situation
Recently we changed out our glassware at work from 14oz to 11oz cocktail glasses. There were a few reasons for this change. For one it saves us on liquor cost as the drinks are smaller. Though most bar’s cocktail glasses are between 10oz and 12oz so it’s not as if we are shorting people. We also are known for making strong drinks anyways. Another reason is that the larger glasses were very thin glass and easy to break. For these and other reason we went with the change in glassware and placed all of the old glasses into boxes and stored them in our dry storage room.
This change in glasses has caused an unexpected ruckus among our patrons. Nothing that isn’t easily resolved; but still it’s been a bit more disruptive than anticipated. We have a great number of regulars that come to this bar. And when I say regular, I am talking about people that come here 4 to 7 days a week. We know all of them by more than just their name, and they all know us as well. These regulars are good people who we treat well both in service and in friendly conversation. They in turn treat us very well both in the form of good tips, and willingness to help us in other aspects of life if ever needed.
When the regulars noticed the change in glassware they asked, nicely, if it would be possible to still get their drink in the old glassware. Of course we are willing to oblige them in whatever ways we can so we decided to keep a stock of the old glassware at each of the wells for when these regulars get their drinks. We have all served them for so long now that we know their drinks and have them made and ready for them before they even have to make it to the bar.
Not long after we began this new policy our other customers started noticing the double standard. Some people get their drinks without even uttering a word, it’s obviously stronger than usual, and it comes in a bigger glass. They began to make comments about this favoritism occasionally. Dependent on the situation I would give a response like “Oh, he’s the owner.” or “Yeah, that’s my wife.” or similar. Occasionally I’m just honest, “They come here almost every day, are friendly and polite, and tip incredibly well.” which sometimes has a positive result in the form of a better tip from the customer hoping that they’ll get a “big glass” next time. I just don’t see what all the fuss is about, it’s only a 3oz difference, most of which is just mixer. I think maybe I’ll just start saying they’re doubles and charge the other customers twice for a little extra booze.
