Saturday, February 10, 2007

RESPECTING FRIENDS

In the bar business, everyone claims to be your friend. If you work at a bar, then someone's always dropping your name; whether it be to cut through a line, or to try and score a free drink. If you OWN the bar, then it's the same thing, magnified 1o times over. People who tend to "drop names" do it for a number of reasons: Usually it makes them feel like they're cool in front of their friends. Sometimes it's for other ulterior motives. In any case, it drives me nuts. What makes you think you can get whatever you want simply because you mentioned someone's name? Unfortunately, it's the way things work in NYC's social scene. More often than not it's not what you know, it's who you know.

That being said, if you are going to "drop names", be mindful of the following:

1) If you say you know the owner, it would help if you actually knew him. If I had a dollar for every person who said they knew the owner, oblivious of the fact that the owner was standing next to me, I'd be a millionaire by now.

2) Use discretion. There is nothing worse than me having to explain to someone else why you were allowed to cut in front of them in line, after pulling the "name dropping" card. It sucks for me and it sucks for the guy/girl who was waiting patiently in line.

3) If you are going to come into an establishment where you're dropping names, at least be courteous enough to respect the establishment. It's bad enough to pull the "name dropper" card- but once you've used it to your advantage, don't be a dick about it. Nothing is more disrespectful that to come into an establishment belonging to "your friend" and acting like you are entitled to do whatever you want. You don't get a free pass. Business is business.

Example: Last night, a guy showed up at the bar, looking to have a drink. Now this guy looked like he'd had a few pops too many, so I was hesitant to let him in. But of course, he pulled the "I know the Don- he'll vouch for me" card, so I ended up allowing him in. Needless to say, he turned out to be a royal a-hole; harassing customers and such and as a result, I threw his ass out of the bar. Now, not only do you get tossed out on your ass, but now you've made yourself look like an ass to the people that you claim to be your friends. Idiot.

I could go on and on, but I think you get my drift. Just be mindful to show a little respect if you ever find yourself in a situation where you feel the need to "name drop". Using discretion and showing said respect will go a long way. Trust me.

Tomorrow: CHILL OUT SUNDAYS ($4.00 Domestic Drafts, $5.00 Cosmos, Appletinis and Bronx Martinis ALL DAY LONG). Bring a board game or your Sunday Times puzzle. It's all about the "kick back", kids!





nuff said