Workers say kindness is the secret ingredient to enjoying the holiday rush

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Thanksgiving is just two days away, and while many families will gather around the table, some seats will be empty.

News 12 spoke with the staff at a local Ruth’s Chris Steak House, who say they’re especially thankful for the guests who bring extra kindness to the table.

Tiffany Reid, the restaurant’s Sales Manager, says her team gives everything they have during the holidays.

“They do a fantastic job. We’ve never been more proud than when we see our servers come in, work a 10 or 12-hour day, and still give the same service from their first table to their last. We appreciate the opportunity to give families the best experience on such an important holiday.”

While many of us will spend Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones, restaurant employees often experience the holiday from a very different side of the table.

Sales Coordinator Sydney Agnew says the team pushes through the long hours with gratitude.

“We just try to push through. We’re here from 11:30 a.m. to about 10 or 11 p.m., depending on the day, but we greatly appreciate the kindness our guests show us.”

Several staff members tell us that although they miss their families this time of year, the warmth and appreciation from guests helps make the long shifts easier.

Prep Cook Coach Michael Stout says people often forget there are real families behind every holiday meal prepared in the kitchen.

“We’re real people back there making them their holiday food. There’s a misconception that we’re being forced to work or that we don’t want to be here, but we’re happy to give people the holiday meals they want. Sometimes people can’t cook at home or don’t want to, and we’re happy to provide that service.”

Server and bartender Garrison Critz says the support he receives makes the sacrifices worth it.

“It makes it feel like it’s all worth it in the end. Working those long shifts on the holidays definitely pays off when I can put a smile on a family’s face, just by making someone else’s life a little easier.”

Managers say they’re proud to lead a team that continues to show up and to see their guests’ kindness lift everyone’s spirits.

Reid says small gestures truly matter.

“Kindness goes a long way during a 12-hour shift. These servers aren’t seeing their families, so we love our guests who understand that and show appreciation during such a long day.”

Industry analysts estimate that nearly 12 million people work in the food service industry.

As we enter the holiday season, they ask the public to remember that a little kindness means just as much as a reservation.