I've seen a lot of "No Shopping On Thanksgiving", but what about "No Dining Out"?

[sir pball]

Last edited Fri Nov 29, 2013, 01:31 AM - Edit history (1)

About 2/3 of the people I know in the restaurant industry, me included, will be working today. All day, till 11 or later. Here in NYC it's actually one of the busier days in the business. And we've been doing it for years. Ditto Christmas, actually.

So with the growing backlash against retailers operating today, why no movement for us? Seems to me it's a rather sterile and not-very-family-like way to have a meal on a holiday that's supposed to be about togetherness. When I get to do it, it's all about cocktails in the kitchen waiting for the bird to come out and the stuffing to finish, swapping the year's stories sitting in the living room, a big old riotously happy all-you-can-eat turkeyfest, everybody pitching in to help clean up, and passing out on the couch with football on the TV. Not..."Hi, I'm Sally and I'll be your hostess, party of 8?"

In all seriousness I did know what this life entails when I chose it and I'm fine with it, it's just some food for thought today...no pun intended. Gonna be a drive-by posting, as I have to jump in the shower and head to work.

And if you are eating out, SHAME ON YOU! (jk, jk, SHEESH)

[CountAllVotes]

1. I ate out for Thanksgiving one time

It was an old boyfriend I had a number of years ago (what an awhole btw). He took me to some all you can eat for $4.95 for dinner. The food was horrible, almost as horrible as he was.

It was incredibly depressing and I'd never recommend that anyone do this. Better off staying home and tossing a Hungry Man turkey dinner in the oven (way ahead of the game and wow, is that saying something or not?).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING btw!

[Logical]

6. I know a few family's that always eat out on Thanksgiving. They love their tradition. n-t

[hlthe2b]

2. and don't get sick, don't let your pet get sick, don't need law enforcement or fire and rescue...

not to mention all those airport, bus and road crews trying to fight the wintery elements to get you to your destination....Look, I don't like the encroachment of the holidays on those workplaces and workers that are not essential to be working. But even those restaurants open serve those who are likewise working and boycotts merely mean the nurses, doctors, emergency clinic veterinarians, road workers, police officers, fire and rescue responders, electrical crew workers--and on and on--will have no options.

As one who has worked the majority of holidays over the course of my life to serve those who truly need me (and with a sister who likewise does so), it would be nice if the litany of people who HAVE to work holidays and generally do so without complaint to serve and protect the public's essential needs--might be remembered and thanked as well.

[FarCenter]

4. Holidays are always a busy time for veterinarians --

Like removing a bottle cap from a dog's stomach.

At least on Thanksgiving there is not so many cats ingesting ribbons.

I've eaten out for Thanksgiving twice -- both times while traveling abroad.

There is nothing like foreign travel during late November to remind you what a peculiarly American holiday it is. What is probably our second biggest holiday is non-existent in every other country. Although I see a news story that the Brits are starting to observe Black Friday.

[LWolf]

3. Eating out...

for single people who live alone and too far from family, it's one way to get the traditional meal without having to cook it all yourself, alone.

For a family traveling from all over to meet in a central location, it's a way to eat together if nobody has a place big enough to fit everybody.

I've eaten out at Thanksgiving a couple of times, but not for those reasons. I spent the holiday in Vegas. That's my oldest son's idea of a great way to meet up for Thanksgiving, lol.

[hlthe2b]

5. Not to mention the families traveling to visit sick or infirmed family members...

My sister and I once traveled 1500 miles to be with my grandmother in her last days in the nursing home. Christmas dinner for us was whatever sausage biscuit or whatever was available at the convenience store--which was literally the ONLY thing open for a hundred or more miles.

Boycotting restaurants like IHOP or similar--just to make a point--will merely make it financially impossible for them to remain open for all those who truly need to get a meal on a major holiday and have no other options.

As one health care professional who has worked my share of holidays, I have to say that THAT sucks.

[Little Star]

7. Once up on a time, long, long ago....

I was waitress in a very nice dining establishment for many years. I made mucho $$ on Thanksgiving, Mothers Day, Easter, etc. I never once regretted working those holidays because my family really needed the money trying to raise four children. Never heard any of my co-workers complain about working them either. Besides people were extra generous on those holidays. We just had our family gatherings on a different day, no big deal for us

Now here I am in my older years and I happen to be snow birding for the month of November in Myrtle Beach. Guess who will be going out for Thanksgiving dinner????? I'll tip good But I won't feel bad about eating out, sorry.

[CrispyQ]

8. When I worked grocery many, many years ago,

you got holiday pay at regular rate, even if you didn't work. Then, if you worked, you got paid double time, so essentially you made triple time. Even after taxes, it was a nice paycheck! I worked as many hours as I could on holidays!

on edit: This was back when unions still had some clout - pre-Reagan.

[Cirque du So-What]

18. You brought up an important point

If you go out for Thanksgiving dinner, please tip your servers well.

[HockeyMom]

9. I wish I could cook for Thanksgiving

It is only me and my husband. Our kids and their spouses are a 1,000 miles away in NY. Cook a turkey for just us? I don't eat much and can't finish a Cornish Hen. Eat turkey sandwichs all alone? We live in a development in Florida which has their own restaurant. They have a big, all you can eat buffet and this is where we have Thanksgiving dinner. It is better than being all alone and can still have a Turkey Dinner. Sort of like eating out, but not exactly, since it is not a commerical establishment. You cannot eat there unless you live here. The homeowners own that restaurant. Yes, I know the staff still has to work, but for some very old people here, they would be sitting by themselves eating turkey sandwiches.

We drive up to NY for Christmas. That is "our" Holiday and I cook dinner that day. Sometimes, as much as you would like, you just can't have it all.

BTW, I used to work in a Group Home for developmentally disabled adults. It was essential for staff to be with them 24/7. The Consumers who had families went home for Holidays, but many others didn't. Staff cooked Holiday dinners for them, and sat down with them to eat dinners. We saw our families when our shifts were over.

[yuiyoshida]

10. I am working today too....

Lets hear it for Chinese restaurants in Chinatown!! Gotta run, shop opens at 9am!

[maced666]

12. Enjoy your day!

Sounds like your spirits are up - hope you make some great tips!

[maced666]

11. Yes-no to dining out as well!

allow the servers, the valets, the cooks, time with family & friends!
But of course, no SHOPPING today!
Unless it's online....

[Betsy Ross]

13. Well intended but rather insulting to those unable to cook for themselves or their family.

For what it's worth, my whole family took off for New York. First time in decades they didn't ask me to cook. Fortunately, a Union Brother who has enjoyed many holidays with us, asked to take us out. I admit that I jumped at the chance. Making a pecan pie this morning for later dessert.

A little disappointed at not having family here. Blessed that a friend invite us out. And my knee surgery will probably be next week.

[SheilaT]

14. I have eaten out on Thanksgiving about a half dozen times over the years.

First time was because the kitchen available was really tiny, and the stove wouldn't have been able to hold even a small turkey.

The other times were all because I'd decided I simply did not want to cook that year and my then-husband was always very accomodating about going out. We tipped well and enjoyed ourselves immensely. I did find I missed the smells of the dinner permeating the house for several days, and of course no leftovers.

There are lots of reasons people choose to eat out on Thanksgiving, and it's my opinion you are simply wrong to shame people about it.

Also, this day is a huge one for movie going. Pretty much their busiest day, with Christmas Day, as I understand it, a close second. I've only gone to a movie about two or three times on one of these holidays, although both my sons worked at a movie theater early in their working lives. They didn't seem to mind it, even though, unlike restaurant servers, they didn't get tipped.

[catbyte]

15. I think there's a difference. I waited tables for years. I knew when I was hired I'd be

working some holidays, whereas that wasn't part of the deal when the folks were hired at these retail stores. This was sprung on them; it's a betrayal.

[lapfog_1]

16. There are many of us without large extended families... or who can't travel to be at "grandma's"

And yet we have friends or loved ones we like to celebrate the holidays with...

I will often (not this year) meet a one time girlfriend and her daughter for Thanksgiving... We will go to a nicer hotel restaurant and have a traditional Thanksgiving meal (or maybe not so traditional). She is estranged from her family and I don't have much of one, so this works.

I always, always tip big (like 40%) for the people that must work the holidays to serve misfits like us.

But staying home and eating leftovers or frozen pizza is just too depressing.

And cooking a big meal for 3 people is simply not practical.

I will spend this Thanksgiving with my adopted family... and meet my friend and her daughter this weekend for a late Thanksgiving.

[Nevernose]

17. We still celebrate Thanksgiving on Friday

Because even though I've got the Thursday off now, I worked in the restaurant industry so long it's just become habit. It takes a lot of the pressure off.

[brer cat]

19. Many older people cannot cook for a crowd any more

and prefer to eat out when family comes to visit over the holidays. My mother loved to cook for us, but it became a chore when she was older. We would have been kinder to offer to eat out. Sorry for the folks who have to work to cook and serve it. We need to tip big-time on holidays.

[Gormy Cuss]

20. Restaurants for the most part aren't essential services.

If there's demand and enough employees want to work on the holiday that's fine. If management INSISTS that employees work it, they'd better pony up some substantial bonuses.

Even in essential services workers should get a premium for working on holidays. Else, what's the point of having holidays?


I only ate in a restaurant once on a major holiday -- the car broke down and an Indian restaurant was the closest place to buy food. Still, would've been able to cook something when we got back home so it wasn't essential.

[sir pball]

33. I made out like an absolute bandit this year.

Time and a half with an extra day's holiday pay on top, about 5 pounds of local freerange turkey, an entire pie, quart containers full of soup and sides, and an extraordinarily nice bottle of wine. The perks of serving the rich.

That being said, I'd rather have been at my aunt's house with family. "Fine with it" means I accept it, not that I prefer i

[Gormy Cuss]

38. That's what I'm talking about.

Your inconvenience was acknowledged. Working may not have been your first choice but at least you didn't feel screwed over.

[HockeyMom]

21. What about Foreign Tourists?

Shut down all the hotels too so staff can be home? So how are these tourists supposed to eat on Thanksgiving if all the restaurants shut down? Buy sandwiches the day before and keep them in their hotel room? Hopefully, there is a fridge in their room! I grew up in NYC and 365 days of the year there were ALWAYS foreign tourists around, who didn't celebrate American Thanksgiving.

Even here living in Florida, there are also a lot of foreign tourists, and foreign Snowbirds, especially during SEASON which is October through March. When do the Holidays fall? My next door snowbird neighbors are British Citizens and there is another couple down the street who are Canadians. Are they supposed to be at home cooking Thanksgiving dinner with their families too?

[sir pball]

22. I should have added a smiley after the "shame on you!"

I'm fine with working holidays, as I said and was mentioned up thread, we get into this business knowing full well that "my family" is a dirty word and that your life is expected to revolve around work, not the usual other way around.

It's more of a musing I guess...if retailers were clear that you will be expected to work, would it be as bad? And what's wrong with having Fresh Direct ship your ready-to-heat meal the day before?

I actually consider myself relatively lucky today. We have very few reservations, I genuinely like my coworkers, and we have a huge excess of food that's far better than anything I could afford so I get an excellent early meal with friends and a later take home dinner with the future Mrs. Could be far worse and I am thankful for that!

[Neoma]

23. We're getting Chinese Food.

So whatever.

[msongs]

24. so is it ok to have T Day dinner at....Walmart snack bar? :-) nt

[Beaverhausen]

25. I'm going to eat out tonight

First time ever on thanksgiving. My husband is a nurse and working today. When he gets home we are going out of town for the weekend. Sorry but we are going to a restaurant for dinner. I guess we could microwave burritos at 7-11. Do you prefer we do that?

[LeftyMom]

26. A lot of people are traveling. Or the other people who are working want to eat,

and don't have time to make much of anything, because they're working. Or they're going to spend the day by themselves and want a nice meal without the fuss.

Welcome to the service industry. I hear we work weekends too.

edit: Holiday tips are usually pretty awesome though.

[sir pball]

34. I hear retail is a pretty crappy schedule too, though.

Having worked it, I know this. As long as Target is clear that you will be expected to report at 2:00 on Thanksgiving, is it any worse than me reporting at 1? It's no secret both service and retail can be crap sectors to work...buy the ticket, take the ride.

[seabeyond]

27. i bet you are not seeing no police, hospital, doctor/nurse, airline workers either.

big difference. you cant see the difference?

[postatomic]

28. It's either that or a frozen pizza

Just the two of us and we don't have any family. I could make dinner but I think it's a bit silly to go through all that work just for two people. 5 hours to cook. 15 minutes to eat. 1 hour to cleanup.

No thanks. We're eating out. It's our Thanksgiving 'tradition'.

[Iggo]

29. So you're fine with it, it's one of your busiest nights of the year...

...but shame on me?

All right, I guess.

[etherealtruth]

30. It is rather stunning to read through this thread

I don't think folk that eat out on Thanksgiving are horrible people (or anything else0. I understand why it may be much more convenient to eat out. What is stunning is the total absence of compassion and concern for the low wage workers that are meeting your needs.

I have read through and can clearly see why it is far more convenient to eat out on Thanksgiving for so many folk. Hospitality workers may or may not mind working (for some, no doubt, tips can be generous today and need of $$$ may motivate desire to work) ... there are also a good number of these workers that are leaving friends and family to meet the needs (or convenience) of others. They should have everyone's gratitude for making your day happier (and more convenient)

To those workers, I say thank you and hope you have a wonderful day. To their patrons .... hoping you tip very generously because you have no idea what folk are giving up (may be little, may be a lot) to prepare and serve your meals.

[kestrel91316]

31. A gentleman friend who rarely gets a chance to visit invited me to dinner and a movie today.

I was elated to have the chance to get together with him and actually take a day off myself.

We eventually settled on a ready-to-heat turkey-n-fixins dinner for 2 from our local high end grocer. It is slightly cheaper than a dinner out today.

VERY few restaurants are open today, and most of them have the obligatory turkey dinner ONLY, and it's very expensive. Most our restaurant workers and other business employees are off today. In Los Angeles. YMMV.

But thanks for hating on those of us who want A DAY OFF WITHOUT COOKING.

[uppityperson]

32. "a holiday that's supposed to be about togetherness"? Is that what this holiday is about? seriously?

I thought it was a harvest festival. Or being thankful for things. Or that older myth of pilgrims/indian thing. But "a holiday that's supposed to be about togetherness"?

Is THAT what Thanksgiving is about? A holiday mandated to be about togetherness? WTF?

Aside from "a holiday that's supposed to be about togetherness", can people not be "together" while they eat out? Or what about those who just want a good meal but aren't into or able to cook?

I have worked most holiday days of my adult life, and have found that having a celebration on a different day works really well. Yes, we have Christmas eve in January, and Thanksgiving on a Tuesday and are very happy and grateful and happy.

"a holiday that's supposed to be about togetherness" mandated on the last Thursday in November has suddenly become the High Holiday for so many and I don't understand this.

[Maeve]

35. My mom and two aunts ate out for Thanksgiving

They are all over 80, none of them enjoy cooking anymore and they can afford to do it (plus they tip well).

Personally, I try not to leave the house at all on T-day and "Black Friday", but for those who do--TIP WELL!!!! Give your servers something to be thankful for!

[Hippo_Tron]

36. I think the retail issue is a straw that broke the camel's back for a lot of folks...

With retail you have some of the most profitable corporations in the world already treating their employees like dogshit and NOW telling them they have to work on Thanksgiving.

Of course, servers often get treated like dogshit as well. It's something to consider...

[Fla Dem]

37. There are many people who have to work on holidays.

My dad worked a second job at the Boston Gardens when we were kids. Every Christmas Day and Thanksgiving he had to leave early to open his concession stand for either a Bruins or Celtics game. We accepted it, he accepted it. Not saying it's right, but it's not like this is a new phenomenon. Cops work, firefighters, EMS, hospital workers (professionals & support staff), airport personnel and yes food industry personnel. The country doesn't shut down.

What I find, and what I think most people find abhorrent about the stores opening is the vast number of people/families it affects, it's done clearly to pull in as much money as they can, the pure lunacy of the people who camp out for days to be the 1st in line and the greed and ugliness of the shoppers once they are in the stores.