The guests missing breakfast thread is timely. For the first time ever, on a recent weekend, we had guests who with no notice simply didn't show up for breakfast. We had 8 people total so that is plenty of food. Menu was posted as usual the day before, and four of the 8 were carryovers so had taken part in breakfast at our posted time...which we include in rez confirmations, on the menu board, and in our meet/greet/tours with every guest. Only ONE single solitary person showed up for breakfast, a new guest...and he seemed awkward trying to enjoy breakfast in a dining room set up for 8. He apologized that his wife would not be joining him for breakfast. Two of the couples although not related to each other were both in town for the same special event and had been at breakfast the day before. I don't mind a guest skipping breakfast (which has rarely happened in our 6 years) but it would really be helpful if we knew ahead of time. So we had lots of food ready, for ONE person! The next day, the no shows showed up with extra people from the special event, "Since we didn't have breakfast yesterday, we thought we could bring friends today to make up for it." The extras, non guests, were really happy to be here - they said the others had been telling them about our wonderful breakfasts. So we are adding the question, "Will you be joining us for breakfast each day you are here?"
We overcame any temptation to offer all the leftovers from the day before and the guests and their friends will never know that there was ever any issue with their noshows the day before. If it was a regular occurrence, we would probably handle it differently. One of the couples is a returning pair, so when and if they are guests again, we will remember and make certain to ask them each day! We were concerned that the one new guest to our bed and breakfast had such an awkward experience..
Holy cow! They had the nerve to bring EXTRA people in and expect that because you 'didn't have to cook' the day before it was ok?
I'm trying really hard not to just explode!
We never serve leftovers (unless it is the fruit course) so it would be a LOT of waste for us if all of those folks didn't show up.
And, yes, as many say, 'It's paid for, what do you care if they ate it or you threw it out.' I just can't throw out good food.
Even Gomez said yesterday, 'It's almost like I made a quiche!' It was a fabulous french toast, but cooked to order so he just put everything back in the fridge. But, berries do NOT stay fresh for days on end so those will more than likely be in the trash tomorrow.
I give you credit for being gracious. I keep thinking of what I read once somewhere...that a gracious hostess/host never lets the guest be embarrassed. (Altho, there are times...)
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