Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

140 Shares
140 Shares
TueMay 21

National Waiters and Waitresses Day – May 21, 2024

National Waiters and Waitresses day is on May 21. The day is set aside to celebrate and recognize the value and importance of a good waiter or waitress. Waitstaff are the difference between a good experience and a bad one at a restaurant or bar. They are the face of the restaurant and so should be appreciated. Their total pay consists of a minimum wage and tips they receive from customers, which vary. Their minimum wage is generally lower than the general minimum wage, and tips are meant to be the compensation. People are encouraged to give better tips to waitstaff.

History of National Waiters and Waitresses Day

National Waiters and Waitresses Day is also known as National Waitstaff Day and celebrates all waiters and waitresses. Waitstaff make our life easier and have been doing that for far longer than history records. They have no doubt existed in every form of bar or restaurant. They are an important part of the experience of having a meal out, and in homes that can afford them, they are equally important to things as simple as the family dinner. If you’ve been to a restaurant before, you know there’s just something about having a skilled Waiter that can give you an amazing experience.

They go out of their way, despite whatever challenges they might be having in their personal or work life to make sure you have a wonderful experience, thus turning you into a regular. The experience they create makes people return to the establishment and helps the place grow in the process. Waiters and waitresses make or break a restaurant and so they should be treated with the utmost respect.

National Waiters and Waitresses Day was created by Fred Sirieix. He thought it was high time to celebrate all waitstaff, from those in fine restaurants to the ones in the least exotic ones. Sirieix’s goal was to stop people working as waiters from being perceived as unskilled and instead as hardworking people doing jobs that require many skills and can lead to rewarding careers. It was proposed by Sirieix in 2012 and was first celebrated in 2013.

National Waiters and Waitresses Day timeline

1787
​The Restaurant Scene Changes

Chefs who lost their jobs after the French Revolution start their own restaurants.

2012
The Proposal

Fred Sirieix proposes National Waiters and Waitress Day.

2013
Inaugural Celebration

The first celebration of National Waiters and Waitress Day takes place.

2022
Current Celebration

National Waiters and Waitress Day holiday is celebrated for the ninth year.

National Waiters and Waitresses Day FAQs

How do you show appreciation to a waiter?

Be nice to them and give them a good tip.

How do you call a waiter in America?

Call them by their name if they mentioned it to you. If they don’t, a simple ‘Sir,’ ‘Miss’ or ‘Excuse me’ will do.

Is it rude to say ‘Waitress?’

It is fine to say it. Just don’t go calling them by the title though.

National Waiters and Waitresses Day Activities

  1. Dine at a restaurant

    Dine at a restaurant to celebrate the day. Yes, home-cooked meals are nice but dining at a restaurant not just exposes you to other cuisines but helps waiters do their job.

  2. Tip better

    We know you give tips when you’re served. Today, give better tips to appreciate your server.

  3. Compliment your waiter

    Compliments go a long way to put a smile on people’s faces. Your server would be glad you did and would return the favor.

5 Waitressing Tips You Should Know

  1. Smile and be polite

    Give out a smile and be polite to your customers.

  2. Know your menus

    That way you come across as professional when you don’t have to take the menu to copy an order.

  3. Don’t lie

    If you don’t know the ingredients or the dish’s taste, ask someone who does.

  4. Double check the order

    Always check the order to avoid serving the wrong order to the customer to avoid problems.

  5. Appearance matters

    Pay attention to your hair, make sure your clothes are ironed, and use little or no fragrance..

Why We Love National Waiters and Waitresses Day

  1. It appreciates waitstaff

    If anyone appreciates being treated nicely, it’s waitstaff. In a world where some people feel entitled, a day to appreciate those servers that serve us food and drink is welcomed.

  2. It helps waitstaff get better tips

    As some waitstaff do not get paid high wages, the celebration reminds people to give good tips. This goes a long way to ensure that waitstaff are happy doing their jobs.

  3. Waitstaff give us good experiences

    People go to restaurants and bars for different reasons. No matter, the wait staff are always there to make you feel welcomed and so should be appreciated.

National Waiters and Waitresses Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 21Tuesday
2025May 21Wednesday
2026May 21Thursday
2027May 21Friday
2028May 21Sunday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.