Large Groups of Seniors at a Restaurant

My friends have a large dinner group once a month. Our goal is to catch up and try out one new non-chain place that comes with a recommendation. Last month we met up at an Indian place and although the service was very good we had a group of 12 and there were a few mix-ups when food was handed out, forgotten substitutions, etc. They were all quickly resolved.

As one friend scowled at the plain naan he had to nibble on until they brought the garlic variety he had originally ordered, I told everyone, "You think this is bad, you should come on a food outing with me at work sometime. It can be pandemonium."

With more experience I have learned many tricks about taking large groups of seniors to a restaurant. Sometimes I don't know who to feel more sorry for; my residents, the waiters, or people sitting around us. Here is what I've learned so far:

1. seat people who want to talk to each other as close as possible. talking across the table is very difficult for residents with even mild hearing problems
2. tell the staff how many wheelchairs you will be using instead of seats. it is much easier to take out seats before people sit down, rather than after
3. ask for extra napkins right away. I've never regretted them
4. ask about spiciness of foods to help residents make an informed decision
5. keep a copy of the menu. this will be useful if someone want reminding what is in their meal and at the end when divvying up the check. also useful to contest charges if something looks funny
6. bring paper and pen and write down what people order as they tell the waiter. many times for big groups the waiter will have helpers bring out the food and if residents can't remember what they ordered, this will prevent someone from taking the wrong dish. also, if the residents don't remember sides or substitutions you can help ensure the waiter brings what they asked for. I can't count the number of times a waiter's assistant places a meal or beverage before someone and they started eating or drinking it only to find out it was not what they ordered. check off food as it comes so you don't pay for food that wasn't given
7. bring a marker to write names on take-away. make sure boxes are closed securely and ask for bags to wrap them in if possible so they don't explode open on the way home
8. write names next to each charge on the receipt with a break-down on it. after verifying all charges on the check, look out for a group tip that is often including for groups of more than 6.  when deciding on a tip, look to make sure you have the pre-tax amount not the tax-included total. I keep a card in my wallet now that is a cheat sheet for 15 and 20% tip for totals of 1-$100. Often the total is more than $100, I just add as many amounts as needed. (Last night's was $190 so I added the tips for both $100 and $90.)
9. call for a reservation. even if you are eating at a place that doesn't take reservations call in advance. Tell them what day and time you are coming and how many people you would like seated together. This gives them the opportunity to tell you if they can't accommodate your group. It also gives you the opportunity to ask about parking for a large bus and the best entrance that is handicap accessible. If you have time ask what the bathrooms are like so you can warn residents if they will most likely not be able to use them. 

Last night we went on a dinner outing that went smoothly. However our waiter was rude to my residents and I really didn't think it was called for. When I asked for the check he said, "Leaving already? What, do you guys have to rush home to watch Jeopardy?" I've learned that my groups are not the waiter's top choice and that no matter how much you prepare things can still not go your way.