So dinner has been wonderful. You were seated without too long of a wait. The menu has lots of choices that seem to please everyone, and the service has been smooth.

Waters have been refilled, food has come out in an orderly, knowing fashion. No calling out–who has the burger? Smooth, professional, tasty.

Then it was time to leave. No one. Not a person in sight. We were not the last four-top in the restaurant. Nor were we in a secluded spot you needed to take an excursion to find. We were just in a back booth, in an area which had received a lot of attention until the check was dropped off.

Maybe they didn’t want us to pay. Probably not the real story. Maybe they had all gone home. Nope; still plenty of other diners.

Now if our server had gone home, fine. If someone would just come to our table without our having to stand and wave as if we saw a stranger from across the room, the meal would have ended on an upbeat note.

No, we did not stand and wave. Just 4 people, 8 eyes, started the room scan waltz. We looked everywhere and found no one. This little annoying game continued for a good 5 minutes before we scored.

Why is it so hard to say goodbye? Service does not end with the dropping of the check.

Follow-though at every part of the meal is critical. Guests should not leave with a bad taste.

It happens too frequently, right?

Check.