Ever since I can remember I have always wondered, what does a restaurant do if one doesn't have the funds to pay for their food?

Was washing dishes just a running gag used in movies, shows, etc. or was that really done to patrons who didn't pay?

Ever since I can remember I have always wondered, what does a restaurant do if one doesn't have the funds to pay for their food?

Was washing dishes just a running gag used in movies, shows, etc. or was that really done to patrons who didn't pay?

Good question. Fortunately, I've never been in that predicament. If anybody here works in a restaurant, perhaps they can answer the question. My guess is they get your contact information (name, address, telephone number) so they know where to find you if they don't get prompt payment. Or if one of the employees happens to want to leave work early that day, perhaps they do give the non-paying customer the option of working off their debt.

Never had it happen but having known some that worked in resturants they do make people wash dishes if they can't pay... really depends on the manager. Some will let one person leave so the other can get the money, others will let you come back and pay but only after they see your license and take down the name etc. and others let you wash the dishes until you've paid off your bill.

This kind of thing happened a lot during the depression, when many people did work for food, however, they usually made these arrangements BEFORE they ate....today, it's more likely youd have the cops called on you! :lol:

This is awful, but what people do now is complain AFTER they've eaten a portion of the meal. The person might say there is a hair or bug in their meal or that it didn't taste good. Most of the time the manager will give the person the meal for free to avoid a scene in the resturant. Some managers offer another meal, but if a person wants to avoid paying he or she will make an excuse not to take it and skip out instead.

A couple or so years ago, around 11 p.m. (I am a late-nighter by work schedule and the resulting 'rhythm') I went by the ATM at my bank, then went to a Waffle House in my town, had a sandwich or some light meal, then realized I didn't put my wallet back in my pocket after putting the cash into it. I thought I was going to find out then and there what they do to patrons who have no money. But I just explained what had happened, and the girl (about 18-19) said it was okay to go to my car and get the money. But since I'm kind of like Fred in the 'cheap' department, if they had told me I could wash dishes as payment I probably would have done it ;) .

But since then there are other reasons I don't go there late at night any more... there are always a bunch of off-duty workers there then sitting around, smoking, talking filth that would make any meal unappetizing.

I remember another old show from the 60's in which this situation came about, and the man had to show his identification and sign an affidavit to pay the tab by a certain date. I guess I would have thought that's what restaurants generally do today. But if so, is it worth it to hire collectors or contract with an agency to get that money or take them to court to get it?