Body Art and Service

How do you feel about being served or waited on by a person with visible body art *or tattoos*? Do you think it's proper etiquette to cover them up if you are on the floor or is it acceptable part of the 21st century?Considering that 40 million americans overall and 40% of 26-40 year olds have ink. I would like to see the percentage of people that have at least one tattoo that work in a kitchen. That would be mind boggling .

I have no problem with visible body art on anyone in the service industry or public jobs. It is a personal choice. That being said, the tackle box jewelry on the face can sometimes be distracting. Even with that, I do not think it is our right as a patron of any business to decide what someone else does to their body. (I am playing both sides of this argument) If you, as a business owner allow tattoos to be visible, do you have the responsibility of looking at all of them closely to make sure none of them are offensive to different races, religions or sexes??? Companies are having to change their long-standing corporate rules on tattoos, attire and many other things due to the growing trends with our younger population. My brother is manager of a Hooters in Florida and we had the tattoo discussion, recently. Hooters has a rule you cannot have visible tattoos and if so, they have to be covered in some manor. That seems odd that there you can show off the majority of your pieces-parts, but not your butterfly tattoo

I'm pretty old fashioned I guess. I'm not a big fan of ink, and I really don't like the face piercing (tackle box) look. Would it keep me away from a restaurant? No. However it also depends on the restaurant. I expect that look at Ramsi's, but not at Proof. What I dislike seeing most is a bare tummy, especially muffin top on my server. I see enough of that after I take my shower. Restaurants seriously should ban low riders + tank tops for servers. But like I said at the beginning, I'm probably old fashioned.

I agree with Leah!

Me too.....

Hooters has a rule you cannot have visible tattoos and if so, they have to be covered in some manor. That seems odd that there you can show off the majority of your pieces-parts, but not your butterfly tattoo

I guess that rules out all those young ladies with tramp stamps. How can they tie their Hooters tank top for maximum skinage w/o showing the tramp stamp?

How do you feel about being served or waited on by a person with visible body art *or tattoos*? Do you think it's proper etiquette to cover them up if you are on the floor or is it acceptable part of the 21st century?Considering that 40 million americans overall and 40% of 26-40 year olds have ink. I would like to see the percentage of people that have at least one tattoo that work in a kitchen. That would be mind boggling .

As long as a server is clean; nails, hair, no BO and does their job in a competent manner I don't care what kind of body mods they sport.

It doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'm with Leah, though. Muffin tops in a restaurant are inappropriate.

[Robin Garr]

I'm of a pre-tat generation and would not care for one on myself or my wife, but I'm broadminded enough to realize that it's not really different from the long hair and wacky attire that our parents hated during the hippie era. (It's easier to get rid of long hair, though. )

Like others, I think anything more than discreet tats might seem a little out of place in an old-style elegant dining room like the Oakroom or Vincenzo's. On the other hand, it would be a little weird NOT to see them at Ramsi's or Cafe 360.

Live and let live, that's the bottom line.

I do find that the "tackle box" stuff, particularly facial and tongue piercings, are just far out enough for me that I'm inclined to avert my eyes, but again, I try to judge my server by attitude, personality and service and not what they've got on.

Looking back to hippie days, though, and how far we've come since Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was all the rage, I'm wondering if emerging tattoo-removal companies might not just be excellent investments for growth.

Robin,
You neglicated to state your position on bare muffin tops.

[Robin Garr]

Robin,
You neglicated to state your position on bare muffin tops.

I oppose them on male servers ...

I don't mind small tattoos at all as long as they're tasteful. What I don't think is appropriate for a server is tattoos they cover large sections of the arm (especially forearm) are any other visible body parts. I think in today's society we have to accept some but someone who uses their entire body as an art gallery should look for another profession.

As for fishing tackle, I think any visible piercing other than earrings are inappropriate for someone working in a service job, anyplace they're hidden, have at it.

And I definitely agree that bare muffin tops are not appropriate! I actually don't like to look of tank tops on servers (especially male ones) either.

After saying all this, I will say that there are a couple of restaurants where I don't mind this image (Lynn's, Ramsi's, etc.). In all the places my above comments apply.

So far sounds more or less like a general consensus and I concur. Interestingly Maido is a place where it's fine....at my other sushi places I might be put off by excessive body art. My 13 year old refers to Maido as the "hip" sushi place. Personally I'm more concerned with cleanliness.

Maybe I have a higher tolerance because as a physician I see quite a bit of body art on a daily basis in a lot of interesting locations.

hmmmm.....this is an interesting topic......personally i dont mind the tats and all that.......they are usually interesting and a cool ice breaker with your server....but if the tats are offensive......and i mean truly offensive not something like "oh i so disagree with that silly star on her arm".......i mean offensive as in vulgar, nudity, those lines......also that tackle box look can sometimes go too far....all depends....again can be a great way to get talkative and comfortable with your server.......what i have noticed is that sometimes when someone has this look.....sometimes the grunge "i am being myself look" can get to look unclean......that is when i start to dislike it.......

i agree that low-riders shouldnt be worn as well........and the short tanks and all that show midriff ......i feel those parts should be covered.......in a restaurant service setting of course......

now......i feel silly asking this......but what is a muffin top?....i thought it was referencing a pooch/tummy...but then hooters was mentioned.....and....im confused.... ......

hmmmm.....this is an interesting topic......personally i dont mind the tats and all that.......they are usually interesting and a cool ice breaker with your server....but if the tats are offensive......and i mean truly offensive not something like "oh i so disagree with that silly star on her arm".......i mean offensive as in vulgar, nudity, those lines......also that tackle box look can sometimes go too far....all depends....again can be a great way to get talkative and comfortable with your server.......what i have noticed is that sometimes when someone has this look.....sometimes the grunge "i am being myself look" can get to look unclean......that is when i start to dislike it.......

i agree that low-riders shouldnt be worn as well........and the short tanks and all that show midriff ......i feel those parts should be covered.......in a restaurant service setting of course......

now......i feel silly asking this......but what is a muffin top?....i thought it was referencing a pooch/tummy...but then hooters was mentioned.....and....im confused.... ......

Imagine the top of a muffin overflowing the cup it was baked in. Then imagine the midriff of someone overflowing their pants or skirt. I added only a moderate effect of the muffin top so as to not cause too much anguish or otherwise negative feelings. I have seen much, much worse as I am sure we all have.

muffin top.jpg

that is gross! For those folks who think that is sexy...... I say.... go up a size or two.... so what it's only a number!