Be honest, how do you feel about homeless people at a restaurant?

I think that paying customers are always allowed. If they just sit there and don't order anything, I think it's reasonable to ask them to leave. There aren't many businesses that allow anyone to loiter in their facilities without patronage. In addition, if they are violating your restaurant's dress code or are disturbing your other customers to the point that business is being lost, it is within your rights to refuse service.

That being said, it has to be an awful feeling to tell someone with no place to go that they have to leave. Even though I 100% believe my first paragraph is "right," it's much easier said than done and I'd personally have a lot of trouble kicking an unfortunate person out into the cold.

 

That's your business and you need to make money. Offer them some water or a soda and tell them to get off your property

 

If they're a paying customer, no issue. But if they're just chilling, get out. When I worked at Pappas wed have homeless people try and take showers with or sinks. Pissed customers off.

 

It's a business, and it's not heartless to separate your work from charitable feelings. I applaud charity to the homeless, but you could volunteer to do that when you're not at work.

In your position, I would let them stay if they pay for something. If not, you could send them out with a complimentary to-go cup of hot tea or something like that on a cold day.

It's a no-win situation; the nicer you are, the more homeless people you'll have at the store.

 

What eric.81 and ISOball said. Have to be careful giving them food/drinks to get out though, they might start coming back every day and even telling their friends.

Probably a good idea to post dress code signs and right of refusal even in a really casual place for those that come in with ragged clothing.

I was in San Fran last week and had a lunch at a sandwich stop where one walked in wearing headphones, sunglasses (it wasn't sunny), and coughing obnoxiously every 5-10 seconds like he might have had TB. He was asked to leave when he didn't buy anything. I'm as sympathetic as anyone but that would make anyone uneasy.

 

Have these homeless people ever had Chinese food?

 

deleted b****y post about the state of San Francisco

 

There's a reason why they're always hungry...

 

Not homeless, residentially challenged.

 

Dude, that wasn't a homeless person, that was Colin Kaepernick.

 

every time I see a homeless person, I think what was their life like in the past before the homeless part. They all have a story. I've never seen one inside a restaurant.

 

Loitering is loitering. You're not running a charity.

If they're paying customers, well, then they're playing by the rules.

They have as much of a right to be there as anybody who is disturbed by their presence.

It's easier said than done, but I'd talk to the upset customer, try to get them to have a heart, and if nothing else works, offer them a discount or a free dessert or something to smooth things over.

A little kindness can go a long way.

 

You have to ask yourself what you are trying to sell. Food or an experience?

I don't go to McDonalds to have a romantic dinner with the wifey as they will not be able to provide an ambiance that is suitable for the occasion.

IMHO, a restaurant's service is to provide food. So if your customers want something extra like homeless free environment, its up to you to decide if you want to provide that.

 

Tough spot. My first thought is to call one of the local shelters and get their advice on how to handle it. If it was just one guy showing up I might just offer him a part time job taking trash out and cleaning or what have you but you never really know what kinds of problems these folks have that might blow up in your face if you tried to help with work.

 

If they purchase something they can stay..... if they are not purchasing something, offer them a job when your nubile employee comes to work dressed like a wwwhhhhoooorrree... and then send her my direction.

 

I really like this response. Want to add, hotballa, that I admire your willingness to help these people. Just remember that you do need to consider the health of your business, as well as the needs of the homeless.

 

have the customers complained about these people smelling, or just their appearance -- what exactly are they objecting to?

 

Give 'em a box, give 'em a home.

For serious, if they're buying something, even a drink, they stay. Otherwise, it's iffy. If someone is complaining because they smell, and they do, I'd be sympathetic to the customer. If someone is complaining because of the way they look*, I'd tell the customer complaining that they are there patronizing the business and are welcome.

*I believe you own a sandwich shop or something similar, and not a fancy romantic place.