I don't see the problem . Then again I live in CA and everyone calls each other guy's regardless of gender.
Guys is pretty pretty much non gender at this point to a lot of people, I live and am from SC and I wouldn't have given it a second thought.
girls also call each other dude sometimes these days.. people used to imitate TV characters. was just a few moon unit types back then but now they imitate their fav Youtubers. not just the words but tone, inflections, mannerisms, etc. I see it big time with the young uns. its borg like in a way. when I see older gals doing it, I immediately think of an arrested development but maybe they just want to appear younger..
+1 with "guys" being a gender neutral term. I admit that a group of all women would be called, "Ladies" by me. However any group of mixed gender folks were "guys" to me.
It's not about that. It's about the lack of tack and training. You must have seen the difference between a great server in a fine restaurant and a so so one and that's my point.
How was your brunch? brunch n - Contraction of breakfast and lunch, usually occurring around the hour of 11 a.m. Typically reserved for snobs and biddies who like tea and jam. "Muffy, would you care for a bit of brunch after tennis? I can make reservations at the Forsythia Garden Tea House."
I have. Absolutely. So tell us ... was this brunch at a Michelin-star restaurant? If not, I’m thinking this is a molehill/mountain deal. I prefer someone who comes across as friendly & real more than the stuffy, “proper” waitstaff.
For what it's worth, using "guys" for any group is normal around here (southeast MI) However, noone around here uses "hello folks" or "can I start you off with a beverage". It would be a pretty odd thing to hear.
I waited tables in Massachusetts so I would ask "what would youse like today? The meatloaf special is wicked awesome."
the server went to their table and acknowledged them multiple times? sounds like great service for brunch.
I don't disagree with the "guys" thing, I've worked in higher end restaurants where they tell you not to call people guys. But realistically that's a common term now and everyone does it, around here at least. But the quotes you used wouldn't be used in a fine dining restaurant either, and it doesn't sound like you were in one anyway so why would it matter? I'd rather have people who care more about actual hospitality than the old school shit, say guys all you want as long as you're doing a good job.