COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 14, 2017 – 1 in 4 waiters acting as modern day cupids, carrying trays instead of bows, have helped customers pop the question. But waiters usually miss out on Valentine’s Day dates themselves – and just as many row with partners about work.
Some even quit their jobs rather than miss spending the most romantic night of the year with their loved one, according to a new pan-European survey of waiters, concierges, and bar staff, commissioned by Ford. 1 in 3 try to get out of working, with 1 in 10 having pulled a sickie, and others faking an emergency or pretending their car has broken down.
Now Ford has turned the tables on those hidden cupids who go further for their customers. We surprised a lucky few with a very special romantic meal.
“On Valentine dates couples only have eyes for each other. But how their evening goes depends in no small part on those who are sacrificing their own nights out to do a great job,” said Greg Dawson, vice president Communications and Public Affairs, Ford of Europe. “They are the true heroes of Valentine’s Day – and what better way to recognise their efforts than to make them the centre of attention.”
London waitress Kelsie Jamieson, 24, has already helped arrange two proposals at work, but has never experienced a Valentine’s Day date. She was surprised with a romantic evening with her fiancé Nick Epstein, 32 – who previously proposed to her with a Haribo ring.
For the many who soldier on there is an upside. Two-thirds polled said customers were friendlier than usual on Valentine’s Day and most thought diners were also more generous.
As for the unlucky diners who turn up for a Valentine’s date alone? 1 in 5 waiters has helped cheer them up.
Editor’s note:
Poll commissioned by Ford and conducted by Penn Schoen Berland surveyed 1,253 restaurant workers, bar staff, receptionists and concierges in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
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