The hospitality colleague

They might throw it at you right away. Or maybe when you are just in the process of making or serving their order: “I am in the industry“. It doesn’t really mean anything because our industry is so divers. What they really want to say is: “Will you take good care of me?“
What tells do we have on this person:

• Complements or criticizes your actions

• Seems to know everything about every menu item

• Proceeds to tell everyone about their knowledge

Obviously it is possible your guest works hospitality and is trying to make chitchat, maybe even genuinely interested to learn a thing or two.
Just as often the guest claiming to be a ‘colleague’ is actually not in the industry at all.

By saying they are, they are implying they know proper hospitality etiquette. Such as not rushing your server for something futile or frantically waving your arms to order when the bartender is shaking cocktails.
Someone in hospitality knows better and will ease your job. Ask and share knowledge and experiences. It is the very essence of DenTheMan24.

Personal note:

Having a colleague from another venue in your place is fun and interesting. You share a unwritten feeling and emotion since we all know what a rollercoaster our line of work is.
The final test to discover if your guest really is working in hospitality comes when it is time to pay.
An above average tip is a nice clue.
When you had a nice conversation and the patron showed respect, try and visit them as well at their place of work. You never know what good might come from it.

Sincerely,

Den The Man