We arrived at approximately 1830 hrs on 2-23-07 at the Chilis restaurant in Cheyenne Wy and were advised that it would be approximately 15 minutes to wait. There were already approximately 10 to 15 people waiting to be seated and we assumed that they were busy. I went to the restroom and noticed that there were more empty tables then there were people already seated. When I returned to the lobby area I asked why the 15 minuet wait when there were so many empty tables. My question was met with disdain as if I had not right to ask. I asked for the manager and was met with the same attitude from him and advised that they were short on wait staff. I advised that it had always been standard to be seated given water and/or coffee and explained to that they would be a wait for service as there was a shortage of wait staff. This was met with "well you can leave and not come back" which I did and have no plans to return.