Having been in the restaurant industry all of my life, I ask this of a lot of people that I talk to. Myself, I'm a very picky diner, but I dont ever voice my concerns as it means more people will come to my restaurant if they are not satisfied with the competition.
What do you look for or consider GREAT service (not good, as there is a big difference)
Thanks!
2006-08-01 01:57:59 · 14 answers · asked by Arclight 2 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Dining Out
Great service I believe begins with a personal/professional relationship between server and guests. Restaurants that require their waiters to utilize a scripted greeting, "Hi man name is so & so and I'll be your waiter tonight, tonight we are featuring, and would you like to order one?" drives me nuts! I think a more genuine approach while still offering information is best. Be knowledgable about the food and how it is prepared. Also, take the time to know the characteristics of the wine you feature and what suggestions to make to enhance the dining experience. Be attentive to their needs. Don't let them have to ask for more water, bread, etc. Learn proper food service protocol. Present and remove plates from the correct sides. Develop a flawless wine presentation and opening/serving. Never hover over the guest. Be seen, but not interuptive. Be sure to use the two minute rule after the food is served to ensure satisfaction and prevent problems after they have finished. Clear the table in preparation of dessert and coffee service. i.e. all needless silver ware, glasses, bread, butter, and dishes cleared leaving only a spoon. New silverware for the dessert when placed at table. Allow for enough time to elapse before presenting check. And most important, be yourself. You can usually tell when a guest is talkative and wants to interact as opposed to being solitary. Just remember what it is that you would expect as excellent service from your waiter, and act accordingly.
2006-08-01 02:14:08 · answer #1 · answered by Sumanitu Taka 7 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Great service begins with an energetic and courteous host when I walk in the restaurant. I really eat it up if the staff has the sense to make me feel that I am the only customer they want to please at the moment (even if they don't care - they make me feel like it). They attend to me as soon as I step up to the host/hostess area and voice concern and/or apology that I may have a long wait. I will wait with a smile for an hour if the host makes me feel welcomed and offers a complimentary beverage every once and a while.
Secondly, my waiter or waitress must have an unending smile and caring personality. If they listen to my wants and cater to my current needs there will definitely be a win-win situation at the end of the meal and I give my tip.
Keep my water glass full and check on my every 10-15 minutes to see if I have any other needs.
That's great service.
2006-08-01 19:49:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I've given great customer service my whole adult life. The key is care and concern for the customer's needs and desires. Plus, realizing that you can't please everyone... I think this is the downfall of many customer servants. When a customer is displeased, some tend to withdraw and their service level suffers as a result. It's all about doing the best you can and realizing that not everyone will appreciate what you're trying to do for them. A good example of this is police officers verses firefighters. Police officers have a difficult job and most of their "customers" get pretty pissed at them and the officer tends to develop a bad attitude in general. Whereas firefighters are usually pleasant people because their jobs are quite a bit more rewarding.
'nuff said?
2006-08-01 02:10:07 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great service = knowledgable staff.. ESPECIALLY if you are serving wine. If you have a server that doesnt know his wines.. dont allow him to make it up as he goes along.. it gives a bad impression of the restaurant. There is no foul in saying, "i don't know the answer, let me bring over someone that does." The same can be said of the menu. A server that doesnt have any idea what is in a certain dish can be very bad for your image.
General courtesy, attentive but not overbearing servers. (dont hoover too much.. refill drinks and inquire on food). Servers that are not pompous.. they are freaking waiters after all!
Management that takes the time to inquire of each table as to their level of satisfaction.
This should go without saying, but CLEANLINESS! From slovenly servers to dirty dishes.. keep the place clean!
2006-08-01 02:06:41 · answer #4 · answered by sahel578 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being greeted as we enter the restaurant. Upon being seated, receiving prompt service from the server. They must be happy and cheerful, not act like it is a chore to serve us. Being told what the specials are, a few suggestions for drinks and appetizers is always nice. The order being placed promptly and then our food being delivered to the table as soon as it is done in the kitchen. The server must make a few call backs to see if we need anything. Also, not having to wait for the cheque is always appreciated as well.
2006-08-01 02:08:50 · answer #5 · answered by AsianPersuasion :) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I consider great service to include the following while dining out: Friendly greeting, prompt seating with drink order. Waiting for my drink is my pet peeve. If my meal is a bit late at least I have something to sip on. (I also like when the server comes by to ask if I need a top up.) A clean table is a must and please make sure it is dry! A freshly wiped table is great but I don' t like to sit down and lean on a still wet table. I like my meal to be not too long but long enough to enjoy my drink and chat with companion. I like my meal to be hot if it is a hot order. Getting something that is warm is not good. I also like the server to come by to see if we need anything else with our meal. Sometimes I need a condiment. I also like it when the server comes by to see if we are enjoying our meal. I leave a tip based on service not on the meal itself. So friendliness is important. If a server fixes my concerns right away I am happy.
2006-08-01 02:06:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A server who is attentive, sincere, and doesn't act like it's a big deal if i need something extra or want something on the side. Laughter helps too! Also, I like for a server to be able to make recommendtions, explain how something is prepared, perhaps the origin of the food, suggest a beverage to go with my meal...knowledgable, upbeat, intelligent in a nutshell.
2006-08-01 06:19:39 · answer #7 · answered by magerk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I look for first thing is how clean is the place I am entering.
What does the outside look like, clean? well kept?
Next is how long do I wait before someone notices that I am there.
Then there is how courteous is the wait staff.
How clean are the restrooms.
How many different varieties of foods are there.
Is there pleasant odors present.
What about the staff appearance?
The presentation of the food?
The timeliness in which it was served.
The price.
2006-08-01 18:13:25 · answer #8 · answered by ohlayd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great service is a staff that can read my mind and offer things before I ask for them. They always seem to be there when I need something and are invisible when i don't. They've got their own personality and aren't trained to be servants. They've also got a point of view on the menu - what they like and what they don't.
2006-08-01 02:14:39 · answer #9 · answered by Carth 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) NO lipstick on my water glass (sorry my enter key is busted) 2) Wait staff that takes my order, brings it with a smile and leaves me alone to eat, however 3) I'd better not sit there with an empty glass. Look over once in a while and see if my drink is low, if it's getting there, fill it.
2006-08-01 02:07:41 · answer #10 · answered by Jessie P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋