When you go out to eat, what makes a REALLY good waiter?

Question

I'm a server now for Red Lobster. I'm new at it. I feel very stressed handling all the things people want from me from all my tables at the same time. I'm trying to get it together, and I need to know how to make better tips. What makes a really good server that you want to tip really well?

Answer 1

I have been a server for years but i am still young and cool, so here goes. Silent service is a big one, give people things without asking. Also read your guests and give them the service that they want not the service that you want to give. For example if they are being quiet and talking to each other, let them, don't intrude just give them what they ask for and don't ever interrupt their conversation. If you have a party that wants you to party with them, do it, have fun with them. Never share too much information with your guests. Stay away from health issues and personal problems. Keep everything light and fun. If they ask you questions answer them but don't elaborate and when they ask you questions you should ask them questions as well, turn your attention to them and make sure to seem really interested ,after all their dining experience should be all about them, and they're paying for it. Honestly people love to talk about themselves so use that and try to remember even one thing about what they said and before they pay say something like "and i hope sparky didn't chew up the furniture while you folks were out" it will make them feel like you were really listening and that usually means a good tip. Always try to be proper with older guests "sir" and "ma'am" , "folks" never "you guys". I know it sounds hokey and very trainers manual but that stuff really does work. Pay lots of attention to peoples kids, even if you don't like kids, parents love it if their kids are well taken care of. Also in corporate places like red lobster there are a lot of rules to follow and you need to, to keep your bosses happy but never and i mean never be like a robot. Just be yourself and do just enough corporate stuff to keep your job in tact. Another thing is when you greet your tables remember that you just said hello to your last table and they can hear you so don't say the exact same thing to your new guests. Treat every race, creed , and color like they are your brothers prejudice just doesn't fly when you're waiting tables. So if you use stereotypes you're in the wrong business. And finally don't worry about how much you are making until the end of the night.If you do it will only stress you out and people can sense that. Good luck!

Answer 2

An obsevant one. A good waiter looks at the customers as they make their rounds and will notice little things like the water glass is nearly empty or the coffee cup has been moved near the edge of the table. He should also ask a couple of minutes after the food is served if everything is OK, anything else wanted. Should not appear to be hoverng like a vulture. When I was dating my wife we had a waiter at a fairly nice restraunt who was near perfect. He got a great tip. As we were leaving I asked to talk to the manager. Of course they were expecting a complaint. Next time I went there that waiter served us and even thanked me. Try to remember the regulars

Answer 3

Be at my table, and ready to take my order, within three minutes after I get seated. Then, make sure I have everything I need. Once I start eating, don't wait until I have some food in my mouth, to come over and ask "if I need something", or... "is the food OK.??" If you do this, you have worked your way out of a tip. I go there to eat, not play 20 questions.

Answer 4

1. Make sure the water if filled
2. If children are around, talk to them
3. Make sure the order is accurate
4. Make sure the order if sent to the table at a timely fashion
5. Make suggestions
6. Make sure you have sampled everything on the menu
7. Know each menu item
8. make sure you ask "Do you want fries with that" basically raising the dollar amount of the check.
9. If they don't want dessert, ask them if they want tea or coffee, and say it's really good or something like that
10. Remember to check on the table often and ask if there's anything you can do to make things better.
11. Smile
12. Introduce yourself at the begining
13. Build a relationship by asking what the customer's name is. and use it as often as you can. "How was the shrimp, John?"
14. At the end, "If you come again, please ask for me" Here's my card and a discount for the next time you come"
Talk to your management about this promotion. and repeat business is great for you and your restaurant.

Answer 5

Greet your table within 90 seconds to 2 minutes after they've been seated. Even if you're on your way to another table. Say "Hi folks, I'll be with you in just a few moments." Make sure you offer to take their drink order within 5 minutes of their being seated. If they look legal age, offer them something from the bar, but don't push it. Be friendly - strike up a little chat with them when you tell them the specials or something. If they're not ready to order yet, give them another few minutes. If you notice their drinks are getting low (1/3 or less in the glass) or the bread basket is getting empty, offer to get another. If they're undecided about what to order, offer a "personal favorite" suggestion. (helpful on bar, appetizers, or desserts - those pad the tab, which generally means a bigger tip!) =)

The long story short: be attentive, but don't hover. I like not to feel rushed thru my meal, but I don't want to have to send a search party for you.

Answer 6

The glasses on the table should never go empty.****
Someone who doens't roll their eyes at my ordering - it happens!
Someone who will be personal - but don't sit at my table - thats happened before too!
I really prefer my waiter to be the one to bring out my food but a lot times that isn't how it works and I can't figure out why - it happens at my Red Lobster actually!
Overall it's your personality - don't be cold! If the foods bad it's not your fault just keep my drink full and be nice to me.

Oh, this is really weird but I am job hunting and was thinking about how waiting would be my last resort but if Ihad to do it this is what I would do because someone at Olive Garden did it once and I love the idea! He asked what we wanted to drink and brung it to us and then he said fold up your menus and put them at the edge of your table so I know when you're ready to order. That's such a great idea because you don't have to ask me a thousand times if I'm ready - I like to talk a lot so it takes me awhile.

Answer 7

Personally, I like when the waiter or waitress is more personable. I do not like it when they act like robots, saying the same speals over and over again to all their customers. Just be yourself. You must have a great personality or they wouldn't have hired you in the first place.
Just a bit of advice: don't let yourself get flustered. Just take a deep breath if you start to get in the weeds and take your time getting what you need. Always keep a smile on your face and have a sincere attitude. Even if you make mistakes you can make up for them with a great personality.

Answer 8

Know the menu- know what to suggest- make customers feel like the menu is just a suggestion, as if they could order several variations of a meal

The starter/original CEO of the company my dad works at (Valassis) once tipped a waiter what they owed for their mortgage (several grand lol).

Answer 9

I want a waiter to be a friend. Make sure i always have a drink. An empty glass is a no no.Don't make excuses and let me know you appreciate my time here. I work for my money, too! Just be fun and energetic.

Answer 10

Smart, respectful, efficient, and charming. Not pushy or mouthy, one who knows his/her job well, and always aims to please the customer. Don't forget the customer is always right even when they are so wrong. If a customer is rude to you, be polite at all times after all you don't have to take them home. If a customer is being overly difficult discreetly report it to your senior. Keep yourself clean and tidy and have clean fingernails. I like Red Lobster and have eaten there many times, you chose a great place to work at, perhaps you might serve me one day..