Being a Horrible Waitress?

Question

I recently got a job waitressing and I like it a lot. The only thing is, when the restaurant gets busy I get a little overwhelmed and mess up an order here and there, leave tables unbussed or neglect/ forget a table in order to cater to a bigger table. Can anyone offer me any advice on juggling tables for busy nights?

One of my managers in particular has not been too pleased with me, despite the fact that I'm new and I am trying. In fact, it bothers her so much that I've been scheduled for only one shift next week. I dread going in to work because I'm afraid she's going to be the manager on for my shift. I *hate* being in the doghouse but unless she starts to see some improvement I won't see anymore shifts, moreorless the shifts I want. I just wish to do my job--do it right--and get her off my back.

Can anyone offer me any advice on handling my manager as well?

I *refuse* to give her the satisfaction of me resigning. I know I can do better.

Answer 1

I don't understand your manager's logic. If she only schedules you for one shift, how can she expect you to improve your multitasking skills? Practice makes perfect. Are there any slower shifts you can ask to do for a while until you are prepared for the busier shifts? I started waitressing a year and a half ago, and it took me like 6 months till I felt fully qualified and stress free on our busiest nights.

As for tips when it comes to the times when you're overwhelmed - make sure you're making eye contact with your tables. There are times when you simply CAN'T get to your table immediately. If your managers don't help you (mine usually do, thank the Lord), apologize profusely to your table, tell them nicely that you are swamped, and that you are going to get to them ASAP. Make sure your orders are well organized in your book and there are no loose papers flying around when you're trying to deliver a check. Smile a lot and don't look aggravated or your tables will get upset because they'll think THEY'RE annoying you.

But try hard not to forget tables completely, that's like the ultimate waitressing sin. A big table will have to deal with the fact that you are only one person, and is more likely to understand that you have other tables to tend to. Just make sure the big table is good on refills; anything else, they can hang on a few extra seconds.

Good luck hon! Waitressing is hard but I love it. Hopefully you and your coworkers are like a team; helping each other out when you're in too deep!

Answer 2

There's no advice on how to manage your manager. To be perfectly honest with you..If she scheduled you for one night a week. sounds like your about to lose the job you love. I've owned my own restaurant for 3yrs now and I also manage it. I've seen waiters and waitresses come and go. The best advice for those busy times is to calm down and take a deep breath and make sure that the tables you are doing great at keep them happy or else

Answer 3

Ask. Ask for more shifts on slower days, so that you can learn how to do your job properly, and also ask the manager which is giving you the hardest time for advice on improving. The reason for asking your toughest manager is that hopefully she will see that you really do want to improve, and will cut you a little slack while you are still learning.

Answer 4

take a deep breath and stay focused, I just try to do my best, apologies to the tables explain the place is really busy and they will usually understand, as for the manager, mine is the same way, keep your cool, and take tour time when placing your orders on the computer check your order for correctness before it gets printed. ask questions at the table as to what they will need you to bring to go with their orders, mayo, mustard, steak sauce etc, bring them back with you when you deliver the drinks that way you don't get weeded by having to stop doing what you are doing for the next table to go get whatever it is, it will help keep your concerntation a little more focused and will save you yime