Any tips on carrying trays as a server?

Question

I am looking for a job, and I am considering waiting tables. The only thing that makes me nervous about this is carrying the trays. It looks so difficult to me! I am a petite girl, but I see girls like me doing it all the time. My husband is a server, and he says that carrying the trays isn't as hard as it looks. I would like any encouragement, tips, or advice. I would like to hear from people who wait tables and do this and from people who feel this part of the job let them down or gave them trouble, especially if you had to quit because of it. I used to work at Sonic Drive-In, and that was the closest I got to carrying a tray like this. I know it is totally different, but I am just giving as much info as possible. Also, the job I'm considering is at Blacked Eyed Pea, so if that helps any... Thanks!

Answer 1

i'm a girl and i served at olive garden for about 2 years. you have to take EVERYTHING on trays (drinks, food, plates..>WHATEVER). the best thing to do is evenly distribute the weight of whatever youre carrying, use your shoulder if its too heavy (works wonders), and flatten your palm for heavier ones.
Drinks are different. Drinks are nerve racking. haha- but dont fret. basically the same deal: distribute, flat hand, and use your forearm while taking the drinks off.
and above all--if you spill, its not the end of the world. it happens. I saw a guy spill a sizzling skillet of queso on some bald guys head once on accident. *Priceless* GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

I have been waiting tables all of my life. If you have a tray that is full of food or dishes or even glasses, the key to making it from one end of the restaurant to the other is balance and the distribution of everything on that tray. If you proportion everything evenly you might actually overcome a little wobble here and there. After you put everything on the tray, before you go to pick it up, give it a little nudge to see if anything is unstable. Then I crouch down (if it is heavy) and kind of get under it. Pretend you are a weight lifter. Count to yourself, 1, 2, 3 up, bending and lifting with your knees, not your back. Once it is up there, position your hand towards the middle and you can even rest part of it on the tip of your shoulder. After you do it for a while, you will be able to walk all over carrying bottles of wine or even glasses of champagne. Even if you are small or scrawny, you will develope what I like to call "waitress arms". Good luck. D

Answer 3

Practice, Practice, Practice!! I asked the manager if I could take the try home with me Luckily he said yeah. Tricks I suggest:

-Hold the tray in the center where weight is evenly distrubuted
-Use your shoulder and chin for heavier items(I see this little lady that works with me do it all the time)
-Use your other hand if you have to
-Make sure tray has a clean bottom
-Put plates on tray correctly
-Hold hand flat against the tray

Remember the more you carry it the better you'll get.

Answer 4

Get a large serving tray and practice carrying it around the house, or maybe outside on the lawn if you fill it with drinks.
Trays aren't too difficult but it does take practice getting them up and keeping them balanced.
If Hubby has some skills, enlist his aid in the drill.
Not only will you be doing something together, but it will make him happy that you trust his advice.

Answer 5

If you're nervous get a wrist brace to give you some stability while carrying the tray... They have them at the drugstore it may help keep you from getting wobbly... Good luck

Answer 6

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/av67G

Pick up with both hands then put your primary hand in the center of the tray with your fingers splayed. Hold the edge of the tray with your other hand.

Answer 7

--->> Tips---> https://trimurl.im/f59/any-tips-on-carrying-trays-as-a-server

Answer 8

use two hands