If you are dining at a restaraunt, how do you feel you should be treated from the time the server reaches your table? What annoys you the most about the service experience? What makes you feel like you got treated like a king/queen from the experience? This is kind of a tip board for a friend of mine who would like to become a part time waitress at a famous steakhouse. Thanks in advance from Jen.
2007-08-06 17:19:18 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
The way I treated people as a waitress is the way I hope to be treated when I go into a restaurant. Here's the scenario:
As soon as a table is seated, go and fill the water glasses, say hi and hand them their menus. Give them your name and tell them to let you know if there was anything they needed. At that point ask if they would like a drink (there was always a wait at the restaurant I worked at, so people would often be looking at the drink menus while they were waiting) or if they have a drink that is nearly finished, ask if they would like another. If there is any hesitation, tell them that you can give them a couple minutes if they'd like. Come back a few minutes later for drink or appetizer orders, but if they are ready to order, take the order then. If not, let a few more minutes go by and check back in. Go back right away if you see the menus closed! Once you place the order, keep an eye on the table to make sure everything looks okay. I would make sure that drinks were filled, bread was on the table and that everyone looked happy. Never go more than ten minutes without checking in with your customers, even if the kitchen is running slow. Let your customers know the status of their order. Take the time to talk to the kitchen and find out what is creating the delay so you're informed when you talk to your customers (i.e. sorry for the wait... the kitchen ran out of rigatoni, but we're cooking some fresh for you right now. They told me it'll be about five more minutes. Can I get you a refill?) Never hide out in the kitchen because you're embarrassed about the wait. They'll just see YOU as unattentive.
If it's your responsibility, make sure you clear dishes once you know people are done. Nobody likes to have their plate jerked out from in front of them as their about to take that bite that they saved for last, and nobody likes to sit there staring at the plate that reminds them that Yes, they did eat the whole thing. If you see people slowing down significantly with food left on their plate, it's time to offer take out containers.
Once the food is cleared away or packaged up, it's time to offer coffee and dessert. Make sure to offer both! Many times people will just order coffee, but then change their mind a few minutes later and get dessert. If they decide that they are done, thank them for coming and give them their bill. One of my pet peeves is when we've finished a meal and have to wait twenty more minutes just to get the check. I think it might be because servers feel awkward addressing the money part, or maybe they get anxious about what their tip is going to be, but I've found that just saying "Well, thank you very much for coming, here's your check. Let me know when you're ready" works. They either flag you down when they've gotten it together or leave it on the side of the table. When you pick it up, if you have a folding holder (which hides what is inside), take a quick peek. If it's a credit card, say "I'll be right back with your receipt". If it's cash, don't count it! Just say "I'll be right back with your change". If they don't expect change, they'll tell you. If you count the money, you'll look like you're checking up on them to make sure they didn't short you.
Last but not least, make sure to thank them as they leave the restaurant and tell them to have a nice evening/afternoon/whatever. It's that extra little touch that will make them ask for you the next time they come in.
2007-08-06 18:49:05 · answer #1 · answered by Dani 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I want my server to be professional, not just hustling a few bucks to pay the rent until a better job comes along. And you can tell the difference.
I want my server to be courteous and even friendly, but not too friendly. I don't need their life story, and they don't need mine. We can be friendly, but we aren't friends.
I want my server to be familiar with the menu and the best items on it.
I want my server to make sure my meal comes out hot. To make sure my glass stays full. And to occasionally glance my way should I require something. Seldom at the table, yet ever present.
If a server has the option of adding a 15% tip to my bill and exercises that option, then I must assume that 15% is the tip he/she expects. And I give them that. If the tip is left to my discretion, as it should be, and the service is satisfactory, as it should be, then I will leave 20-25%, occasionally more.
2007-08-07 01:02:56 · answer #2 · answered by Tom K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't like when my servers are fake and overly chipper. Just be nice and polite, and make me believe that you actually care if I enjoy my meal without being overbearing. I guess it's a tough balance, but fake servers really get on my nerves. Good luck to Jen.
2007-08-07 02:48:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I should never have to "Want". Once my drink gets empty it should be filled. Once my food arrives I want to be checked on later in case something was forgotten. And if the server is taking their sweet time getting me the check they obviously don't want my money that bad. I might not even give it.
2007-08-07 04:40:47 · answer #4 · answered by alwaysmoose 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would like them to be professional and calm and not checking over their shoulder to see to the other customers.
i would like to be treated as their utmost first priority.
i would like them to be efficient and quick but NOT rushed.
i dont want them to seem as if they would rather serve someone else and i want to see a big fat smile.
2007-08-07 02:06:34 · answer #5 · answered by jenny_saranghae_joyoppa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋