STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

dixiegirl · BCBG

Tips

atlgirl · Gucci

Smile. *s* I see so much lackluster service at many places, and it's really refreshing - and certainly makes me enjoy the meal more - to have someone who's smiling and interacting with me (or whomever I'm with). That's not to say you'll never have a bad day, but a positive attitude and friendly demeanor can make a world of difference - to the people you're waiting on, as well as your end result (tip).

First days are always nerve-wracking, but I'm sure you'll be just fine. *hugs*

RyanJ · Coach

I agree w/ altgirl.

Be postive and friendly. I think if you are nice to people and friendly they will be more understanding if/when you screw up. I know I find it harder to be mad @ a server that is being nice to me- even if they mess something up.

If you want to let them know up front that you are new then customers may go easier on you. There are times when I go to a restaurant and if the server is new I will just try to keep my order simple that way they don't have to do all kinds of speacial things w/ the order they may not know how to do.

My bf was a server @ applebees and he says he first week or two it was scary because people would ask for something like a chicken salad, but have a million subs and adds that is was hard for him to get it right.

Good luck and you will do fine- try not to get too flustered!

laken1 · Hermes

I agree with others - be sweet!!! I waited tables in college & I really like it - I find that most people are reasonable, although you are always going to get some jerks. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions if you can't remember something, ask the customers to clarify to be sure you get the orders right (you did want fries, not a baked pot right?) - most people would rather get the right thing than you be afraid to ask.

Good luck it's going to be fine. There's nothing better than grabbing that pile full of cash out of your apron & counting how much you have in tips!!! FUN

lynnie · Chanel

Ok:

1)Write everything down (don't use abbreviations you won't understand or won't see when you go to the computer)

2)After they order, make sure you go INSTANTLY to the computer and enter either the appetizer or the entrees if they don't order an appetizer. CHECK to make sure its exactly what you wrote down and enter it slowly if you need to. If you have to wait on entering an entree (they order appetizer and entree at the same time , clearly they want the appetizer first) make a mental note of this and enter it a few minutes later. This is where a lot of people screw up- they forget to enter entrees so the kitchen can start on them. I had a sloooooooooowwww kitchen (we sometimes had 40 minute kitchen wait times- it should only take 15 mins at MAX to get an entree out after you enter it- unless its a well done steak or the restaurant is PACKED- then 20 mins) so I couldn't forget to enter food EVER. If they order steak or something, I may enter it only a couple of minutes after the appetizer, since it takes longer to make.

3) Always be around but don't overly bother a table. I made the mistake of being TOO asky to my first table ever- Are you okay? Do you need anything? etc etc. I'm sure they were like, LADY, leave us alone! I just didnt want them to need something and not be there. The easiest thing to do is pay a lot of attention to make sure you are there when they want to order, to watch their drinks, and come out once a minute after they get their food to ask if everythings ok (this is when they scream that their steak is overdone, or that they need a certain sauce, etc- crucial! don't give them food and then disappear). Also, if they are just sitting there after, clear their plates and ask if they would like a dessert. If not, have their check already printed out and in your apron so that you can easily hand it to them. Watch to see if they have credit card or cash and need change. If you are not doing something for a specific table, make an appearance in your section every couple of minutes so that they know that you haven't dissappeared and can pull you over if they need something.

4) Greet your tables instantly and get drinks. If you are busy- Tell them that you'll be right with them!

5) Be nice, smile, joke with them if they are that kind of table. You have been waited on hundreds of times I'm sure, so the same things that YOU like in a server (dependable, gets orders right, attentive, friendly but not overly chatty) are exactly what they are looking for.

Good luck! It's really not that hard- I hope this doesn't overwhelm you. You definitely get better with practice!

-- Edited by lynnie at 10:58, 2005-06-13

kenzie · Chanel

I agree with everything that lynnie said. I waited tables all through college and, like the other ladies said, smile. Even if you get a rude table- as hard as it is, just smile and be nice. They'll be gone in less than an hour anyway, so why not be nice while they're there? Oh, and on your first few days, it helps if you tell your tables that you're new at this--they'll be more understanding and you may get bigger tips out of it.

jacL · Coach

I waited tables at a smaller restaurant where we had to make sure the order ticket printed in the kitchen. If that applies to you, make sure you do it! I forgot once and the damn ticket never printed so my table waited over 45 minutes for their order and the owner-manager gave the meal away for free. He didn't make me pay for it, but he was NOT happy.

crystal · Kate Spade

ok, i never actually served but i was a hostess in a restaurant & one of the servers swore she made better tips by introducing herself by name to the table. she said it could be really annoying cuz they would call her over by name all the time, but i guess it also made them think of her more as a person & therefore tipped better. and my tip which i ALWAYS notice is make sure the drinks are refilled! i cannot stand when my water glass sits empty while i am eating & need something to wash it down, especially when the server walks by & sees the predicament & keeps walking. ok, good luck & i agree... SMILE!

bex · Chanel

i've never been a waitress, but one thing i always like is when the waitress tells me she is relatively new. i am much more forgiving if she is a little slower than usual or makes minor mistakes.