New in your job? Are you forgetting the customer's order? Why your tips are lesser than others? Can you handle 3 to 5 tables at the same time? How to be sure that nothing goes wrong during a busy slam down? These key points is going to help you perform efficiently. But not over do it. After reading it, please forward this blog to your friends who is in the food and beverage industry.
Good service really make our day, and we don't mind dashing out our cash on great food but most important is the service provided. It add value to oneself and the place. Keep us going back. What kind of skills does a new server need to acquired? Too many things to remember? Try to familiar with these basic key points first. Share with your colleagues and management.
1. Smile and greet
Smile wins people heart, it represents a sincere welcome to everyone. Simple greeting make your guests feel warm. Especially after tired office hour, heavy traffic jams. "Good evening, hi..." and follow by a smile.
2. Ask and lead the way
Table for two? Would you prefer smoking or non smoking area? If the customers come in group or family with children, offer a more spacious corner for them. Give options, boot seats or window seats? Add on or take away extra cutlery setting according to the guest number.
3. Menu
Pull out the chair for children, see whether they need a baby chair. Pass on the menu, inform your guest what is not available today!!! And follow by soup of the day.. promotion...etc. Let your guests have a good look into the menu. Do not rush them. Tell them you will be back later to take the drinks order.
4. Take orders
Write down the orders. Repeat it to the customers. Make sure it is all correct. Serve the beverages first, by that time, customer will be ready to order their food. If you are a new, make sure you study well, learn the menu by heart. Everything inside. What kind of sauces served along with the course? How the steak is to be done? What are the ingredients inside the dishes? I strongly urge the management to let the staff try out different dishes everyday to have a better understanding of the menu. It would be more informative when customers ask for your recommendation.
5. Serve the food
Serve appetizer first if any. It is OK if you don't remember which dish is for whom. Just ask with a smile. The guest probably can't wait to eat. Now is the time to taste the quality of the food.
6. Double check
Double check whether all the guests have their order. Check anything else they need, napkins, cutlery, refill drinks, side plates, sauces. These usually happen when the customer just start enjoying the meal.
7. Let them enjoy the food
Do not disturb the guests. Unless upon call. Serve other customers, or go back to the station to do some cleaning or refill jobs. Prepare the necessary things for the next round of customers.
8. Clear up the dishes
Ask first. Clearing the table without asking permission easily offends customers. Ask whether they need any desserts or coffee, suggest one, so that they won't feel being chased away. It is not only generate more sales to the restaurant, and most important, you make them feel more comfortable.
9. Get ready the bill
Make sure you update all the extra orders. Send the bill with a folder when the customers ask for the bill or check. The customer may or may not give you tips. Depends on which country you are in. Do not take the folder away so fast unless the customers hand it over to you. At least see the customer off first. Bear in mind tipping is not everything, it isn't an indicator towards your performance. It is your job, serve with your heart. Love it or quit it.
10. Open the door
Open the door for them. Smile, say "Thank you and see you again". :)
1. Smile and greet
Smile wins people heart, it represents a sincere welcome to everyone. Simple greeting make your guests feel warm. Especially after tired office hour, heavy traffic jams. "Good evening, hi..." and follow by a smile.
2. Ask and lead the way
Table for two? Would you prefer smoking or non smoking area? If the customers come in group or family with children, offer a more spacious corner for them. Give options, boot seats or window seats? Add on or take away extra cutlery setting according to the guest number.
3. Menu
Pull out the chair for children, see whether they need a baby chair. Pass on the menu, inform your guest what is not available today!!! And follow by soup of the day.. promotion...etc. Let your guests have a good look into the menu. Do not rush them. Tell them you will be back later to take the drinks order.
4. Take orders
Write down the orders. Repeat it to the customers. Make sure it is all correct. Serve the beverages first, by that time, customer will be ready to order their food. If you are a new, make sure you study well, learn the menu by heart. Everything inside. What kind of sauces served along with the course? How the steak is to be done? What are the ingredients inside the dishes? I strongly urge the management to let the staff try out different dishes everyday to have a better understanding of the menu. It would be more informative when customers ask for your recommendation.
5. Serve the food
Serve appetizer first if any. It is OK if you don't remember which dish is for whom. Just ask with a smile. The guest probably can't wait to eat. Now is the time to taste the quality of the food.
6. Double check
Double check whether all the guests have their order. Check anything else they need, napkins, cutlery, refill drinks, side plates, sauces. These usually happen when the customer just start enjoying the meal.
7. Let them enjoy the food
Do not disturb the guests. Unless upon call. Serve other customers, or go back to the station to do some cleaning or refill jobs. Prepare the necessary things for the next round of customers.
8. Clear up the dishes
Ask first. Clearing the table without asking permission easily offends customers. Ask whether they need any desserts or coffee, suggest one, so that they won't feel being chased away. It is not only generate more sales to the restaurant, and most important, you make them feel more comfortable.
9. Get ready the bill
Make sure you update all the extra orders. Send the bill with a folder when the customers ask for the bill or check. The customer may or may not give you tips. Depends on which country you are in. Do not take the folder away so fast unless the customers hand it over to you. At least see the customer off first. Bear in mind tipping is not everything, it isn't an indicator towards your performance. It is your job, serve with your heart. Love it or quit it.
10. Open the door
Open the door for them. Smile, say "Thank you and see you again". :)
Pratice a few days, you will immediately notice the difference and improvements. If anything goes wrong, apologize to your customers. Do not be afraid. Do not cover up your mistakes. Practice make perfect. Hear no more complaints. If you have any questions, suggestions just email me or leave a comment. Cheers.
