How can I be a better waiter?
I was a (good) waitress for many years. I think the number one rule is to keep an eye on your tables. You look at them every time you walk by, you make sure that you take a quick look at the people and stand near the table so that if they should need anything they can indicate this to you. If they realise they need something, they should be able to look up and see their waiter standing very nearby, ready to come over and help them. You shouldn’t inturrupt tables. This is a general idea (though needs to be adapted as all tables are different) of how often the tables should be visited: 1. Stop by a minute or two after then arrive to say hello and see if they’d like to order a drink right away. 2. Bring drink orders asap (within a few minutes). People may be ready to order right now but generally need more time. Don’t ask to take the order unless it’s obvious they’re ready. 3. Enter order immediately after taking it and bring food to table when ready. This should really be no more than 20
The two most common things that greatly decrease my satisfaction are my drink not being filled quickly, and having to wait for the check when I’m ready to go. Also, I agree that just saying “my name is _____, I’ll be your waiter today” seems a bit forced and unnatural. At least replace it something like, “my name is _____, how are you doing today?” It will be fairly obvious that you’re their waiter, so no need to point that out. If you’re not able to just fit your name into a conversation naturally, then say anything but “and I’ll be your server”. This is just how I feel of course. Also, I’m a quieter person. I don’t generally like chatting with my waiter that much. So, as someone else mentioned, make sure and work on reading people. Be friendly, even chatty at first. But if someone does not seem impressed, don’t push the chatting, assuming that conversation and jokes=friendliness. A smile and a friendly tone when you do have something to say are plenty for me. The article linked to by
I have worked as a waiter, many years ago. So this is from that experience as well as my more extensive experience as a customer. 1. Be unobtrusive. Appear when needed, take care of all of the customer’s needs, and then stay out of the way. As said above, “spend some time watching.” Avoid needless chitchat, the customer didn’t come to socialize with you. (Although, going with what jmd82 said above, I suppose if they want to have you shoot the breeze with them, go ahead. But most people aren’t looking for that. Follow their lead.) 2. Show up as soon as the party has sat down. You’re the waiter, not them. If they have to wait for you, you’ve started on the wrong foot already. 3. Record precisely who ordered what, and deliver it without asking “who gets the Scampi?” 4. Do not call your customers “you guys”, ever. We are not “you guys”. If you’re not doing this, terrific, but you’d be amazed how many servers do this. “How are you guys tonight”, “Are you guys all set”, and that kind of thin
Please don’t ever ask me if I’m “still working on” my food; for whatever reason, that phrase annoys the hell out of me. Asking me how I’m doing or if there’s anything else you can get for me is fine. Along the same lines, don’t reach for my plate before I’ve indicated that I’m done with my food. I don’t want to feel like you’re tired of me sitting there (even if you are). Sometimes I ask my waiter to choose between two dishes. Please don’t tell me they’re both good. If I’m asking, it’s because I don’t really care which one I have and I want a little interaction, so just pick one with certainty. If I hate it, I’m not going to blame you, but if I love it, I’ll remember that you chose something I liked. Caveat: if the two dishes vary significantly in price, and you pick the more expensive one, adding on a couple reasons why you prefer that one will diminish that “upselling” feel. Unlike some posters above, I really enjoy light chat and banter with my waiter. I guess that’s down to feel fo
I assume you’ve heard of Waiter Rant. If not, it’s an excellent blog written by a waiter, who often shares wisdom and tips about the waiting profession (and life) in a well-written, humorous and enjoyable fashion.
