|
|
| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Food Service |
Any tips on being a good waitress? |
I just got a job as a waitress. Tomorrow is my first day by myself. Is there any tips or advice to get good tips? You've received some good answers. Generally, the only things a reasonable customer will hate is a) being kept waiting when the server seems to not be that busy; b) the server being rude or disrespectful (this includes treating different customers with varying levels of respect - don't forget, when I'm being served by you I notice how you treat others, not only at my table. If you're disrespectful to someone who looks scruffy, who is a different colour, or who is cheap, it will affect my opinion of you); and c) a server who makes mistakes AND doesn't take responsibility for them (including trying her/his best to make it right). At most places, working hard, being respectful and polite, doing your best, and taking responsibility for your mistakes is good enough for the CUSTOMERS. For your co-workers, it's a different story. Here's what to do: Other servers: If you don't pull your weight with the other servers, you will make enemies. Be sure to thank anyone who helps you, by running food, bussing your tables, etc. Do your share of cleaning and setup, don't ever shirk. If you really aren't up to speed yet, tip out the other servers to acknowledge that they're carrying part of your weight. Make your setup immaculate - always stock from the back of the fridge, etc; clean really well, not just the minimum, polish the flatware and glasses, and when possible, help other servers (unless they don't want help). For the kitchen: Find out exactly how they like bills written and make sure you do it. Write legibly. Thank them for their hard work. Take criticism to heart (most kitchen staff have lots of good advice and concrit for servers - they've worked with more than you ever will!!). Some things that make your life easier (like taking several orders at once) makes their lives harder. Acknowledge this, even if you keep doing it for your own convenience. If you bus your own tables, be respectful towards the dishwashers and don't be squeamish. Snobby servers who aren't willing to touch dirty dishes in order to organise them properly for the dishwashers will find themselves on the outside of restaurant culture. To be more efficient: Try to do multiple things at once: take drinks to multiple tables, setup or bus multiple tables, etc. Also, try to make trips count both ways; if you're running food, bus on the way back. And be aware of special needs like with seniors, children, and people with disabilities. Short fill water glasses, bring straws, extra plates and napkins, etc, for people young and old who need them. Don't be condescending. Especially with families including little kids, they frequently need the same special things; you might as well bring them all (extra napkins and cutlery, extra plates for sharing, extra glasses to divvy up drinks, etc, straws) at the beginning instead of waiting to be asked. Good luck! Edited to add: Oh, and a tip on getting good tips: Be sure to give your customers the type of change that will make it easy for them to tip you. So, instead of giving a ten, give a five and five ones, etc. when you don't know what to do in any given moment, just grin. Be cheerful when taking the order. Deliver the food hot - not cold because it sat there while you chatted. Deliver the food cheerfully and check back occasionally. Don't make the patron wait for the check. Leave it when you see they are almost done. AND SMILE! You can make a good wage in food service and make people's day better. Or you can be miserable and make the patrons miserable. Guess which gets better tips! Take a glance around the restaurant before you leave to go into the kitchen. Do the same thing when you come back into the dining area from the kitchen. If someone is trying to signal you that they need something - you need to notice them. And be friendly and make sure they have coffee or something to drink. And if the picture is really you....don't worry - you'll get lots of big tips. Aside from friendly and efficient service, something very important to me is attentive service. Visit the table often, especially to check drink refills. I don't like having to wait 10 minutes to get a refill, so visit often! Best of luck with the new job! Well, you'll mess a lot up at first - everyone does) - but keep on at it. Here are my do's and don'ts: Don't forget my special requests (Assume I'm allergic to that thing I don't want). Don't give me an attitude if we have a misunderstanding. Do acknowledge that I'm waiting if you can't get to me yet (this keeps me calm and happy). Don't ask me how everything is while I have a mouth-full. Do start with a smile even if my party is full of sourpusses. Depending on the type of establishment. When serving couples, always be extra nice to the women. She will appreciate the extra attention, if you do a good job at making her happy, she'll more than likely ask her date to leave a bigger tip. |
Finance Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |