Got any tips? tomorrow is my first day as a server..?

Question

you as the guest what do you expect from a server??!

i know being friendly is a huge thing...

so tomorrow will be my first day serving.. and i am really nervous i know the menu.. but i just don't have enough confidence...i am memorizing all of our alcohol all ready..and everything...

any tips??

Answer 1

Just be yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help from your fellow employees if you need it.  Don't try to be super server.  Be nice and have fun!

Answer 2

Always think about it from what would i want my server to be like if I was dining out point of view. Think of what made you think you had a great waiter in the past... Did you get a drink before you asked? Extra napkins with a messy meal? Kind words to the kids at the table?  Then also look at what has made you think in the past you had a bad waiter.. Was he short, wrong order, treated you poor, forgot extras.

Remember that the best waiters are relaxed having fun and like being at work it always shows and then that will give you the best tips!~

Answer 3

Try to memorize as much as you can--know your menu. That is a must. Be kind and friendly to your customers and try your best to remember who ordered what and who got what drink. Be as quick as you can and make sure you offer refills..and if it takes long for the food to come out, go to your table and tell them that you will check on it so that it doesn't look like they've been waiting for ten hours..and offer anything without them asking for it..like for example, if they want hot tea, ask them if they would like lemon or cream.

Answer 4

Fast, friendly and polite conversation. SMILE.

When offering refills don't forget to offer hot water for those who drink tea.

Answer 5

Congrats on your new job.  Excellent tips given here in answers :)  

It's fun being a server and can be lucrative given the right restaurant and right shift.  Be yourself, be poised, do not say 'no problem', say 'my pleasure'.  You will do great!  Have fun!!

Answer 6

You will probably have  a smaller section so you can get used to everything. Probably 2 -3 tables depending on what you guys would normally do.

If there are any modifications to the order, read back the order to make sure everything is right. if you see someone low on a soda, just try to bring a refill on by. Also, when they are paying (if they pay you) NEVER say "do you need any change" If sounds very bad. Always say, "I'll be right back w/ your change" It sounds a lot more professional and if the bill is all set, they will let you know.

Good luck!! :)

Answer 7

Be prepared to know what specials (if any) are being offered.  Make good eye contact w/your client.  Be sure your hair and nails are well groomed.  First day on any job is intimidating, but you'll be fine after a few days.

Check back w/your client to see if everything is okay.  If  you forget and then remember to go back, explain that this is your first day...it's OKAY!  Your clients will respect your honesty.

Answer 8

knowing the menu id fine, knowing the cocktail list is fine as well, get to know the costumers, acknoledge them, and they will accept you as their server. be friendly, smile naturally, be warm. keep your eyes open, have eye contact with them, so you'll know if they need something, so they won't have to raise their hands in the restaurant. it's called pay attention. once you go through the first day, you'll see, it'll be easier.

let me know how it went, you might have a few more questions.

i'm in this business since 24 years, here in New-York.

Answer 9

Try not to drop the customers food....at least not in front of the customer.  

One gripe of mine, never let a customer see the bottom of a coffee cup or soft drink / ice tea glass.  

Note on ice tea drinkers.  Many servers do not like them.  Many ice tea drinkers are not cheap but are diabetics and cannot / should not drink most of the other drinks...be nice to them.

Check the food order before dropping it off. Don't give them a chance to complain.  If it isn't right, work on fixing it before you drop it off or be up front on what is causing the delay.

Answer 10

Being friendly can be a good thing, but most people will sooner appreciate, one's being efficient.  I am an old hand at waiting tables, and doing it after my professional job, a couple nights a week.  There are two types of servers, one that wants to get them fed and out the door, and those who want to build a client base that they can count on for an income.  The second is considered 'old school'.

You can either make good money, on a basis of how the business is doing.  Or you can create a basis of income, money coming in on a regular basis, no matter if the business is slow.  I prefer the second.  I have regular customers, who leave regular tips, who are in my section, every time they come in.

First, get your self a folded order book.  They are available every where.  When you go to work every day, write the specials, the soups, the entrees on special and the name of one appitizer you know very well, desserts.  Knowing these at the table, is a huge difference than having them wait, while you find out.

If you are working in a high end dining room, then you will likely not see those customers on a regular basis.  So, you have to make your impression first time.  These are the more expensive restaurants.

If you are working in a middle income, or "Run of a Joe" style, or family restaurant, then you need to make your self more efficient than the rest.  This will give you to lead.  

Always ask direct questions, and look them in the face.  

If they are regulars learn their names.  Make others who are not regulars, welcome, by showing an interest in their names.

When you see a regular in another station, or someone you have waited on, acknowledge them.  Walk over and say hello.  Use their names if you remember.  Tell them you are glad to see them back.  If they are waiting to be greeted, offer to get drinks for that table.  Many older servers won't let you near their regular customers for that reason.  If you are the first person they see on a return visit, then they will seek you out next time.  If you see someone just sitting waiting, make eye contact and either offer a drink, or a simple, "Some one will be right with you."

Do not talk to tables from other tables, always stand directly at the table and talk.  This will save you from the mistake I made.  I was clearing a table, and the table beside me, hadn't been greeted yet.  I asked, "Ladies, she should be right with you.  Can I get you some thing to drink?"  The dude with his back to me, with the hair down to his waist, wasn't too happy.  When he turned around, he had a full beard.

Using ma'am and sir are sure fire ways, to prevent mistakes.  Some people will correct you, saying they aren't old enough, or their father was called sir.  Yes, this is rude on their part, but over look it.  Just say, well, I don't know your name, so I use the safer method, than "Hey you."  They will tell you their first name every time, trust me.

Do not assume things.  The lady that looks like she could deliver any time, might not be pregnet.  I have been there.

The older man sitting with the lady, young enough to be his grand daughter, might find humor in it where you ask "Do you think your grand daughter might want another drink?"  But, when she returns from the bathroom and he jokingly tells her, she won't find it one bit funny.

Same with older ladies.  They find no sense of humor, in the question, "Do you think your grand son will like dessert menu."  They usually leave in a huff, and don't tip well after you tick them off.

Always ask the person directly.  Use Sir and Ma'am, miss or mister, he or she.  Stay away from Sweetie, Honey, Dear, Sugar.  They all sound trashy.

Remember, jobs are meant as work, other wise they would be called play.  You are at work.  Keep your area clean, swept and tables clear.  Chairs should be wiped clean, using a different towel.

Look at waiting tables as I do.  I am borrowing a station, the dishes, the machines, the silverware, food products and like, and selling not only their products but my personality.  Keeping it clean makes people feel welcome.

Answer 11

okay well first thing is the coustomers are the one who gives tips and if you have a bad attitude and you do a bad job serving they wount give you a nice tip. be super super friendly keep coming back and asking if they need repilfs, musturd ,anything, just dont come to often because it can get annoying. just pretend your a coustomer how would you want your server to act. so good luck i'm sure you will do great =]

Answer 12

Never, never, never say anything in regards to a tip...I have a friend that got a great tip from a woman, and graciously accepted it, and said "thank-you". The woman then went to my friend's general manager, and said that my friend was sarcastic about the amount of the tip, and demanded that my friend be fired.  The best thing to do, is not go back to the table to bus it until the customers have left.  There are some really cheap people out there that do not even leave a tip, so save your disappointment/anger until after your shift, or back in the kitchen.