I just got hired to be a waiter at a local restaurant. Does anyone have tips?

Question

Customers, I would like your advice. What do you like waiters to do, not to do? Remember, I have never done waiting and this is my first paid job.

Answer 1

Take drink and appetizer order the first time you see your customers at the table.  Return with the drinks promptly and with the appetizer(s) as soon as they come up.  Ask if they are ready to order or if they would like more time when you bring the drinks and when you bring the appetizers (if they needed more time at the drink).  Don't be fake, but don't bring your problems to the restaurant either.  Remember people are there to enjoy themselves and that is a part of your job.  Write down their order so you don't forget it and never let their drinks go dry.  Be sure to get their food out as soon as it comes up and try to anticipate their needs.  For example, bring out ketchup when someone orders fries, always bring out extra napkins if you use paper ones.  Be sure to ask all pertinent questions at the time of ordering, like how do you want your steak done.  And always know what the kitchen is out of BEFORE you take orders.  Nothing worse than finding out the restaurant is out of the special ten minutes after you order.  Lastly, be sure  to have fun and enjoy the job and that will be reflected in your tips.

Answer 2

Great question! Be attentive and SMILE. Try to have a good time, if you are having a good time it makes the customers feel good, too. Always bring extra napkins with the food and ask if there is anything else they need. Come back right away with it if there is, chances are they will not start eating without it and will get annoyed if taked too long. Come back a few minutes after you've brought the food to ask how it is. and then just watch the body language. You'll probably be able to tell when they are done and/or if they are trying to get your attention, but don't make them feel rushed by hovering. Good luck with your new job!

Answer 3

Smile a lot, even if you don't feel like it.

Try to anticipate people's needs.

I like it when servers are friendly, but I don't like being called "hon" or "sweetie."

I also don't like it when servers squat down to take my order.

Check back within two bites, two sips or two seconds of anything you serve.

Remember to say "Thank you" and "Goodbye."

Never badmouth customers, coworkers, or managment while you're at work. You never know who might overhear you, and it makes you look bad.

Answer 4

Be nice, patient, and act like you care =] hah

Answer 5

Always smile and if they crack a joke just laugh and pretend it's funny even if you feel like choking them. The customer is always right so just do as they say.

Answer 6

If they have children ALWAYS pay attention to them.  Parents always love hearing how cute their kids are:-)

Answer 7

You got a lot of great advice but here are a few more tips.

Make sure you great new customers in your sections as soon as you see them, if you are busy and can't get to them right away let them know... say Hi, I will be right with you.  Customers like to know that you know they are there.  

Try to make your life and the customers dinning experience great by making sure they have everything they need that goes with the food they ordered when you are serving the food, ie if they ordered fish make sure they have tartar sauce or cocktail sauce when you bring the food.  Make sure you refill drinks before food comes out, people tend to drink more once the food comes.  

NEVER talk about tips(good or bad) in a place a customer may over hear, even if it isn't your customers.

Treat the Kitchen staff as you want them to treat you...  if something gets screwed up it is natural to tell the customer it is the kitchen's fault but no matter what never tell the kitchen it is their fault.  

Good Luck!

Answer 8

you need to be attentive alwys smile and be helpful know your menu. well groomin is importnt and know your customer they apreciate it if you remember them in there next visit

Answer 9

There are alot of tips I could give you....but I believe that if your customers has kids make sure you acknowledge them, put their order in first. Parents appreciate it. Just remenber that small children has about 15-20 minutes of good time after that they get bored.

Answer 10

Remember your actual wages will be bad, you'll be relying on tips. Cheerful, efficient, polite and unobtrusive service will get you far.

Answer 11

Be cheerful and attentive and if it is a family with small children set the drinks and food well out of the children's reach. Good luck.