Waiting tables - how often do I check?

Question

I've always wondered about this. I've been serving for 7 months and I think I'm pretty good at it except for one thing - I can't decide how often I should check on my tables.

I greet them, bring appetizers and drinks, and usually come by occasionally to pre-bus and ask if things are good thus far. Then when they get their entres I pretty much just keep an eye on them until I see they need refills and/or the wave me over. Sometimes I walk by and stop to make sure things are good.

Is there any time intervals I should do checks (like every 10 or 15 minutes)? Do I just check on them often or watch them and only go up a couple of times? I never know if I'm bothering them or making them think I'm ignoring them.

I'm the kind of diner who likes to be left alone but I know a lot of people aren't like that.

Answer 1

You're on the right track and your thought process of doing unto others as you wish they would do unto you is the right place to be in your approach.

The rule and best thing you can do is you make yourself "available" and your presence "known" without having to actually  speak to the table and ask the annoying and constant "Is everything OK?".

The assumption in high end restaurants is that everything is "OK, and even better than OK" so one shouldn't have to ask, BUT... if something is needed then making your presence known and available is the best plan.

There is nothing WORSE then the annoying server that constantly asks "can I get you anything" "Is everything ok" and constant upselling.

Answer 2

if you do as you say then your doing a great job!  People go out to eat to be catered too, but that's it they aren't looking for a friend, just keep doing as you are and you'll be fine!  I think for the most part people want to be left alone so they can enjoy each other's company, just be sure you get refills out before they have to ask you for it.

Answer 3

Usually I just walk by when they have their food and check to see if they need any extra sauces, drink refills and see how the food is. Then I walk by every 5 minutes and just look at the table and not say anything, maybe just a smile. I just make myself known around the table so that they know they can ask me for anything.

I don't like when servers hangout around my table and keep asking me if I need anything.

Answer 4

as long as they have your eye dont worry cos they will call you when they need topping up

Answer 5

You should be able to read your  tables, are they conducting bussiness? less follow up, are they elderly, more follow ups, once you have been in this a while you will be able to read them and the signals they send. While you don't want to "hover" you do want them to know you are available. There is a fine line and it will be second nature as long as you learn to read them, and sometimes provide" silent service" good luck.