What is an example of above-and-beyond service you have received or given in a restaurant?

Question

I am looking for ways that our restaurant staff can go above-and-beyond in giving superior guest service. Please share your ideas or memorable experiences - whether it was from a server, host, bartender, cook, manager or delivery driver.

Answer 1

My favorite restaurants are those that remember me when I visit.  I like feeling that the owners and staff are happy to see me and share in a good culinary experience.

It's great when the owner or manager stops by for a chat or shares a glass of wine with us.

Answer 2

Parents with small children present lots of opportunities for great service.

If your restaurant offers bread service, have the server cut a piece into small bits for the toddlers

Serve the children's food first, before the parent's

Offer coloring books/crayons

Offer the children's beverages in cups w/ lids, if that's not possible, offer them in small glasses that are easier for little hands.

Hosts can move silverware, glasses or other kid-unfriendly items away from the children's seating area when seating a table.

Many years ago I worked in a chain restaurant located in a mall. I was serving a family with a little one that only drank apple juice, which we didn't carry. I had a buddy spot my station and I walked to a drugstore around the corner and purchased apple juice for the child. This made a big impression on the parents, who became weekly regulars.

Anticipating needs is one key to great service. Teach your staff to think "what would I need if I were a guest". For example, offering extra napkins with messy items w/out being requested to. If guests are sharing an entree, split it in the kitchen w/ no extra charge and w/out asking the guest.

Servers can offer to make change in advance for large parties that are likely to want to split a check, or they can offer to do separate checks when the first take the order.

Front-of-house staff can do a lot to serve their internal guests, the kitchen. Waitstaff can offer soda or water to hot and stressed line cooks or dishwashers. Teach the FOH folks to respect the hard work and tough conditions that the BOH folks work in. You'd be amazed at how good BOH/FOH relations translate into the dining room and your customers' dining experience.

Answer 3

CPK gave us a free meal for their noodles not being cooked as long as my wife wanted. We only asked them if they cook take it back to the kitchen and cook a little longer. They did that, but they also let us have the noodles for free. I think this is amazingly wonderful service, and we have eaten there often because of this service.