What would you like your waitress to be ?

Question

Ok, I work as a waitress part time and it is my 1st time as a waitress. So, I would like to ask you guys out there on how to be a good waitress.

When you guys go out to a restaurant, what would you expect most and least from a waitress ? Keep the comments coming because I will really need them to improve my work skill :) and hopefully, more tips !!!

Thanks !

Answer 1

Be nice, be courteous, SMILE SMILE SMILE!

Most annoying thing to me is they always manage to ask me how the food is when my mouth is full... I like it better when you make eye contact as you zoom by so if there's a problem I can call you.

Oh and don't bring me the bill as I'm finishing up, it's so rude to get rushed out of the restaurant when you're barely done chewing.

Answer 2

AHH.. my sister is (as she calls it) a professional waitress, and as she just had to write a paper for college about her work, she WROTE anout just that.. These are what she listed as the keys to success (and to $$$)

1- SMILE!! (even when you aren't smiling inside, smile outside.. a grim look won't get you more $$)

2- APPEARANCE- be clean, clean hands, clean nails.  also.. be WELL GROOMED. it doesn't matter if you work in a 5 star restuarant or in a local diner, people appreciate the time you put into your appearance.  (THIS WILL HELP!!!)

3- BE FRIENDLY - you can fake it if you have to, but no one wants a grumpy waitress.

4- PATIENCE - hungry people are the hardest to please.  be patient.. it will pay off.  remember.. customers always right, even when they're wrong.

5- PAY ATTENTION - to the customers, check on them when you get a chance.  Make sure they don't have to ASK for anything.  If there are KIDS, pay them extra attention.  If the kids are happy, so are the parents.

6- BE KNOWLEDGEABLE - of the menu.  Alot of people have allergies and may want to know if a selection contaihns nuts or dairy.  When you don't know the answer, don;t get embarrassed.  Just say - 'You know, I;m not sure, let me double check' and ask someone who does know.

7- DON'T JUDGE - the people that seem to have money don't always tip well and visa-versa.  Treat EVERYONE with the same consideration.

GOOD LUCK SWEETIE!  hope it helps!

Answer 3

look and act hot.

Answer 4

Although it doesn;t work on me and would probably negatively affect your tip downward, my old server friend said he got better tips by - crouching down to the eye level of the customer when taking orders, and by touching the customer who will be paying at least once on the shoulder.



As for me, keep your hands off me, and just do everything as efficiently as possible.

Answer 5

OK really important one   READY???? ALWAYS WHEN YOUR TABLE SITS ALWAYS ASK TO TAKE DRINK ORDERS IF THEY SIT FOR MORE THAN 2 MINUTES AND HAVEN'T SEEN U THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY NOT LIKE YOU BE QUICK !!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

First, a GREAT listener.

Waiting, serving, helping customers is not just about making subtle suggestions but to be sensitive to the 'vibe' of the patron(s).  

Second, must have what I'd call "an economy of movement" - meaning: less steps equals more efficiency.  If you have to drop a drink order and fetch soup and salt and hot sauce, and stop to drop a check and return to answer a question, juggle with planning.  Try not to keep running around to seem busy (which actually looks like you don't know what you're doing!)  

Third: Love your kicthen staff... every single person, fromt he chef to the after hours clean-up guy.  They'll probably save your butt when you need them - clean a dish you need; make changes to an order YOU messed up... generally, it's a very good idea to be nice, kind and friendly with The Kitchen.  You're just the server: the patrons come for the food - even when you're just working in a local pub!

Answer 7

JUST BE SWEET AND NICE. DRESS APPROPRIATELY....AND JUST COME BACK NOT TO OFTEN TO SEE IF WE NEED ANYTHING ELSE OR RE-FILLS. AND NEVER BRING THE TAB BEFORE WE ARE DONE EATING

Answer 8

I find that waitresses who are smiling when they greet you and are pleasant throughout the dining experience are individuals who will receive big tips from me and my husband.

A friendly waitress is a big plus. Also, try to be helpful when a customer is not sure of a menu item. Always be upbeat and thoughtful.

The last thing any patron wants is a nasty waitress who would rather chomp on chewing gum and twirl their hair and be anywhere but waiting on tables.

Further, just a piece of friendly advice, always wear proper shoes..you are on your feet for a long time. Trust me, I know.

Answer 9

**always smile

**draw a smiley face on their receipt, reoccuring customers like this and they'll give you nicer tips next time!

**ask how is everything (but not too much, overkill can be annoying)

**at the end ask "did you enjoy your meal"

**always, always check frequently for empty glasses, customers HATE to wait for a waiter/ress that takes forever to get them another drink - this will really effect your tip!

Answer 10

Don't make me look for you.

Do check on beverages once down to two thirds.

Eye contact. If I am a regular, know my name.

If I am a regular, say hi to me even when I am sitting in someone elses area.

Keep me informed regarding the status of my order. I'd rather be told there is a hold up than kept waiting.