ALT-28 Nonprofit Service Sector
Of the restaurants that I have worked at, some high end and some just plain old diners, I have learned that people love someone that is happy, and busy. Now that I have a critical eye the worst thing that I see a waitress doing is standing around. People will wait for there food longer if they see you busy getting things done. Even if their food is not ready, and you don't have any thing else to do, pretend that you are busy.
Getting the check to a person is more important than getting food out. Think about it, you are more willing to wait to eat than you are to leave, when you're done, you're done. So if you are stuck trying decide whether you should take the ready food to a table, or bring out the check to another, bring the check. Not getting their checks on time, is the thing that people complain the most about.Wear comfortable shoes, even if you have to spend your whole first check on shoes that will match everything and be comfortable, do it! Believe me when I tell you, it is worth it. Always dress nice and do you hair. If you don't look clean and well dressed then people won't leave you as good a tip.... the more effort you put in, the more reword you will get in the end.If you mess up an order, apologize, don't blame it on anyone else, it will look like you are just trying to pass the buck. If your restaurant will allow it, offer them something free of charge.If someone is being rude to you, NEVER be rude back, show them that you are professional and you can do your job no matter what. And if you need to take a second to wipe away the tears, go back in to the back and do it.... we have all been there.
If you have a customer that comes in and orders the same thing all of the time, make it a point to remember what it is they like, it will make them feel special and will keep them coming back.... that is if they tip well, just joking.When taking an order, don't interrupt... if you need to ask them a question about their order wait until they are done speaking. When serving their food, glance around the table after setting it down. Did you forget anything? If not, ask them if they would like anything extra. If they don't make a polite comment and walk away.
Always keep their water full, that will give them a chance to ask you for something that they need. Don't interrupt customers when they are talking. Don't ask them if they need something every time you go to the table, if they do, they will ask you.
If the food is taking a long time, explain the situation, and thank them for waiting patently.Before they are done eating have the check ready, most likely they will not want desert. When you come to clear there plates, ask them if they want dessert, if they don't hand them the check. If they do, take the check back with you and add the dessert amount on. When you give them the check, if they are done with their food, only wait a couple of minutes to come back and get it. If they are not done with the food, wait until they are.
Last but not least make sure you thank them for coming before they leave. As long as you are friendly, have manners, a willingness to work and you're not to ditsy, you can be a good waitress.
