Waiting tables and serving drinks is hard work and greatly underestimated. What is hospitality when waiting tables and how do you make the best of it?
We already covered the fact of taking care of yourself and your clothing. If your first appearance is shabby, the game is lost.
Depending on your type of establishment, rules of waiting tables might vary. However, the basics remain the same:
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Be open, welcoming and smiling
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Know the products which you are serving and have answers to common questions
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Do NOT cater to every need of a difficult and annoying guest
This last one might need some explanation.
We have all guests to serve and care about. Some guests might have unreasonable or impossible requests. This person makes it impossible for you to care for others in your restaurant and without a doubt will make you less happy. Do not ‘crouch on all fours’ making something happen for the needy guest when it is not reasonable. It takes away from the right other guests have to receive 100% commitment of the server.
Some other advice:
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Keep your head clear, take time to re-organize
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Note everything which might be of any importance in a computer or on a notepad
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Be prepared for a rush, have everything (menus, cutlery, etc.) ready as close by as possible
Personal note:
Waiting tables can be quite tough, especially when you are not in control. The biggest fail is not being ready for the amount of people of you will have. It makes you stressed and you might feel the need to run to get everything done. Running to me is an absolute no-go as it is a clear sign you are not on top of your work and something is wrong. How can a guest relax and enjoy his or her experience, knowing the person taking care of them is not in control?
Sincerely,
Den The Man