If guests arrive at the bar, just like anywhere else in your establishment, it is very important to greet them. Depending on your kind of business this can be formal, loose or anything in between.
The most important thing when guests arrive at a bar, is hygiene. The guest doesn’t want his arm wet when placed on the bar or fingers being sticky the moment his hand touched your bartop.
Not to forget when greeting someone at your bar:
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Be sure to stand firm, you are the boss here!
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Look and feel confident, you NEED to be a personality.
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Put out your hand, raise it, wave it, high-five, do something which suits the bar you work in.
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Greet them in a proper way verbally and wipe down the bar in front of their eyes. It really doesn’t matter if it is dirty, just use a dry cloth.
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Hand over a menu or point them towards it, no time to waste. Quick conversion is key at the bar.
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Put down a napkin or whatever you use, but use something. Do this quietly or flashy with some flairtending, just make sure the guests knows you ended the greeting and you’re ready to take the order.
Obviously we use different styles for different bars.
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High volume bartending in a (night)club; a quick flirty smile, just take an order
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Exclusive bartending in upscale restaurant or club; no rush, a neat and clean welcome is preferred
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Casual bartending in simple restaurant or cafe; enthusiasm when welcoming, time to chitchat
Personal note:
I feel it is very important to be a personality behind the bar. Anyone can pour a drink. People visiting your bar, feel the need to interact. Otherwise they might as well take a more comfortable seat at a table. It doesn’t matter if they come alone or as a group. Communicate with them from the start. Get to know them from the very first second and this starts when welcoming your patrons. Ask their name(s) and tell them you are there for them, whatever they might need. Creating such a connection can only happen if your welcoming part is superb. When done right, emptying their pockets should be a walk in the park. I will tell you more about that in another blog.
I have published a short guide to being a great bartender, so have a look(link to bar).
Sincerely,
Den The Man