Being a server can be a very difficult job in the foodservice industry, but at the same time, it can be one of the most rewarding jobs. More than just being able to serve food, they must be mind readers, hosts, acrobats, customer service reps, and so much more. But over time, being a server can become one of the most rewarding jobs. Here are some tips on how to become a great server.
1. Find the Best System That Works for you
Whenever you start at a different restaurant, chances are they’ll probably have a different standard of being a server. What matters most is finding a universal system that you can adapt to every job in the foodservice industry. Let’s say you’re at a restaurant that offers a three-course meal. A simple system to help get orders down faster would be to write down “1,2,3” once the table has ordered. Cross out each number as you continue to bring the guests their three-course meal.
In doing so, you can keep track of what the guests have their food. Also always be sure that you’re double-checking orders for accuracy. As long as you can come up with your organizational method of ensuring that you can deliver 100% satisfaction.
2. Learn the Menu
This is easier said than done. You can learn a menu but truly knowing a menu is asking a guest what their taste preference is and making a recommendation based on that. If a customer prefers a light meal such as a salad you wouldn’t recommend them a 12 oz. ribeye.
By studying a menu, you’re able to build rapport with a guest by knowing their taste preference. Along with this, you can ask a guest if they have any allergies so they can recommend food that steers away from their allergy.
3. Remember the Customer’s Face
Always remember a customer’s face. If they’re new, you can leave a lasting impression that’ll make them come back. Not only will they come back, but they’ll also request you if you remember them. When customers feel recognized, they feel more comfortable. Being a good server means remembering their favorite order and what they like and what they don’t like. Recognizing a customer’s face is the first step in establishing a long term relationship.
4. Be Authentic as Possible
The number one thing you can do as a server is always be yourself. But be able to read a table’s personality. If the table isn’t in the mood to converse, do not try to engage in a conversation. But always make sure to be friendly. If guests want to interact, it can build a long-lasting relationship to interact with them. It can increase loyalty to the restaurant as well as increase tips that you receive.
It can be easy to become robotic when serving because you turn on your server persona, but guests can sometimes see through this and will appreciate your authenticity. This proof is furthered in a study published by the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. In the study, the researchers mention that those that are more friendly tend to get tipped more. But what does being friendly entail? In the study they use, dispositional gratitude, extraversion, friendliness, and generosity to help define what can help servers receive better tips.
5. Never Give a Negative Answer
Anytime a guest asks you a question you should never reply with an answer that connotes uncertainty and finality. Anytime you’re asked a question you don’t know the answer to, never reply with “I don’t know”. There are so many replies that can make a guest feel so much more assured than that. Here is a list of things you can say when you’re unsure of answer that a customer just asked:
- I’ll go find out
- Let me ask my manager
- One second while I go find out
- I’ll go check with someone else just to confirm
These help keep the flow of the conversation while still keeping your authority as a server. It connotes that you do know the answer, but you just need to confirm with someone to strengthen the confirmation.
As with any skill, these take time to improve and focus on. If you’re new in the foodservice industry, it can take some time to find your footing in what kind of server you want to become. After every shift, reflect on what you felt like you could have improved on and what you feel like you did well. Never take constructive criticism negatively and always ask for feedback from your peers. With these tips, you can become a great server and maximize your serving potential.