Jan 27 2010

Proper Etiquette For Waiters In Restaurants

Published by Adriana Noton at 12:10 pm under Food & Beverage

Perfectly good dining experiences at restaurants can be ruined by a few ill thought out actions by waiters. Some things should always be done by servers and some should never be done. To most diners, these things seem obvious. But to a lot of waiters they go by the wayside. Here are a few basics that every waiter should know.

To begin with, you should never bother the patrons by standing around their tables when they are trying to eat. After the food has been served, wait a few minutes and then go check to make sure everything is satisfactory. Then leave them alone to eat in peace. If they need you for anything, they will try to get your attention. So keep an eye on everyone in case somebody is trying to get your attention.

When they are deciding what to order, don\’t be impatient or rush them. Ask them if they\’d like a few minutes to look over the menu. Then actually wait a few minutes before returning to see whether they are ready. If they have trouble deciding what they want, don\’t sigh or roll your eyes. It really should be no big deal to you if they need a little extra time.

If the restaurant customer has a complaint, ALWAYS say you are sorry. Even if you are not. Do not blame them or make excuses. Apologize and tell them that you will find a way to solve the problem. If there is nothing you can do for them about their particular concern, find somebody who can.

Another important topic concerning waiters is removing plates. It is downright shocking how many waiters magically appear the moment a patron\’s fork touches the last piece of food. Before they even have a chance to chew that final bite, the dishes are scooped up and whisked away. This can make the customer feel as though you have been counting down the seconds until they finished so that they can leave. Not good.

One more note on clearing away the dishes. Under no circumstances should you remove one person\’s plate if another person at the table is still eating. It is stunning how many waiters do this. For one thing, it can make the person still eating feel uncomfortable and that he or she should stop. It is like you are setting the pace for their meal. That is not your job.

Some other basics in don\’ts are: don\’t shout. Don\’t point at a customer. Never touch a customer or any of their personal belongings. No gum chewing, fidgeting with your hair, arguing with other waiters within earshot of people eating and no cigarette smoking in sight of them. Do not yawn or act bored or tell the customers that you can\’t wait until 9pm when you can go home. They don\’t need to feel as though waiting on them is unpleasant for you. And seriously, don\’t solicit tips or count them in front of the guests.

Just be pleasant. Always make sure your uniform is clean and pressed and that your hair is combed and neat. Make sure each customer gets at least one smile and speak to them politely. Be sure to thank them before they leave and tell them you were happy to serve them. Even if you weren\’t.

In the city known for its popular vacation destinations for Vancouver travel, have an enjoyable dining experience at the many accessible restaurants. Also, when purchasing Vancouver real estate, you may want to consider an area with lots of options for delicious foods.

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