How to wait tables
94Everything you need to know to wait tables
I've been in the food service industry from the ripe old age of 14. I've worked in delicatessens, diners, sit-down lunch eateries and even upscale restaurants. Over the years I've developed some techniques and had a few lessons stuffed under my belt from my experience... these I would like to impart to you. J
1) There is ALWAYS something to do
The older waittresses never hesitate to let the new bussers know this. Just when you think that you've cleared every table, put away every glass, replaced every sugar holder, your co-worker reminds you that there are lemons to be cut, tea to brew... windows to wash. If there's a broken appliance no one in the restaurant can fix, call an expert and make sure you've done everything you can to make up for its absence.
And if there really isn't anything that needs to be done, then your boss probably would have sent you home already. So there.
2) Don't take away a plate unless there's nothing on it or you ask
It's pretty bad if you try to take away someone's food while they're still eating it. Even if they're friendly about it (and humans instinctively aren't too keen on having food stolen), I still feel bad if I intrude in that way.
3) Keep friendliness at an appropriate level
It depends on the environment of the restaurant. Local diners, for instance, are more permissive and maybe even approving of extra chatter. However, patrons of fancy restaurants tend to be more reclusive and solitary, wanting to remain solely in their own company. Loquaciousness can lose you tips.
4) Be able to BS
This is a quality I have developed over the years. If I don't know what the special is, I BS. If I'm not sure what the salad is made of, I BS. I mean, if there's time to ask the chefs, then I'm more than willing to try. But if it's so busy I can't even remember where we are, then ok, there's no choice but to bust out my skills.
5) Keep on top of the crowd
Falling behind sucks. Royally. So if you have the time, make sure every ketchup is filled, the receipt printer has enough paper and ink, and there's enough silverware to last all day. And try to expect anything. The computer might die, you might run out of food, a swarm of bees might approach the patio... yeah, it happens.
This applies to when customers are seated, too. If you have a second and you see a half-filled glass, fill it up.
6) Wear comfortable shoes
If you're doing your job right, you're walking around a lot (maybe even running). And if you're doing this, you'll need good shoes. You can't be afraid to spend money on workclothes; they need to feel good but look good too.
7) Always take a tray with you
You might just be taking out a cup of coffee to someone, but on the way back you might see a table needing to be cleared. You should be ready with a tray so you don't need to make an extra trip. Also, it looks nicer if you have a tray.
8) Have good people skills
Nothing will kill a tip like snubbing customers. While there are some people whom you just can't please, there are definitely some waiters and waitresses that lose out with an impatient gesture or rude remark. You don't own the tip; you earn it. Personally I get good tips if I'm smiling; people seem to like to see their servers laughing and enjoying themselves so they feel more free to be happy as well.
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
Oh, hey. I have been a server since I was 18. It's helped put me threw college and now paying for Grad School. And I laughed at this entire thing. In ten years I have never had a complaint and I don't do any of those things. If you are just REAL to people and not a moron, you will be fine.
It helped put you THREW college? Ha. But I agree with you. I didn't do any of this either. Though I am out of the food industry now (THANK GOD) I cleared an insane amount of money because of just knowing how to communicate with people. It also helped me obtain my BA.
How can you not wear comfortable shoes? Haha, but anyway, I see what you mean about just being real and communicating well, but the tips also apply to how you wait tables with coworkers. I hated it when I would have to do the background work because no one else was, and waiters and waittresses I worked with who have been in the industry for longer than you guys probably were said the same thing, and taught me all I know.
The motto at Cheesecake Factory was "Time to lean, time to clean".
I was a server for years and enjoyed every minute of it. I agree with the writer of this article. Some of the reviews of the article are negative. "Im a great waiter and I dont use any of this stuff...bla, bla, bla". Most waiters are not half as good as they think. In fact, most waiters suck. Leaving a tip has become part of our culture. The key to better tips is not good service, its getting the ticket total up. So...waiters need to learn to sell, sell, sell.
Waiters need to learn to not work for tips. Most other countries don't do this, and don't give me the excuse that their service is worse. If a establishment wants good service they should pay their servers. I hate tipping more that I hate cleaning the bathroom. Not to say that I don't tip, actually always tip.
The fact of the matter is that most waiters/waitresses are a lot shittier at their job than they like to think. But, the main reason I hate tipping is because the 20% or 30% rule don't always apply. For instance, if my meal is 3.00$ and I leave $0.60 on the table you are going to go fucking retarded about the money. Now, if my meal is 100$ and I leave 15$ you are still going to go retarded about the tip.
The way I see it, is that if you have 5 tables/hr and each table leaves 2$ no matter the cost of the meal, you are making 10$/hr. 10$/hr for someone who has no formal education, or real technical skills is pretty good.
And don't get all huffy and puffy talking about your bullshit art degree and the fact that you wait tables. Waiting REQUIRES NO EDUCATION OR SKILL. It should be left for highschool kids. If you are 30 years old and waiting tables, and still bitching about bad tips, you are a moron.
Get a real skill, find a new job, open a banking account, and learn how to spend your money wisely.
P.S. If there are typos and grammatical errors, I really don't care. So don't make that a point of argument or defense.
O.O
Ok.
It is very hard for me to read Nathan's comments. I held a college degree, worked in corporate America for 18 years, went through a divorce, became a single mom, and needed a job where I could spend time with my daughter. So, I went to work as a waitress. I loved the job. In my mind, I was a sales person. I just happened to sell food. There is nothing wrong in making a career out of waiting tables. The job is physical in nature, and requires the ability to interact with the public. However, I found it to be quite profitable. I was pulling in anywhere from $100.00 to $250.00 a day for six hours of work. It allowed me to work when my daughter was at school and be home with her the rest of the time. To me, it was better then working 100 hours a week bringing home only $350.00 after taxes.
I was not going after the job description. When you have children to provide for, pride goes out the window! I was going after the lifestyle that it afforded me. Personally, I am grateful for my time as a waitress. It has allowed me to view the serving profession as a valuable service to my fellow man. Also, it gave me a better appreciation of the individuals that work in that profession. I guess if you are prideful and stuck up you would see it in a different light.
However, I see it as a blessing. It takes a very special individual to serve another. That quality is not born into everyone. There is no shame in serving another. However, there is shame in being a pampas *ss.
I agree, cluense; those comments were pretty harsh! I, like you, didn't really care about pride when I worked at a restaurant... I had to make money to go to college! I made enough to put myself through state school and graduate, and I'm proud of it now... I couldn't have done it without working at the restaurant!
You should be proud of that! It is quite an accomplishment to not only graduate with a college degree, but to know that you earned the money to pay for it! Wow, you should be proud of yourself, I know that I am proud of you! Never have any regrets in life. Know that you did what you had to do to get the task accomplished. There are a lot of Natahan's in this word, However, you must rise above and shine no mater what. I know you will go far in this world. I will pray for your continued wisdom. Life is not easy. However, life is what you make of it. So far, your doing just fine!
First of all, this is a great hub, and funny. I am fond of number 4 myself... "i'm sorry the espresso machine is broken, cup of coffee instead?" sometimes you're too busy as a server to get back and make a latte...there's a starbucks across the street.
Secondly, Nathan's words are pretty harsh, and I think i speak for everyone when i say that negativity like that doesn't benefit anyone. tisk tisk. I'm happy working 5 hours a day and making money to pay off college loans, plus getting days off for trips is easy. Another thing Nathan, leaving waiting tables up to highschool kids is an asshole of an idea... relax. Keep up the good hubs.
barryrutherford says:
2 years ago
Nice blog. Also I always used to serve from the right take away from the left.
And smile all the time if you can...best way to get tips..