Dining Experience Lectures

Dining Experience Lectures

This is designed to give you a better conceptual understanding of serving. Try to think of the lessons as frameworks from which to approach your work and not rules.

There is no one exact way to do things. All restaurants vary, all shifts vary, all tables vary and thus require varied approaches.
We're trying teaching you how to think about each stage of dining - not exactly how to conduct each stage of dining.
Make sense?

We can't assume anything of your existing knowledge and have to start at zero.

Some of it you may know already, but I can assure you there is plenty in here that you likely haven't considered or is at the very least worth reviewing.

Hope you enjoy, gain value from this, and ultimately, learn to earn in more upscale restaurants.

Subscribe Share
Dining Experience Lectures
  • How to sell dessert, how not to sell dessert

    KEY POINTS

    I sell dessert the same way I sell appetizers. Would you like me to get you some ice cream? (for example)

    If I sell dessert, it's my responsibility to get the table to set up to receive the dessert.

    I don't always offer dessert depending on situation. If I need the table for another...

  • Getting checks

    KEY POINTS

    What are the only things left on the table when I drop checks?
    Linen and glassware

    If they are engaged in conversation when I pre-bus (entree plates), I get caught up on other things then approach.

    I sometimes have the check ready before asking about the check, but I'm mindful of ma...

  • Saying goodbye

    KEY POINTS

    After dropping the checks, I check with peripheral vision if they've put card out. I don't really want them to see me eager to collect payment.

    After collecting cards/ cash, I go straight to register and straight back.

    I drop the check, step back, pause, and say, thanks for coming i...

  • The server holds the cards

    KEY POINTS

    The only thing I can control is my performance.

    Income generally reflects perceived value contributed to market. I can't extract without contribution.

    By letting go of financial outcome, guests hold no power over me.

  • Excellent service. No more, no less

    KEY POINTS

    The service I provide to every table: Excellent. no more, no less.
    * DOES NOT depend on how much I think they'll tip me.

    If I don't earn much from one table, I relax knowing I'll make more from the next.

  • Money is a by-product

    KEY POINTS

    Before blaming the restaurant and its guests, I assess my performance.

    For days you really don’t care about the world nor the people in it, try to perform well for the sake of respecting your own standards. Your performance says more of you than it does of the job itself.

    Thank you ...