I know - not the most exciting topic and you probably know this already, but I want to make sure we get this. Your restaurant's management, coworkers, and guests will judge you based on your appearance before they even consider your competence and wonderful personality.

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The guests' p...

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Two most important aspects of clothing: 1. Clean/ neat/ pressed 2. Fit well

What ties your outfit together? Your pants. For real.

What are your guests seeing up close every time you serve a plate/ glass? Your nails. Think about it.

Once more, it's about looking put together. Simply ...

It really doesn't matter HOW you structure your book, but there has to be a consistent structure -- a system of sorts. Writing randomly all over different sheets a paper is a great way to create anxiety for yourself.

Take the time to learn to carry 3 glasses. Better yet, 5. Trays are fine if you're comfortable with them (and possibly required at your restaurant), but using your hands to carry 3-4-5 glasses out is simply faster.

This is a surprisingly useful skill in daily life too....

I don't believe there ...

Take the time to learn to carry plates right. It'll save you time in the long run, and you won't ever need to be anxious about dropping plates at work.

Thumb and pinky are spread wide and hook over the edges. Then my middle three fingers are spread out underneath which hold the weight along with...

I don't love trays and this restaurant required use of trays to serve entrees.

I was horribly nervous until one moment I decided it's possible I'll drop all the food, it'll be a huge mess with a ton of noise, the kitchen will freak out having to remake the entrees, the guests will be pissed hav...

Here’s the general system:

1. Find the plate with the most food on it that you wouldn't be able to stack another plate on top of. It has chicken bones on it, half a burger, etc.

2. Hold it like you brought it out -- thumb and pinky hooked over edge with three fingers underneath. Your palm is su...

All that is left on your table should be linen and glassware when your guests leave.

Better for guests and whoever is pre busing this table as it's not guaranteed to be you.

Recognize that nothing magically gets done. Someone has to do it.

So when you don't pre bus and leave a disaster on yo...

A Mexican kitchen gangster once taught me how to do this right.

Ever since, I've looked down upon those who can't match my output and perfection. :)

Rapport: a connection of sorts where both parties feel comfortable and are on the same page.

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If guests just arrived and are at the table exchanging hugs and kisses with their friends OR you're busy diverting a crisis, let them get situated/ get yourself situated before approaching.

Typically, however, try to get to the table within 1-2 minutes of guests sitting down.

When g...

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Why do I have a general, flexible template for how I greet tables?
Situations vary and warrant varied responses.
So that my delivery is not so scripted that it sounds robotic and stale.
So that I'm not having to make up something new with every approach.

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I view my relation to the guests as relatively equal; both humans worthy of respect but in different roles. They're my guests, I'm their host; the inverse could be true tomorrow if I visit their place of business for a desired service.

Before asking about drinks, I try to establish so...

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Guests are often more interested in drink recommendations after they've looked over drink selection.

If guests don't need time to look over bar selection and know what they'd like to drink, I put the orders in and often serve waters while waiting on bar to make drinks.
*Be mindful, h...

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Reasons I want every table to get an appetizer:
It's a quick way to get the table temporarily situated - especially if I'm too busy to take orders and/ or kitchen is backed up.
Puts guests more at ease while waiting to order/ receive their entrees.
Increase sales at the table (which w...

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When asking about appetizers, I ask if they'd like me to get them a specific item (or two).

I ask guests if they would like an 'appetizer' because:
'Appetizer' is an undefined, vague label that holds no inherent appeal.
Calamari (for example) sounds more appetizing than the word appe...

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If they reject my offer to get them an appetizer (and I don't have time to take entree orders), I tell them to take their time looking over the menu, and I'll be by shortly to discuss menu/ answer questions.

If they reject my offer to get them an appetizer (and I have time), I transi...

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Not every table will move through the dining experience at the same pace. Nor will each table want the same level of interaction. When can I start picking up on this?
When I first approach.

When I drop the appetizer, this is another good opportunity to assess my table. What am I payi...

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If another server drops the app, ideally I can follow right behind to check in/ make assessment. If I am too busy and can't do that, it's okay. That's one reason I sold the app. They're situated, and I've bought myself some time before I really need to get to the table.

If table look...

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If I've approached my table multiple times already about ordering to no avail, and I need them to start making some decisions (maybe I need the table or I'm about be get busy with a party), what's one thing I can do?
Approach and offer recommendations.
"Can I offer you some recommenda...

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I build trust through authenticity, reliability, timeliness, and menu/ operation knowledge-base.

My recommendations won't hold much weight if they can't trust me.
What is the simplest way to build trust? Do what you say when you say you'll do it.

Understanding the operation allows ...

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I offer recommendations as necessary in order to help guests narrow down options and ultimately make a decision they can feel good about.

When providing recommendations, I often ask guests questions such as "what are you in the mood for?" Why?
To better know what to recommend.

When ...

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When taking orders, For you ma'am? And for you sir? What can I get you ma'am? What would you like sir?
*All the nice language you learned growing up ;)

I collect menus, AFTER everyone tells me their order so I'm not juggling menus and orders and people's attention.
*If your restaura...

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After taking orders, I first see if there are other orders I can take in my section, then pre-bus, then put in orders.

FULL HANDS IN, FULL HANDS OUT
This is the best way to manage your workflow and get as much done as possible with each trip AND improve the operation of the restauran...

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In order to give a) guests enough time to enjoy appetizer and b) myself enough time to reset before entrees come, I learn entree average ticket times and track current ticket times. I also track my tables progress on the appetizer.

If entrees are coming out soon, and guests haven't f...

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As I move through my section, I'm always scanning tables. I'll often have my eyes glued to the table and don't need to pretend that I'm not scanning, but I avoid locking eyes and staring into the guest's soul.

I move through my section and scan tables in order to 1) notice items to c...

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A lot of people will take another round if you ask them, but won't flag you down to ask.

Best way to sell more drinks is to be on top of things, anticipate needs of guests, be proactive, and move with a sense of urgency. Ya heard?

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Why do I make sure to set the table up (clear app plates, replace silver, second rounds, etc.) to receive the entrees? For all reasons below:
So guests are positioned to seamlessly continue meal.
So whoever runs my food doesn't need to do anything.
So once the food is delivered I can ...

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Easiest way to get guest's attention when serving entree: announce name of dish.

Your restaurant may require you serve from the left which is what you'll do.
But I typically just serve from the side that makes the most sense (the side guests can see me from, side with greatest openi...

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A guest request is anything they need to start/ continue enjoying their meal. (fork, ketchup, etc)

If an issue arises (missing fork, steak isn't cooked right, etc), I immediately handle it. I DON'T repeatedly apologize and express remorse or echo back the problem and what I intend to...

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After serving plates, checking in, and knowing everyone's happy, I leave them alone to enjoy it, but continue scanning the table.

Some restaurants will require you to wait for every person to finish completely before pre-busing. If that's their policy, you'll respect that. But I get ...

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Pre-busing entrees helps me move guests through, generate volume, and better scan tables.

I make more sales and thus greater income NOT by identifying tables that are likely to spend more and really investing myself completely into that one table, but by providing attentive service t...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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 ...