Efficiently getting drink orders.

Getting drink orders goes along with the greet which is worth reviewing: You are starting a relationship of sorts when you approach your guests. You are going to be working together for the next hour and a half. They don't need to LOVE you nor do you need to be the most charming server ever. But you do need to establish some TRUST and RAPPORT. Rapport is just a connection of sorts where both parties feel like they're in good company.

THEN take drink orders. This entire series is geared more for higher-volume restaurant servers. This video in particular is focused on collecting drink order decisions efficiently and accounting for a potentially backed-up bar. It covers two basic scenarios:

1) your guests not having a clue what they’d like to drink as they’re too immersed in conversation with friends

2) your guests knowing what they’d like to drink -- alcoholic beverages, but there being some time to kill before the drinks are ready to serve.

Concerning the first scenario, I am happy and willing to help people determine what they’d like to drink, but most people need time to look over the drink menu before they even have questions. This does not require my presence, so I’ll offer to get them waters while they took a look. Standing there waiting is time wasted that I could use to knock out other tasks (such as getting everyone a water), and it makes them feel rushed. Offering waters while they take a look frees up my time while directing their focus to making some decisions.

Concerning the second scenario, I’ll immediately put their orders into the system and THEN get waters out. This will help fill the time gap between them placing an order and having the drinks delivered. This is especially important when my bartender is busy making other drinks.

In all cases, I do NOT approach my table with waters, but I do ALWAYS serve water. Water can help quench thirst whereas wine and liquor cannot, and if they run out of their beverage while I’m wrapped up, I know they have something to drink in the interim.

Another note on water goes back to the greet. I need to get to my table quickly -- within 30-60 seconds of them getting situated at their table. I too often see servers getting waters prepared for their table while the guests sit wondering if they are being taken care of. Get there, let them know you’re there, then worry about getting waters out.

*One exception to this rule is with large parties – if I know a party is coming, I’ll get waters on the table before they arrive. Large parties are a lot of work as is, and I suggest getting as much of the work done prior to their arrival if possible.