Tips to be a Good Waiter

Bill Gates said “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning”, and since I’ve started working on the restaurateur business that proved to be especially true while working as a server. That’s why I’ll give you the tips I believe to be the most important ones. You should memorize and repeat these rules day after day, like a mantra, a manual or a belief because as you’ll see, people might be different, but the situations tend to repeat themselves, so why not show people the best in you? Remember that the hospitality and respect you show your customers are the presentation card of a restaurant.

Greet your customers: A warm greeting puts your clients on an instantly good mood; it’s easy to accomplish this by giving a warm smile and a “Good day, welcome to our restaurant”. You are not only welcoming them, but showing them that you are paying them the right amount of attention.

Don't get too personal: Remain professional and friendly, without going beyond what you or your customers would be comfortable with. This means no flirting or amusing them with unwanted jokes, or interrupting their conversations to offer your opinion unless they directly ask you to.

Articulate your words: When talking to your customers don’t recite things mechanically. This is not an exposition or an interrogatory, you are offering them something they’ll potentially order and it all depends on the way you sell it.

Respect personal space: If you must invade your clients’ personal space ask them first. Getting too close or approaching in a personal way is not only uncomfortable for them, but furthermore, you are not respecting the boundaries of propriety and they will surely comment on it later.

Ask the right questions: Customers more often than not, have an opinion worthy of hearing. They might offer an insight, share their thoughts on relevant matters or inform you of their displeasure on any particular topic. Listening to them is a way to set straight whatever might be wrong and to show that you really care.

Take care of the details: Inspect the glasses, silverware, dishes and napkins before placing them onto the table. Your clients and yourself will be happier if no one finds something dirty on the utensils they are going to use.

Be aware of your surroundings: Banging against tables, touching the guests by accident or dropping something because you are working carelessly is uncomfortable for all the clientele. It not only distracts customers, but also displays lack of professionality. Learn your way around and keep your eyes open to prevent any occurrences.

Don’t eat or drink: Servers eating or putting their hands near their faces is not something clients want to see. You shouldn’t drink alcoholic beverages even if you are offered to.

Mind your language: This is especially essential when addressing to clients: don’t refer to them as “Guy”, “Dude” or any of the sort. Short and proper language is key when you are asked questions, avoid things that could be interpreted as sarcasm;  “No problem”, for instance. Also, don’t offer compliments because you might be offending someone else in the process.

These are simple and easy tips on how to be great at waiting, which will earn you positive responses from your guests. Try them and let me know! Remember to use the code RGSummerDelivery to get a special discount when ordering from RG Cocina Mexicana.