1. While serving food
and beverage in a
restaurant may not
seem difficult, develop
your service skills to
be from good to best.
24-Apr-12 By Mohamed Raouf 1
2. Greet guests immediately
with a smile and positive
attitude, even if you're
too busy to serve them
that moment. This
acknowledgement
demonstrates your
enthusiasm and
willingness to serve. A
quick introduction and
menu handout can
suffice during busy
hours.
3. Give guests enough time-
No fewer than three
minutes-to let guests
look over the menu
before taking their
orders. Make
recommendations of
house
specialties, Imp wine
and promotional
items.
4. Double-check each order
for accuracy. Memorize
the menu, including the
standard offerings for
each main course, to
speed up ordering.
Repeat each order
back to the
guest, paying special
attention to
substitutions and other
requests. Learn and
use the charting system
at your restaurant to cut
down on delivering
orders to the wrong
people.
5. Present the food and drink
in an appetizing manner. Place each item in front of the correct
guest, taking care to avoid spills. Alert guests to use caution
around hot foods and serving dishes. Ask a coworker for
assistance when serving large amounts of food. Do not talk or
cough over food and drinks. Most guests will need a condiment
or other item right away. Immediately after delivering the
food, ask if guests need anything else. Come back in a minute to
make sure guests have everything they need. but allow them to
have a relaxing meal without interruption.
6. Scan your seating area
regularly
to check whether guests
need anything. Keep an
eye on drink levels to
ensure refills are offered
before glasses are
emptied. Clear away
plates and utensils from
previous courses to ensure
guests have enough table
room. Offer special
accessories such as high
chairs, plastic cups and
crayons to guests with
children.
7. Engage guests
With light and polite conversation throughout the
meal. Although guests appreciate
conversation, don't overload them or relate
personal stories. This includes details of your
horrible day and your love life. Remember that
other guests may be listening.
