How to Be a Great Waiter/Waitress

The ABC's of being a waiter/waitress have been reiterated thousands of times, but what makes a waiter/waitress really great? The mysteries of getting a customer to tip well (though some are just lost to the cause) and earning compliments is not impossible to obtain. A smile, refilling complimentary items and ensuring the customer is enjoying themselves are all part of the equation. You can be a great waiter or waitress with just these few hints and a winning personality.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Before approaching new customers take a minute to slip into the waiter mentality. Take a deep breath, step away from the stress of the day and put on a smile.

2. Smile and make contact with everyone at the table. Be friendly but not personal. No one wants to hear about how wasted their waiter was the night before or if they are fighting with their boyfriend.

3. Before leaving the table, be sure to repeat everyone's order back to them. This will ensure that it was written down or remembered correctly and give customers a chance to add anything they've forgotten or change their minds. This will also save you time and stress.

4. Ensure the food is correct before bringing it out. If it's not right, have it fixed. Of course no customer should expect perfection from their waiter. However, having one or two members of the party waiting for their food while the others' meals are getting cold, will not look favorably.

5. When placing the food, wait a few seconds before leaving in case the customer needs to request anything else. This is also an excellent time to scan the table to see if drinks need to be refilled or dishes need to be removed. Afterwards, come back in 15 minutes to do another check.

6. Disappear while the customers enjoy their meal. Since drinks were replenished, everyone is happy with their food, and no one needs anything else, then it's all cake from this point.

7. Keep your eyes open. While waiting on other tables, be sure to keep tabs on the other customers. If you notice a customer is not eating and appears to be looking around, stop by that one and ask if they need anything. Learn to read body language and social cues. A good waiter is there when needed without imposing.

8. Let the customer request the check or state they are finished eating. You can always ask if they would like dessert, or if they need a to-go box but being more forward can give the impression that you're trying to rush them out the door.

Tips & Warnings

• As you pay more attention to the customers, you'll begin to remember regulars and what they order.
• Always keep drinks refilled and bring out another one when the customer's reaches 3/4 of the way down.
• Make sure complimentary items like salad and bread are freshly served and in ample supply.
• Speak in a clear voice and always make eye contact.
• Be knowledgeable about the food; what ingredients the dishes are made from, how they are prepared, what is special about them, and what wines are paired with which dishes are always great to know off-hand.
• Don't get too personal.
• Don't rush them out the door no matter the reason.
• Be neat. Giving the customer a drink that has been sloshed around gives a bad impression of your serving skills and the restaurant in general.