How to Deal with Regulars as a Waiter

Regular customers are the bread and butter of the restaurant business, especially for the wait staff. As a waiter, it's critical to know how to understand and deal with regulars so you keep those customers regular while making your tips extraordinary.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pay attention to the type of things that your regular customers like to order and, more importantly, how they like to receive their food and drink. If, for example, you have a regular customer who always likes lemon with iced tea, bring the regular a plate of sliced lemons with the tea before the customer has to ask. This small attention to detail will make the regular feel at home.

2. Switch tables with other waiters if your regular customer sits in a different zone. This way, you'll be able to maintain your rapport with your regular customer. If you have to promise your co-waiter that you'll give him a high-paying table next time in order to make the switch then do so since it's probably worth it.

3. Ask your regular customer how she's doing and be polite but don't try to force a relationship or conversation that goes beyond the necessary waiter-customer interaction. Instead, allow the regular customer to set the tone of the conversation. Just be observant when it comes to small indicators as to how the customer wants you to interact with her.

4. Comp the regular customer from time to time but don't make it a regular thing since the occasional complimentary dessert or drink will make the customer feel special. If you're concerned that the regular customer may come to expect comps then just be sure to make the comp sample-sized and tell the customer that you wanted to know what she thought about it.