How to Deal with Special Orders as a Waiter

Even though your restaurant has its menu, it's very likely you'll get special orders throughout the day. They may come from diabetics or people with other special dietary needs. It's important to know your menu well, because then you'll know what's possible and what isn't. Follow these steps to handle special orders.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Expect some of your customers to ask for special orders. Between dietary concerns, diets and allergies, people have special needs.

2. Keep your face impassive when someone asks for a special order. Don't let your annoyance show.

3. Be as helpful as possible. If someone says they're vegetarian or allergic to wheat, for example, make suggestions of what they can eat. Base your suggestions on your knowledge of the menu and previous orders prepared by your kitchen.

4. Promise to check with the cook or chef. That's the best you can do if you're not sure if their special order is possible.

5. Talk to the chef and tell him what the person is special ordering. State their dietary concerns and see if he can make the meal.

6. Assure the customer that they can get the food they want. If they can't, tell them what the alternative is.

7. Make sure you bring out the special order at the same time as everyone else at the table gets their food.

Tips & Warnings

• Always offer suggestions to help your customers decide what they can and can't have. This will reflect positively on your service.
• Don't promise that your kitchen will make a special order if you really aren't sure. Simply say that you'll check with the cook and be right back.