How to Take Orders at a Restaurant Using the Pivot System
If you've ever been to a restaurant before, you've no doubt had a waiter or waitress who auctions off the food to your table. "Who had the prime rib?" he probably asked, forcing someone at the table to awkwardly acknowledge that, yes, they did have the prime rib, and they would like to eat it now. According to Bill Main (of Bill Main and Associates which specializes in "strategic growth plans for foodservice entrepreneurs"), this does nothing but demonstrate a server's lack of professionalism.
Fortunately, there's a system in place to help you servers avoid looking foolish in front of your guests. It's called the "pivot system," and it's incredibly easy to learn.
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Instructions
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Using the "Pivot System"
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The Pivot System begins by numbering the seats at a table. Pick a starting, or "focus," point. Most restaurants use the front entrance as their focus point, but, really, you can use anything.
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After you've picked a focus point, look at your table. You have to number the seats in a clockwise direction starting with the one closest to your focus point.
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Write each guest's order on your notepad in sequence, matching each entry to their seat numbers. For example, if Seat 1 orders prime rib, record the prime rib as your first entry. If Seat 3 goes next and orders a salad, record that salad as the third entry. This way, you know which meal goes to which seat when it's ready.
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When you get to the computer to enter your order, make sure you put the seats and their orders in the correct sequence (the same as on your notepad, clockwise starting with the seat nearest the focus point). This way, there won't be any confusion when you bring out the food.
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Finally, deliver the food to the table once it's ready. When you do, use your check or your notes to help you hand out the guest's food in the proper order.
Note: In many restaurants, the kitchen staff will arrange the food on your tray in the order it appears on the check. This is helpful, but don't always count on it. Check and double-check. Even in the best restaurants, people still make mistakes.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember, servers: The happier your guest, the fatter your wallet gets. Using the Pivot System helps give you some semblance of professionalism, but you still have to do everything else right. Don't show up unwashed and rude, expecting big tips just because you use the Pivot System. Be professional in all aspects of your serving career.
Sometimes people will change seats or tables mid-meal and mess up your seating chart. Don't panic. If you're not too busy, just take the time to quickly jot down some notes. If you are busy, you may have to rely on your memory. Either way, it's not the end of the world. Stay smiling and accommodating. Most people will be understanding as long as they like you.
