Tips and Tricks For New Servers
I remember the night before my first serving shift at Two Chicks nearly a decade ago and trying to find any helpful information to be the best server I could be. Entering the food and beverage industry as a server can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you navigate this fast-paced and dynamic field successfully. Serving styles and expectations can greatly differ between fine dining and casual restaurants, but we hope these tips help you get your foot in the door into a restaurant you love to work for!
Know Your Menu
This seems like a given, but many servers believe they can fake it until you make it when it comes to menu knowledge. Knowing your menu inside and out is the only way to correctly answer guest’s questions and be able to effectively communicate with the kitchen about any substitutions or allergies.
Pro-Tip: If you have an interview at a restaurant, learn as much as you can about their menu before meeting with them. This allows you to show them that you take their product seriously by asking specific questions about their dishes and how to best sell them.
Two Bites or Two Minutes Rule
The Two Bites or Two Minutes Rule refers to an old server guideline that means after your guest’s food hits their table, you have two minutes or two bites to go and check on them. At this service point, you should be checking that their order is correct, that they are happy with everything they ordered, and that they do not need anything else such as refills. Hitting this step early gives you the opportunity to fix any mistakes and make sure your guests leave full and happy.
Just Keep Going
“In the weeds,” is a term in the restaurant industry that describes the specific feeling of overwhelm only a restaurant can bring. There will come a day when it seems like you cannot catch up on your tasks and you don’t know what to do next but all that matters is that you keep going. Freezing, panicking, or getting frustrated will only ruin your shift and your guest’s experience. The best thing to do is to breathe, ask for help where you can, and start at the top of your list.
If you’re an experienced server, what advice would you give to a new server looking to find success in the restaurant industry?