KEY POINTS

If guests just arrived and are at the table exchanging hugs and kisses with their friends OR you're busy diverting a crisis, let them get situated/ get yourself situated before approaching.

Typically, however, try to get to the table within 1-2 minutes of guests sitting down.

When greeting table, you should follow a general template that works within the framework of your restaurant's standards, but remain flexible and use judgement/ adapt as necessary.

After asking how they're doing, I pause long enough to get a response so that we may establish some communication/ rapport.

Guests are typically quite interested in my personal drama and struggle. FALSE

Asking guests if they've been here before helps me determine how much information I need to provide them with about the restaurant/ menu.

What's the purpose of the elevator speech (short script about restaurant)?
To give your guests an overview of the restaurant, menu, and how things work here so they're in a better position to navigate menu, make decisions, etc.

I don't offer recommendations when I greet my table, but I am sure to let them know that I'm happy to help with recommendations/ questions when they start going through the menu. Why?
I want them to know they're not on their own here.
I don't often have time to discuss the menu when I'm trying to greet guests/ get them situated with drinks.
Letting them know that I will be available to go over everything when the time comes allows me to not get stuck at the table in the beginning.