How and Why to Sell Appetizers
Real Server Training
•
2m 58s
My best friend in a busy shift.
Appetizers are my best friend in a busy shift. It's a simple order that takes virtually no time, and once I've taken that order, I can focus on whatever else while my table still feels taken care of.
This lets me get my table set up without spending all the time that comes with entree orders. Ideally I can get orders as soon as I bring the app, but if I'm slammed, I don't really have to be there for orders until they've finished the app. So I've bought myself another potential 10 - 15 minutes on top of the time it took to get the appetizer out.
Remember that people get rude when they’re hungry. An app isn’t going to fill anyone up, but it will likely prevent them from getting upset if there’s a delay on food coming out. If I know it may be a while to get food out, I’ll even ask directly, “Are y’all starving?” And if they say yes, I’ll say, “Alright, let me get y’all an app to get started with then because my kitchen is a bit backed up with orders.”
I'm typically quite upfront and transparent with my tables. This is expectation management. People typically don’t mind waiting. It’s when they don’t expect to wait that they get upset.
Up Next in Real Server Training
-
Things to Consider When Setting Table...
Try to start thinking about your guests having a seamless dining experience.
What you need to prepare for appetizers coming out will vary restaurant to restaurant, but try to start thinking about your guests having a seamless dining experience. That is it flows from one stage to the next without...
-
How to Give Recommendations and Not O...
Helping guests make decisions.
So I often offer recommendations when I deliver drinks. At that point it's often too soon to take entree orders and serves as a good transition if they don't want an appetizer.
I don't ask about appetizers when I take drink orders, but if they order one then, that...
-
How to Efficiently Collect Entree Orders
This is how to efficiently collect decisions and prepare your table for seamless dining.
I prioritize unobtrusive service -- interrupting my guests as little as possible.
They’re here to enjoy each other’s company and be taken care of... not to hang out with me. Occasionally, guests do seem to ...
