Things to Consider When Setting Tables up for Appetizers
Real Server Training
•
1m 57s
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 interruption.
They order an appetizer, receive it, and can immediately begin enjoying it. They finish it, plates are cleared, silverware replaced, drinks refilled, etc., entrees come shortly thereafter, and they can 'seamlessly' begin enjoying their entrees.
Make sense?
If my guests' appetizer comes out to their table, but they don't have little plates, silverware, and whatever is necessary for them to start on it... that's not seamless.
Another topic in this video is about having a sense of immediacy and taking advantage of opportunities to complete tasks. You just can’t predict what’s going to be happening 5 minutes from now in a restaurant. So if you have the chance to get something done, get it done regardless of its level of urgency.
Up Next in Real Server Training
-
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 ...
-
How and Why to Prepare Tables for Ent...
It's more in consideration of my coworkers.
I typically don't rush to clear appetizer plates off of a table the second they finish. BUT I am sure to get them before the entrees come out. You should know about when your food is going to come out if you've been working somewhere long enough. Eithe...
