Serving

Serving is a job that most people have at some point in their lives, whether it is a first job or a full time job when you are older. There are some rules that you have to abide by when you decide you want to become a server, one of them being that you have to be 18 years old. The reason for this is because you are serving alcohol and if restaurants have under age servers they could lose their liquor license. You also have to be a people person, you are trying to get the biggest tip you can out of them in the shortest amount of time. The key is to keep a smile on your face and be as pleasant as possible, maybe even flirt a little to make them like you more.

Before you become a server it would be wise to know the menu like it is the back of your hand. Either memorize it or become familiar with it by trying all different types of food. This will make it easier when customers ask you a question pertaining to the menu. You want to seem like you are very informed about what you are doing, and if you don’t know something then don’t hesitate to go ask a manager or someone who is more knowledgeable than you.

                Being very cognizant about your customers is key. You want to make them feel welcomed and not forgotten. If you see that their drink is about half way empty then you take initiative and ask if they would like another rather than waiting until it is completely gone and have them waiting. Especially if it is a drink that needs to be made by the bar, since that will take longer and there could be a wait.

Checking on the customer at appropriate times is something that is mastered by experience. You don’t want to be annoying and check on them too often, yet you don’t want to ignore them to the point that they need to ask someone else for help or have that look on their face like they are looking for their server. The look around is never a good sign, and if a customer is not happy waiting around then the tip may be reduced. That isn’t good since most servers make their money off of tips.

Servers have a small hourly rate of around $4.50 per hour. This is because they make a lot in tips and it wouldn’t be beneficial for the restaurant. Everyone is trying to make the most money in the end.

Before you become a server it is typical that you become a runner first, this way you know how to prepare the food and know how to serve it to your customers. Being a runner is a lot harder than expected. There is a certain position for all the food and the plates have to be clean and appetizing before they are sent out to the customer. There is a proper way to be served, the knives and other utensils have to be placed on the customer’s right side. You have to tell them what you are serving them and if it is a meat you have to tell how it was cooked. When serving a salad you must make sure that the vegetables are on their left and the croutons are on their right side.

So much goes into serving a dish than you might think. I am being trained as a server this week and I hope that I can master everything just how they want it so I can provide the best service. (610)