Customer Service Begins From The Server! How to Be an Excellent Server

Customer service begins from the server. So look further for ways to enhance customer experience – start by having, and being quality servers.

Be it a family-run restaurant or with a team of food service business enthusiasts, you can start becoming and grooming high-quality servers with these tips. They will do more than just impress your customers!

1. Staying organized is key!

As a server, it is vital to remember to approach every guest with a smile on your face, your table placement, and numbers, while following the 5 steps of service:

Greet and deliver the menu once customers are seated comfortably
Once the customer is ready, take drinks and meal orders while politely noting of special needs as well as dietary requirements
Deliver condiments, cutleries, napkins, and other items in a neat and polite manner so as not to disrupt customer conversation
Deliver food and beverage and check for refills
When customers are done with food and beverage, politely request feedback on food quality, then offer refills and clear the table with permission

2. Remembering the menu like the back of your hand

To know the menu inside and out is to know the customer’s possible needs and wants. A good server is able to give recommendations based on any needs or preferences mentioned. Did we mention that this also helps to upsell without pressuring customers? The opportunity is limitless! Be it to add toppings or extras, appetizers or desserts knowing the menu well gives way to more orders from customers. It is also vital to remember any common ingredients and allergy-associated ingredients to answer any questions customers may pose. This helps not only to provide professional courtesy but also shortens table turn times for guest accommodations.

3. Keep a presentable and clean outlook

Remember to not only keep your uniform clean and tidy but also to be ironed and stay consistent with your brand. A comfortable and breathable outfit may come in handy if your restaurant operates long hours. Don’t miss out on footwear too! A close-toed shoes and a tucked-in shirt. When in service, keep your shirt tucked in, tie up or pull back hair while maintaining short, well-groomed nails as a way to show great personal hygiene at all times.

4. Stay calm and composed

Should there ever be an angry customer or when there is an unreasonable guest, hold back your emotions and follow protocol. Apologize in a calm manner and respond professionally, terms such as “I’ll find out” suit the situation better than “I don’t know”. Respond to mistakes made gracefully as well as double checking to increase efficiency in service. Keep eye contact while giving a soft smile to every guest as well as actively listening to them for their recommendations and feedback.

5. Learn of your restaurant’s point of sales system

Always double-check their table numbers and key in orders carefully as well as efficiently to allow time for the kitchen to process them effectively. While billing a customer, know how to split a bill and apply discounts with all other basic operations without withholding customers for too long. With smooth operation and time to learn, it effectively reduced table turn time, leading to better customer responses as well as allowing more customers to enter at once.

By following these steps down to the dot, it helps to leave a great impression on your customers. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to integrate these tips into your service and how effective they are in contributing to the sustainability of the business as well as the joy of receiving great reviews. Learn how to utilize these great reviews for bigger success by reading this article. Want more tips in the food and beverage industry? Join Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner as a member!