"The Renegade Server"

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Permalink Reply by Stoligirl on April 25, 2008 at 5:49pm

When we make connections, that also means we are 'reading' our guests, and being genuine.
No rehearsed phrases, no suggesting the same two drinks at every table, and PLEASE don't say, "Hi, my name is _______ and I'll be your server."

It's about smiling from within, loving what you are doing, and meaning what you say. -Andi

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Permalink Reply by Andy Swingley on April 26, 2008 at 7:46am

I couldn't agree more with Andi and Jeffrey! Our guests wallets are connected to their hearts and the way a restaurant and server makes them feel. Make them feel great and take care of their needs and they will pay for it in increased tips and additional purchases.

Like Andi said - be sincere, no canned phrases, take care of them as if they were your own family

Everybody's favorite word is their own name!

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Permalink Reply by Nora on April 26, 2008 at 9:07am

It never hurts to include kids (when applicable) into the conversations too! Nothing makes a child feel more on top of the world than being treated like a "real person," and consequently the parents may feel relieved that you are paying attention to the children so the parents can take a momentary break.

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Permalink Reply by Carol Ott on April 26, 2008 at 4:45pm

Be friendly and attentive, but don't be a pain in the butt or fake. Somewhere there's a happy medium, and the servers who achieve it get the biggest tips from me, even if the food isn't that great.

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Permalink Reply by Craig Knapp on May 5, 2008 at 3:27pm

Right on. To make that personal connection is so very important. I like to say it's "serving from the heart". The challenge is to get team members to know how to make that connection with little life and professional expereiences to look on.

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