1. Smile
The number one rule! Be as warm and inviting as possible when greeting or talking to guests and make eye contact No one wants to deal with Grumpy McGrumperson We all have bad days, but we are here to help and spread love, so just do that (with a smile, of course).
2. Be presentable
Your physical appearance is almost as important as your demeanor in representing GBC No matter what uniform you might be wearing that day, it’s important that you look presentable. Hair, nails, and accessories should be clean and to dress code. Shirts and pants should be wrinkle and stain free. Watch your posture and avoid crossing your arms, putting your hands in your pockets or slouching. Never chew gum when serving and avoid phone use or other non-work activities when in view of guests. Go easy on perfume or cologne and if you are a smoker avoid smelling like one.
3. Questions & Answers
We get asked things by guests all the time that we don’t necessarily know the answer to. Don’t just say “I don’t know.” A more appropriate response is “I am not sure the answer to that question, but let me find out for you ” AND THEN FIND OUT AND REPORT BACK to the guest the correct answer. If there is a problem, apologize immediately, ask what you can do to remedy the situation and/or ask for help from your lead people.
4. Table Settings
This depends on what the clients have selected, but if a full table is set see the layout below When laying out cutlery, forks go on the left, knives and spoons on the right with the knife blade to the center. Chargers and utensils should be placed approximately 1 inch (or approximately the length of your thumb to the first joint) from the edge of the table. If you have multiples, remember that the guest will start from the outside and work their way in. If coffee cups are used, place the handle angled to the right.
5. Know your menu
Remember; this is your home ground! Make sure you know the menu and can explain dishes to customers where required. In general, know what items are gluten free and dairy free just in case
6. To the left, to the left
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to serve from the left and use your left hand in doing so: that is, changing cutlery, laying down food, and serving drinks. Using your left hand will prevent you from crossing your arm in front of a guest. The theory behind serving from the left is that the majority of customers will be right-handed, so you will be less likely to interrupt their movements as you serve. Ladies are served first starting with the oldest lady present, following a clockwise order around the table.
7. To the right, to the right
When clearing the table, approach from the right and take plates, cutlery, and drinkware from the right and use your right hand in doing so. Again, this is to prevent you from crossing your arm in front of a guest. Follow a clockwise order around the table. When clearing a plate you may place the cutlery in a cross across the plate to reduce the chance of the cutlery falling off
8. Check your hand placement
When it comes to pouring drinks, laying out cutlery, or placing plates of food down, the way you hold an item is important No guest wants to end up with your fingerprints on their glass or fork! Hold wine glasses by the stem as you pour, and if you have the skills, pour while holding the bottom of the bottle. Lay out cutlery holding the handles, and try to only touch the rim of a plate or bowl.
9. De-Crumbing & Tidying
Once the table is cleared of dinnerware, etc. it is proper to de-crumb the table of debris and other bits of food that are bound to be sprinkled across the guests’ table. Go ahead and clear away straws and paper napkins that have been used, as well. Anything to tidy the space, including pushing in chairs to tables once guests have found their way to the dance floor or neatly arranging shoes, etc. within their space.
10. Golden Rule
Treat your fellow servers the way you want to be treated. You can be sure that whatever happens to you regularly will happen to the other servers; they are more likely to help you out if you ’ ve given them a break. When applicable, if you see something that needs to be done then do it. If we are all pitching in then we all can take a breath sooner than later We all put our britches on the same way, one leg at a time, so play nice in the sandbox.