8 FOOD SERVICE TIPS TO
BE The Best YOU CAN!
- Some of the best restaurants have regular menu tastings and wine tastings so that staff can provide the best advice and understanding of the menu to their guests.
- Learn about food allergies and preferences. Your customers will appreciate when you’re able to suggest dishes or make small changes for them.
- Don’t make a customer have to call you over if they need something. Be attentive without being smothering. Make sure that all they need to do is give you a look and you can see it and respond. Use eye contact to respond to a request.
- Be flexible! Just because your job might not normally include it doesn’t mean you know how to do it. Be a team player, be ready to jump in and help clean the floor or the table.
- If the kitchen has run out of something or the produce is not up to standard, offer alternative options, rather than just saying we don’t have that.
- Check out your competitors. See what they do well and emulate the best at your place.
- Be prepared. Always have lots of change in the register.
- Smile and be friendly. Customers will often enjoy some small talk and it will probably make your shift more fun too.
“There is a world of difference between giving a service and leaving people with a feeling. You want your guests to leave a restaurant or hotel feeling good. Never miss an opportunity to make ordinary service something memorable.”
“As soon as people arrive connect with them – ask them how they are, offer them water, show them a comfortable seat, allow anticipation – what they need next (for example, never leave a water glass empty), know your products and have recommendations ready. The devil is in the detail – small touches make big impacts.”
— Michelle Morin
Founding Director of Possibilities World
Inspired by Possibilities World – www.possibilitiesworld.com
