Table Introductions

At Red Lobster we are forced by corporate offices to do a certain introduction when we approach a table. This got me thinking, what do people prefer? Would they want us to do the things corporate requires us to say?

As a server at Red Lobster, you are required to say a certain set of things. First of all you are expected to make a 'guest connection'. This usually involves finding out the reason the guest came into the restaurant. If they say they don't have a reason I usually try and take it a step further and see if they have anything else going on for the evening. Another thing I usually do is if I see a sports team being worn by a guest I usually try to make a connection with that.

Another thing a server is required to do is use descriptive words to describe our promotional menu and fresh fish menu. This portion of the introduction usually brings out the annoyed looks from guests. Many of the guests that have been through Red Lobster are familiar enough with the menus that they don't care for us to go through the entire thing with them.

We are also required to introduce our partner for the evening. This is the server whose section is right next yours. We are required to take care of their tables too if anything is needed.

When going through the entire introduction I usually see the guests get pretty anxious to get their drinks ordered. There are also some guests who usually try to stay engaged with what you are saying and take some information from the introduction. This could be them just trying to be polite but I see guests act on both ends of the spectrum, some anxious and some listening.

I realize that it usually depends on the type of people at your table whether or not they prefer you to go through the entire required introduction. Being able to read a table is usually key in making them happy. There have been situations at Red Lobster where table hears the entire introduction and the server decides not to go through with it to the table right next them and that table complains to a manager that they did not get the same treatment.

I guess the purpose for this post is just to explain what servers are required to say. I do agree if the server communicates the introduction in a way that makes it seem 'fake' would be annoying. Sometimes people should just take time out to hear their server out and who knows maybe they will take something useful from an introduction or menu explanation.

Chuggers

I know what it feels like when going to restaurant and being extremely thirsty. The first and maybe second water usually go down pretty fast, but after that I slow down to be courteous to the server and also to save room for the food. It is baffling to me how some people treat servers in this regard. Yes I can see your drink is empty but did you want your entrée or another refill?

When you are out to eat and notice that you are quickly going through your beverage, be courteous to the server and slow down. If slowing down is somehow out of the question, at least aknowledge that your server is really working hard at getting your refills.

This could also tie into my previous post about tipping. If for some reason you are out to eat and find yourself running through your beverage, reward your server for grabbing your refills. If the server doesn't bring your refill immediately consider they could be busy. Keeping these tips in mind should keep your server happy with you.

Tipping

For my first blog post I want to address a topic that is always on the mind of customers... tipping. This subject is always debatable on what is an appropriate amount for a tip. I believe that if you are going to come out to eat at a restaurant you should be prepared to spend money. There are many factors that go can into the decision on making a tip.

First of all, was the service what you expected? If the server fails to meet your expectations than I think it is up to the customer on what the server deserves. No one should ever be stiffed ($0) but a server also has a job they need to do. That is to make the guests happy and make sure the dining experience goes smoothly.

If the server does meet your expectations then the minimum in this day and age should be 20%. Now I know many people believe 15% should be a good enough tip but the new 'standard' should be bumped up to 20%. Servers are not using their weekly paycheck to live off of, they're depending on tips. With the prices of everything rising, including food, the standard should be raised to 20%.

If the service goes above what you were expecting than the server should be rewarded. Not just with a compliment, which are always nice, but with a tip. If the service you received was more than you expected then that means the server worked very hard to make you happy. Since you came out to eat and are expecting to spend money, than reward your server.

I will have a post that goes into more depth about this next topic but, another factor that should be considered with your tip is night you are out to eat. It doesn't matter if the restaurant is busy or not but is your server busy or not. Even if you are one of 5 other tables in the restaurant, your server could be getting very busy by another guest they are dealing with, trying to make happy. If you can see your server is putting all their effort in trying to make their tables happy than be patient and know they're busy.

Remember when out to eat be patient and tip your server accordingly.