The restaurant industry is the largest private sector employer. Employment experts expect 1.8 million newly created restaurant industry jobs over the next decade, with total employment in the industry reaching 14.8 million by 2019. The majority of job creation will materialize in the service sector of the restaurant industry, specifically the people who facilitate the delivery of food and drink orders.

Polls repeatedly show that restaurant service is the determining factor in a customer's overall experience. Food quality, ambiance, and facility sanitation do have an ostensible impact on where a customer decides to dine. Service is the competitive edge that often falls short of diner's expectations.

Why does service continue to lag behind other dining indicators? Servers receive most of the blame for inadequate service. However, many other factors influence the service received by restaurant customers. The other factors include management/corporate policies and the effect customers have on the flow of service. Tips for improving restaurant service begin with the oft-misunderstood Server position.

SERVER

Attitude

Many restaurant Servers work in the industry in order to pay their way through school or supplement income from their "real" jobs. They do not consider restaurant service work to be worthy of their acumen, and thus treat the position with either indifference or outright disdain. Diners easily perceive this attitude, and it negatively reflects in the overall restaurant service experience.

Change your attitude or find another line or work where you can make an above average hourly wage.

Product Knowledge

A detailed knowledge of a restaurant's product line is essential for any Server to provide quality customer service. Study the menu, research terms you do not know, and ask questions of those whom have intimate knowledge of the restaurant's food and beverage products. It is time consuming to find a fellow team member to answer your table's product questions.

Save Steps

Always ensure that you minimize your steps by consolidating your tasks. Poor service is heightened when a Server retrieves one item at a time. If you take an order from one table, make sure you check the remaining tables in your section. You will provide table maintenance that prepares you for serving the next course.

Down Time

Servers often express relief when they finally are caught up from a business surge. This is not to time to kick back and discuss the day's events with

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for improving restaurant service?
We want to hear your view. Write now!