| There is nothing worse than having a dining | | | | the chance to swallow their last bit of food, the |
| experience ruined by an obnoxious waiter. Even | | | | waiter is appearing asking if he may take away |
| though certain behaviors are obviously | | | | her dishes. This is rude and very off-putting. If |
| inappropriate, some waiters in restaurants still do | | | | customers want their plates removed, they will |
| the most annoying things. Here are some dos and | | | | set them to the side or ask you to come get |
| don'ts for waiters that will make eating out a | | | | them. |
| better experience for everyone. | | | | Another note about dishes is this: do not, I |
| First of all, don't hover about the guests when | | | | repeat, DO NOT remove one person's plates if |
| they are eating. Check in once shortly after the | | | | another person is still eating. This is one of the |
| food is delivered to make sure there are no | | | | most basic concepts and yet it is shocking how |
| problems with the order or that they don't need | | | | many waiters still do this. Removing one person's |
| any extra condiments. Keep your eye on | | | | plate sends the message that it is time to finish |
| everyone without bothering them in case they | | | | eating. It makes the person who is still eating feel |
| try to flag you down at any time. | | | | uncomfortable, especially if he or she is the only |
| Also, don't pressure them into making a decision | | | | one. |
| about ordering if they are not ready. If they say | | | | Some other basics in don'ts are: don't shout. Don't |
| that they need a few minutes, actually give them | | | | point at a customer. Never touch a customer or |
| a few minutes before you come back. Don't | | | | any of their personal belongings. No gum chewing, |
| come back in 1 minute with pen in hand. If they | | | | fidgeting with your hair, arguing with other waiters |
| are not sure what they want, don't roll your eyes | | | | within earshot of people eating and no cigarette |
| or otherwise express annoyance. It really shouldn't | | | | smoking in sight of them. Do not yawn or act |
| matter to you how long it takes them to order | | | | bored or tell the customers that you can't wait |
| anyway. | | | | until 9pm when you can go home. They don't |
| If the customer has a complaint, ALWAYS say | | | | need to feel as though waiting on them is |
| you are sorry. Even if you are not. Do not blame | | | | unpleasant for you. And seriously, don't solicit tips |
| them or make excuses. Apologize and tell them | | | | or count them in front of the guests. |
| that you will find a way to solve the problem. If | | | | As for the dos: do be well groomed at all times. |
| there is nothing you can do for them about their | | | | Dress nicely and make sure your shirt is tucked in |
| particular concern, find somebody who can. | | | | and tie is straight. Always be polite and give the |
| One of the most overlooked pieces of waiter | | | | guests a smile. Thank them for dining at your |
| etiquette is the removal of dishes after the meal. | | | | establishment and say it so that it seems like you |
| Many waiters make it seem as though there is a | | | | mean it. Even if you don't. |
| plate shortage in the kitchen. Before a patron has | | | | |
