SKILLS YOU NEED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL SERVER

Skills You Need to Be a Successful Server

Restaurant Server

In the hospitality industry, particularly in restaurants, a server refers to a person responsible for taking orders, serving food and beverages, and providing assistance to customers. Restaurant servers play a crucial role in ensuring a positive dining experience.

Being a server in the context of restaurant or hospitality work involves various responsibilities and requires specific skills. Here are some key things to know about being a server:

1. 1. Customer Service Skills:
   • o Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. You’ll be interacting with customers regularly, taking orders, and addressing their needs.
2. 2. Product Knowledge:
   • o Knowing the menu inside out is crucial. You should be able to describe dishes, recommend items, and answer questions about ingredients or preparation methods.
3. 3. Efficiency and Organization:
   • o Restaurants can be fast-paced environments. Being organized and efficient helps you manage multiple tasks, such as taking orders, delivering food, and handling payments, simultaneously.
4. 4. Memory Skills:
   • o Developing a good memory is important for accurately taking orders without constantly relying on writing everything down.
5. 5. Teamwork:
   • o Restaurants operate as a team. Coordinating with kitchen staff, other servers, and support staff is vital for a smooth dining experience.
6. 6. Stress Management:
   • o The job can be stressful during peak hours. Being able to handle pressure and remain calm is crucial for providing good service.
7. 7. Attention to Detail:
   • o Paying attention to specific customer requests and details is important. Ensuring orders are correct, and special requests are fulfilled contributes to customer satisfaction.
8. 8. Upselling:
   • o Servers often play a role in increasing sales by suggesting additional items, specials, or promotions. However, this should be done tactfully and without being pushy.
9. 9. Handling Complaints:
   • o Not every customer will be satisfied. Knowing how to handle complaints professionally and finding solutions to problems is a valuable skill.
10. 10. Time Management:
    • o Balancing your time between serving tables, taking orders, and performing side tasks efficiently is crucial.
11. 11. Appearance and Hygiene:
    • o Maintaining a clean and presentable appearance is important. Good personal hygiene and adherence to uniform policies contribute to a positive impression.
12. 12. Knowledge of POS Systems:
    • o Familiarity with Point of Sale (POS) systems for order entry and processing payments is often required.
13. 13. Legal and Safety Knowledge:
    • o Understanding health and safety regulations, as well as any relevant liquor laws, is important to ensure compliance and a safe environment for customers.
14. 14. Tips and Gratuity:
    • o In many places, servers rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Knowing how to provide excellent service to increase tip potential is often a part of the job.
15. 15. Adaptability:
    • o Every day in a restaurant can be different. Being adaptable to changing circumstances, menu updates, or unexpected situations is a valuable trait.

Being a restaurant server requires a combination of hospitality, communication, and organizational skills. Success in this role often comes from providing excellent customer service while efficiently managing the various tasks associated with serving meals in a busy restaurant setting. Remember, being a server is not just about delivering food; it’s about creating a positive dining experience for customers. Developing these skills can help you excel in the role and contribute to a successful and enjoyable dining environment.