Tips To Being a Good Server

I know I post a ton about serving, but because I work so much it's just become apart of my lifestyle.

Simple tips to being a good server:
1. Natural: Don't sound robotic. "Hello, welcome to Applebee's. My name is Apryl and I will be taking care of you today. Can I start you off with a refreshing mango tea or strawberry lemonade?" Although in text that looks awesome (this is what Applebee's tells us to say) it sounds awful. It's also a mouthful and most people don't come to listen to a speech. My normal greeting is "Hey how are y'all doing tonight?" because that is how I would talk in every day life. People just enjoy it when you're conversational rather than that this is just a job to you.

2. Use Hesitations: When a person hesitates when ordering a drink or meal I always pipe in. My line is "need some Applebee's advice?" and that's always a knee-slapper. Not sure why. People like it when you suggest things to them. So know the menu! Also it is charming to people when you know the little stuff like what alcohol is in what drinks, what side's come with what blah blah blah. Be a know-it-all.

3. Don't Lie and Don't Tell the Truth: There is always that debate over the situation of someone asking you your opinion on a dish that you haven't had. Well obviously you don't want to say "Yeah I don't know I haven't eaten it before" because that's just sloppy. But I also wouldn't encourage lying and saying its awesome because it very well could be shit and now it's your fault! So I have a line I use every time: "When my roommate comes up here to eat she get's that one almost every single time, she loves it!" My roommate has probably never had that dish but if they end up not liking it, it's not because of my bad taste :-)

4. Be Annoying: By this I mean it is better to go to the table too much than not enough. When in doubt, check on them! Of course there are those tables that clearly want to be left alone. Just be able to read them. MOST people don't mind chatting or just a simple "You guys still doing alright? *insert dashing smile here*"

5. Standing Around: Even if you've nothing in the world to do, don't stand where they can see you. Because standing around looks bad to the table. If anything I kinda fiddle around on the computer so I'm at least doing something.

6. Refills: I'm sure you know to get refills. BUT one thing I've learned is get a new cup. People get pissed when you take their cup off the table.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

7. Don't Retaliate: No matter how big of asshole's people are, they will respect you for taking their shit with a smile. I am in the back cursing these people to end of the earth and as soon as I'm in the front where they can see me, I'm smiling and asking if they're okay. Bitches be bitches. Keep that in mind :-)