More tips for tips
Have you ever dined at a restaurant where the server looked disheveled? Their hair not combed, uniform dirty and wrinkled. Nails and hands looking like they just changed the oil on the 1968 Plymouth they have to drive because that is all they can afford?
What was your first impression? Probably not very favorable. Did you tip them in the normal 20% to 25% range like you normally do? Or did you leave them less? I would dare guess that you left them less than you would have if they were groomed and dressed neatly. It’s ok we all do that.
We all tip based on our first impression. So what can we do to give the guest the right first impression?
First off, we must be sure that our grooming habits are impeccable. Is our hair neatly combed and styled, pulled back away from our face and if long is it properly secured so it won’t hang in or touch the food? If you have a beard or mustache is it trimmed neatly?
How fresh is your breath? There is no investment better than a box of mints, an extra toothbrush and toothpaste to have with you while serving. Make sure our fingernails are trimmed and clean. Looking and feeling neat and clean will improve your attitude, your guests will appreciate it and show it by tipping more.
Our uniforms must be clean and free of stains. They must be ironed with neat creases in the shirt sleeves and pant legs. Just because you pulled them out of the dryer, doesn’t mean they are wrinkle free. Aprons also must be neat, clean and wrinkle free. How many times have you used the same apron in a week without washing it? You may not notice it, but your guests will. What? You say you can’t afford an iron. Most of your better restaurants will have one on the premises that you can use. Better yet buy one, it will be the best $20 investment you make, the returns are incredible.
If you wear a tie, make sure your top button is fastened and the tie is neatly knotted and pulled up covering the top button. Do you wear long sleeves? Do you roll them up? If you do roll them up, please don’t do the mechanics roll up above your elbows. One to two neat rolls is all it takes or better yet roll the sleeves rolled under.
Are our shoes clean and polished? You would be amazed at how many guests will notice your foot wear. Polish daily if possible, but no less than twice a week. Wear socks that compliment your uniform, try never to wear white socks unless your uniform allows you to wear jeans.
Now look at yourself in the mirror. Do you feel and look good? I bet you do!
The next area will also determine one of the largest portions of your tip. That being table cleanliness. No one and I mean no one likes to sit at a dirty table. If a guest sits down and puts their arm in a sticky mess or has to wipe crumbs off the table, you are going to receive a much smaller tip regardless of how great your service is.
Detail your tables before you start accepting guests. Detail everything on the table, salt/pepper shakers, sugar caddies and any other condiments on the table must be clean and full. Table tents if you use them must be wiped down and the inserts clean.
Silverware should be polished and clean. Table top or linen table cloth should be clean and spot free. Wipe down the edges of the table. Don’t forget the seating, all seating areas must be clean and crumb free also.
Now we are neat and clean, our section is neat and clean, we are ready to start serving our guests.
What else will make a great first impression? The list below is also very important.
Our faces! Plant a big smile across yours and keep it there.
The front of the restaurant should be neat and clean.
The manager or a host/hostess with a big smile should greet the guests.
Restrooms should always be clean and stocked. (Guest average is 2 visits to the restroom while dining).
Dining room floor free of debris.
Stay on the floor, don’t disappear for to long.
Don’t gather in a group and chat with the other servers.
Be available for your guests.
What else can you think of that would give the guest a great first impression? If you think of it, believe me the guests will think of it also.