How to Take Orders as a Waiter-- Restaurant Server Training
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- čas přidán 8. 11. 2020
- In-depth training for servers by servers: www.realservertraining.com
How to Take Orders as a Waiter-- Restaurant Server Training
#forserversbyservers
It really doesn't matter HOW you structure your book, but there has to be a consistent structure, a system of sorts. Writing randomly all over different sheets a paper is a great way to create anxiety for yourself.
In this restaurant, a blank card was left on each table when the host seated them. Then when the server approached the table, they took the card.
The first thing I did was write the table number in the top right corner and boxed it off. Then I immediately wrote down all the seat numbers as such:
1)
2)
3)
etc.
I did this while I was greeting my table and exchanging some pleasantries (How's it going? Y'all having a good morning? etc)
I left space at the very top to write in appetizers.
I'd take drink and app orders. Then when I took entree orders, I'd cross out the drinks/ apps/ other orders already delivered.
If they wanted another Budweiser, I'd write +1 to the previous, crossed out Budweiser order.
Then when I was determining how the checks we're split up, I'd circle adjacent numbers (seat 1 and 2 are together) or make a note on the far left side (seat 1 + 3, 2+4)
Check out our full programs here:
www.realservertraining.com
#RealServerTraining #ServerTips #RestaurantService - Jak na to + styl
In-depth training for servers by servers: www.realservertraining.com
Interesting
To me, this is the toughest part of serving: Staying organized with written orders. I feel confident in giving people the food they ordered, but organizing and making sure _everyone_ gets what they want, whether it's drinks, appetizers, deserts, to-go food, an extra sauce, an extra side, all while managing _everyone elses'_ wants and needs during the shift can be overwhelming if we don't develop a system that keeps things in order so we can just go right down the line.
I can't do my job without a clear system to keep track of everything. I literally go to office depot to get card stock cut in thirds for work. it's the only system that allows me to be feel confident
Got a front of house interview tomorrow, as someone with little-to-no bar/restaurant experience I've been crashing through loads of these videos to prepare as much as I can and these short broken-down videos on the tricks and tips have been really helpful, thank you!
I am so pleased to hear you are deriving benefit from these. Please comment any questions you may have.
Every pro begins somewhere. You are doing the right thing by educating yourself ahead of time. Good luck to you in life.
How’s it going??
Is it going good so far ?
they never hire anyone without experience
Thinking of being a server just gets my brain in shambles. At the same time I feel like once I get the hang of it I’d be way too good.
same, im just nervous about writing it correctly and quickly, and also carrying drinks to people😭
About to start serving with no real experience!! Getting trained on Wednesday, this is immense!!! Thank u
awesome glad this helps. you can get card stock cut in thirds if you like this system
How did it go? I’m also thinking of being a server too
@@randycarr2295 I’m applying for server jobs since I wanna be a server too
@@super_heroes how have you’ve been doing so far? As someone whose longest job at 23 YO is fine dining with almost 4 years of serving (2 in fine dining, and almost 2 as a fine dining bartender) the #1 tip I can give to new servers is going through progressions and organizing.
I’m starting tomorrow and I’m so nervous 😢
I think that organizing your book and writing orders out correctly is a big part for beginners. This video is good and helpful for those with little to no training. If a server can get the top tips and training, plus experience...it becomes like second nature to them.
Just started out as a waitress at our local restaurant and these videos are sooo helpful!!!
thank you!
I think you have a good strategy, but some orders are more complex than others and ask for special preparation or substitutions for instance; hence, you need to ensure you have adequate spacing on your scrap paper in between customers. Otherwise, you'll be forced to write in margins, etc and in the fury of the restaurant rush, you may omit, overlook, or confuse one order with another.
this gives me plenty of room. I can use the back too. these are full pages of card stock cut in thirds fyi
Right. I have a slightly different strategy. I start off by writing the table number (the same) but then I just write 1) on my pad and take their order. Where I work, tables don't have set position numbers, so I will draw the table on the bottom of my sheet and place a (1) where the person is. Then onto 2) and so on. This helps me because more often than you'd think, guests don't order one after another in a circle. A person may place an order, then another guest over the other side may order next etc. It's not as tidy but it works for me. I can still take the correct meal to the correct guest when it's served at the pass.
These videos are excellent, I'm surprised they don't have way more views
Thanks man! Appreciate this. So I was planning to market and release all this until Covid shut restaurants down. I paused then eventually just dumped everything on CZcams one week last November. I've done zero promotion. I may re-upload each video and market so people actually see them. Thanks again for your comment
They are not meant for everyone 😅
If you here then you great 🤧🔥🔥🔥🤜🏼🤛🏼
Omg thank you I just got hired as a head waitress with no waitressing experience. Lmao . And I have been stressing over how to properly write out checks .. 👍🏾👏🏿👌🏾💕
Glad this helps!
good luck
How’s everything now?
How are you doing now, what was the hardest biggest curveball you had to learn?
Strange that you were hired as head waitress without ever being a waitress.🙄
Done learning.Thank you so much
I definitely recommend you take a book for your orders, I see other staff members tryna do it without writing it down and believe me, they always make a error.
yup!
Omg I love the beginning intro transitions!!!! Such great shots!
Thanks!
Your videos are amazing. I appreciate the edition and the valuable information on them
thank you! glad you found the channel :)
Love how straight forward this is, thank you for your help!
thank you! glad this helps!
Nice work! This was the part of serving that I always thought was the toughest especially with large groups.
thanks for watching! yeah without a system, it's chaos
Thanks for sharing! I like the comments from these videos. I’m looking to apply for a Server position at a newly opened restaurant in my town. Using these videos to prepare me as I’ve never worked in the food industry before. Wish me luck!
Thanks and good luck!
Amazing tips, thank you so much, going for my 1st interview this Sat, never been a server before lol
I've been out of the serving game for 15 years. Just picked it up again and this was EXTREMELY helpful vid! Thanks!
good! you can get card stock cut in thirds if you like this system
This was super helpful!! I just started training serving and this was the most difficult for me to learn feeling all over the place with orders lol
good! glad this helps
Getting my first job this summer. I'm pretty excited! This video has helped me prepare for what to expect. Thank you! Hopefully I get the spot :)
awesome! a lot of videos here on CZcams - can also get full series here: www.realservertraining.com
Thank you !! Now I’m even more confident for my interview today 😊
all the best!
To day I’m going to train at new place. Thank you for making very helpful tips.
The biggest thing I wanted to learn thank you 🙏🏽
yeah man! this is key. glad it's helpful
This is my first video of his and that intro was EPIC!
Thank you for these videos! I'm possibly getting a job as a waitress soon and I have no idea what I'm doing these videos are so helpful!
Awesome. Thanks!
Hey bro how was it working there? Im going to work soon
Extremely underrated video. I have learned so much seeing a Server's different perspective on waiting tables.
Thank you for the videos. :)
Thanks for watching and commenting! Will have a lot more uploaded soon :)
Very cool. You and I structure our books very similarly.
That was the best advice on a serving video that I’ve ever seen!
thank you!
I got a interview tomorrow and watching these videos is helping me a lot
Good! All the best!
Good training I never did serving or restaurant before so I need the challenge
Yes sir!
Thanks for this video, very helpful
Let’s goooooo!
Started serving again part time,
It’s been over 10 years.
Forgot how much fun it is!!!
glad you found this channel. enjoy! czcams.com/play/PLEOBIdqevo1yBfwc2HYk19PQUAUc_aILa.html
Wow thank you so much I’ve never been a server before and this definitely has helped me
Thanks!
Phenominal intro!
I know you get this comment a lot but your videos are spot on wish you had more views and subs ! I work in fast food but never at a restaurant setting and I’m looking to get a second part time job serving these are incredibly helpful !!!
Thank you so much. I’m glad these are helpful for you.
Extremely helpful!❤️
Glad to hear this!
I randomly typed this on google. Great stuff that you have this down to a science
thanks!
Great tip! I’ve got an interview at Dennys tomorrow! Wish me luck! I used to wait tables at chilis about 20 years ago !!!
All the best Mallory!
Pro tip:
Use a tape recorder or audio recording app in your apron. Discrete earpiece,1.2x playback speed as you tap the orders in. Suddenly, best and fastest server in the restaurant.
interesting
that's not a pro tip, there's laws against recording people unaware
That intro though 🔥 👌🏼
I just wanna say this was one of the coolest intros I’ve ever seen y’all really made serving look like an action movie scene haha
haha thank you for this!
That intro was fire
Sometimes we r just 2 servers serving 21 tables in a c restaurant with a rude boss 😅 but these videos helped alot we r doing good guys i love this job
This video is really help for me.
good!
That intro tho!!! 🥶
And am having my food and service practical exam tomorrow. This was really helpful for me. Love from India ❤️
I'm glad to hear that. Good luck!
i just started serving and was struggling to keep whos order was who. idk why i didn’t think of numbering them! thank you so much 🙏🏻
awesome! glad this helped! For reference, I really do think in numbers on the floor. Table numbers and seat numbers -- never guy in blue or table in the corner. That can be problematic :)
Gracias amigo te amo ♡
Me alegra que hayas encontrado este canal
Great help
I didn’t even apply yet but I’m so nervous to work up in front with ppl if I get a server job I need to be 100% sure I know what I’m doing to not make a fool of myself and not hold everyone up😭
Thanks I have a interview with Applebees to become a server and felt overwhelmed because I never did it before but this helped A lot
good man -- a lot more uploads coming. all the best
nice production!
thanks!
Dude ty so much for making this so clear and easy. My kitchen just switched from buffet to made to order and I’ve been fumbling so bad 😅😢.
Glad you found this channel!
THANK YOU, I start training tomorrow and Im super nervous
you're very welcome. glad this helped.
Being as organized as you are, you might want to consider ordering a waiter wallet… I’ve got one, I love it
okay i'll check it out thanks!
Thank you man. Learning is next level. But I don't know what drink is what, and I don't know how to make the drink. Any advice?
The Bar/Bowling Alley/Arcade/Movie theater that I serve at uses handheld tablets for order taking and it’s an absolute godsend, very easy and reliable to use
nice!
writing on those little pieces of paper seems like nightmare tablet with app might work
@@V8_screw_electric_cars tablet with app is the best
@@sesh3508 yes i was gonna be waiter but got scared of those notepads
Nice affects dude.
Very well organised.
If I may just add my opinion.
In 10 years of work in places of high criteria and lot's of work, for me the best way is.
1) Same as yourself, write down the table number and introduce yourself as well as say: "Hello, Good evening, my name is .... , welcome to Restaurant .... .
2) Take the drinks order within the first 5 minutes of guest's sitting down or at least when opening the the menue's (optional) ask if they would like some water and whether should it be still or sparkling or both.
3) Depending on what type of restaurant it is, go and order the drinks in the bar and after that while the drinks are being prepared type the order in the computer (This is the way we keep track of the tables and orders).
4) After the drinks are prepared go to the table, give everyone their drink (NOTE: Every time to be given from the right hand side with your right hand) and proceed to ask if they are ready or if they maybe need some help with ordering food (recommendation etc.).
5) After taking the food order take it to the kitchen and if needed prepare the cutllary and deliver it to the table.
You are now finished until the kitchen ringsthe bell.
P.S.
Another pice of advice.
Themost important thing that set's apart good server from a great one is how much steps he/she saves while working.
For example:
Youhave to bring a bill to table 4, a ketchup to table 6, drinks to table 14, etc. Trying in doing all od those at the same time or as much as possible at the same time is the key. Aswell as never havingempty hands. There are always things to clean, take, bring and so on. Never leave empty bottles on the table, never forget to ask if they want more of them and NEVER EVER let a lady pour a drink or God forbid wine by herself. It's just polite from you to do so.
Good luck everyone.
yo thanks for comment. please go through some of the other content and share your thoughts. Here's full playlist for HIGHER-VOLUME, SEMI-CASUAL: czcams.com/play/PLEOBIdqevo1yBfwc2HYk19PQUAUc_aILa.html&si=4a428gWT75wvyM5y
also re your last point on managing task, you may appreciate this video: czcams.com/video/ekZwK2oCkMY/video.html
Thank You very much!
thanks for watching!
This helps a lot😢
It's been a while I stop working as a waiter and event host in one of the most famous restaurant here in the Philippines. Due to this pandemic bad luck struck me so I decided to work abroad as a waiter.. So I need as much information to refresh my learnings as a waiter.
glad you found this then. I'll be releasing the entire series here soon
Wow! So. Easy.
Thank you
This is how I do it and I never even seen this video before
I like the ones with the zipper pouch where servers can hide their coke in.
“This is how i structure my book” im sorry but it had me dying
love the watch man. where did you get it from
i gotta set up an affiliate for this watch man lol get asked all the time -- it's a fossil got like 10 years ago bro
I recently got hired as a server and these tips are very helpful. We have tablets. Do you hand write orders and then input the orders in the system? Or do you input orders right into the tablets in front of the tables? Also, how do you service tables when there are multiple seatings at the same time? Would you greet each table, start taking orders one table at a time, and then get the drinks for all the tables? How to manage when it gets busy?
i've worked with tablets -- with those i'll put em in right at the table but try not to just be staring at the tablet while I'm talking to them. if it's just a couple orders, i may just remember them then put them into tablet once i pivot away from table
with getting double or triple sat (multiple seatings) i'll often approach each (sometimes with waters or sometimes without) check in, say hello, and THEN go around getting drink orders at each. but i'm always assessing like if they know what they want already - if so I may go ahead and get their drink orders when I first approach.
again depends how ready my table is for drink orders when I approach... if they can make some quick decisions, I'll get drink orders. if not, I'll tell them I'll check back shortly then go greet my next table. the goal is that I don't have another table sitting there too long without at least having approached to say hello because I'm busy getting drink orders at another table.
also sometimes if it's super super busy, i'll let the tables know we're slammed and that it would be better if I can go ahead and get their drink orders for the bar to start making them so they don't have to wait too long...
can you make one for writing the orders? how you abbreviate and write down food items
I'd suggest writing it down the same way it's written in your POS
Thx bro
No problem
So do you cross it out when you put it into the system? Or do you cross it out when you pick it up and put it on the table?
I cross it out when I approach the table again for more orders
How do you deal with picky customers or customers that want something different do you remember it or write it down?
Definitely write it all down.
1) Too many variables at play in a restaurant. You could be on your way back to put your order in when... who knows what and then you forgot.
2) Memorizing orders takes up space in my brain that could be used for something else.
3) Uncertainty generates anxiety. "Wait did they say no olives or extra olives?"
I'm not afraid to say no either when the requests are too much.
Question, why don’t you do one side drinks and flip the paper over for the appetisers?
It’s clearer to have everything on one side and if I’ve already listed seat numbers, I can track everything together
can you do a video on how to carry your book around? Also your pens, wine key etc?
Those videos will go up soon
MY MAN ITS A FING MINIMUM WAGE JOB 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@princealmighty5391 I did about $50/ hour
@@RealServerTraining oh damn!
Your intro has no right to go that hard
Where do you get the black book
I’m 16 and got an interview this Tuesday and I’m so scared I don’t think I can be a waiter I can barely talk to people in any situation my anxiety is crazy
Even more reason to work in a restaurant then. You’ll learn to communicate real quick. You likely won’t be serving yet - just bussing. But that’ll let you start learning to interact with coworkers and some with guests
How would you remember which table is which table lol 🙈 or do some restaurants do sections so your not only focused on your section?
every table in a restaurant has a number assigned to it.
I was a server almost 8 years ago.However, I am thinking about becoming one again. I loved being a server but I always had one problem. I never really was good with doing big party orders. I was completely confused on how to take them😅 I would do your method you show here but a lot of times ppl would just yell out there drink/food orders and I never would understand whose checks went together because they would just yell out their orders and and it would be so many ppl. I would sometimes put the wrong orders on the wrong checks..I know to ask how many checks is this gonna be today but I’m still confused on how I would organize it…I used to spend forever at the pos computer trying to figure out whose check went with whose..it was so stressful. I really want to be comfortable taking big party orders if I choose to become a server again. If you see this can you please tell me an easier way, there has to be one I know it😅
so here's my general approach: when I start taking orders, I am ONLY concerned with seat numbers ie putting right order on right seat. If they start telling me how they're gonna want their checks, I'll often stop them and just say we can sort all that out at the end. then at the end - especially if it's more complicated, I'll pull my book out and go around asking who is with who while taking notes in my book. if I got all the orders on the right seat numbers, then all I need to write down is seat 1 with seat 4 (1 + 4 in my book), seat 2 with 5, etc. Then I combine seat numbers, print, and deliver.
When I'm dealing with 4 or 6 tops that want everything split up, I'll often ask something like, "y'all just want to split the bill 50/50 (or in thirds)?" Often they're like sure that's easy. Remember tables don't really want to spend a bunch of time with you trying to get the check sorted out anymore than you do.
@@RealServerTraining Thanks so much, this really helps. I just get so nervous sometimes when it comes to huge parties.
Recently got a job serving at cracker barrel. It would be nice if they would actually show me all of this, you know like they're actually supposed to do, instead of me just trying to figure it out
glad you found this channel then. check the playlist
I am getting trained for Texas Roadhouse server I am a sa right now and all the servers told me to come to the server side and cause I’m great and fast at bussing , nervous because I don’t wanna drop the food , and forget the menu
Glad you found the channel. I'd suggest going through our playlist.
I just started working and no one has even said anything about training me. Is this normal? So far they just basically let me out in the wild and said that the others with experience will help me but it’s so informal and I’m nervous.
lol yeah it's ridiculous and unfortunately pretty normal. have some videos here -- a full series on all aspects of serving will be put onto CZcams soon.
Line cook learning so I can take a server shift to assert dominance
I like it
Omg I got a sever job 🤦🏽♂️tomorrow so I can here 😊
How do you like it?
♋ Beautifully made video. Also precise, to the point & polite (Polite = music choice && volume🔑) 🏆
Thanks! Can you do me a favor? Let me know if you like this opening music/ format. czcams.com/video/PVHTWy2yv8s/video.html
Staple your order sheets together. Keep them all till the end of your shift. Where are your notes or 86 list. Of course, you know everything, it is in your head. Why do you even need to write down the orders then?
Is it the waitstaffs job to take it to the register? And how hard is it to figure out the register?
yeah you'll put all orders into the POS system which varies restaurant to restaurant but all are simple enough for anyone to use
@@RealServerTraining yea it will be good if you had good memorization from people order on a busy day which is possible to mess up in the pos system
@@frankiecarrrierivg03 far better to write everything down
hey im a newly hired server and i was was wondering to ask what do you mean by card stock cut in thirds ?
you can buy cardstock (type of paper) at office supply stores then get it cut into thirds
@@RealServerTraining awesome thanks so much im definitely going to be doing this cuz i find your method to be very helpful! Appreciate the lesson a lot and thanks in advanced for helping me in this new journey!
Why am I here it’s 2am and I am not even a waiter
😂
Cool!)
I'm training for 5 years later.
If this system works for you that’s good I do it differently if I have a party of six I ask if it’s gonna be all together or separate food with drink food with drink simple it’s all separate now I just have to hit one seat change 2 seat change all tickets will be separated simple
Can we write like instead of salmon+1 can we write salmon x2 ?
If they order 2 salmons sure, but generally, I'm trying to keep each guest and whatever they order on a separate line... this helps me better track what plate is going where, how to split checks, etc.
I'm 16 and am getting my first job ever for the summer lol
Serving is perfect first job - good on you! www.realservertraining.com/
Server for 12+ yrs.. I Never have a checkbook book in my apron. I've lost my entire day's pay, receipts & money owed to resturant..plus I can't bend down easily. I neatly pocket receipts and cash in a fold in my apron. One side has notepad with the back cardboard removed. Pens in middle pocket.
thanks for sharing -- solid system. I actually get check presenters narrow enough to fit in back pocket b/c I hate not being able to bend at waist with book in apron.
@@RealServerTraining yea.. my work pants always have those fake back pockets lol... I cant stand being restricted when I'm 🏃♂️ running around for hours 😔😪
What do you do if you run out of space on the card?
flip it over and renumber
I’ve been sick for a long time, I’m determined to get back serving tables, it’s been over 10 yrs & I need confidence. After Radiation, I want to work at seasonal jobs at vacation places... help. 😆
I want be a waitress until I go off to college in September. I’m just scared I’ll drop their food and make a mistake
@@agirlwholovesgod1645 😂 your cute.
@@marilyngrube2417 haha thank you
You don’t use those “Guest Books” ?
I don't. I just use a check presenter with cardstock
Bro Morning Shift is Inhuman cuz the Hotel kicks out People before 11 AM and the People wake up at 6 to 8 and flood the Restaurant at 8:30 to 9:30 AM and the Disorganization & Stress becomes real especially when some other Coworker(s) who were suppose to be there with you don't show up because they too tired working other jobs or making irresponsible sleeping decisions.
Evening Shift is way better because People come in like 10 minutes apart from each other and you gave them their Drinks and gave them their Food and then the next set of People come in. There's a smoothe rhythm about Evening Times. By the time Hotel People come around, you already have everything stocked and ready to go between 7 to 9 PM.