| There aren't too many things worse than having | | | | patron's fork touches the last piece of food. |
| nice dinners at restaurants ruined by waiters who | | | | Before they even have a chance to chew that |
| act inappropriately or stupidly. Some things | | | | final bite, the dishes are scooped up and whisked |
| waiters should and shouldn't do seem obvious to | | | | away. This can make the customer feel as |
| the diners but sometimes manage to escape the | | | | though you have been counting down the |
| servers. If you are in the restaurant business, | | | | seconds until they finished so that they can leave. |
| there are some very basic principles to know. | | | | Not good. |
| For starters, don't hang around the guests while | | | | Something else to keep in mind about dishes is |
| they are eating. Shortly after their food has been | | | | this: Never, ever take away one person's plates is |
| served, you should pop over and make sure they | | | | somebody else at the table is still eating. This is |
| are satisfied with everything. Then leave them | | | | outrageously rude! This could make the person |
| alone to enjoy their meals. Scan the room | | | | who is still eating feel uncomfortable or rushed |
| frequently to see if any of your patrons are | | | | into finishing his or her meal. The number of |
| trying to get your attention. | | | | waiters who do this to customers is astounding. |
| When they are deciding what to order, don't be | | | | Please don't be one of them. |
| impatient or rush them. Ask them if they'd like a | | | | There are other things that should be obvious, |
| few minutes to look over the menu. Then actually | | | | yet still we see in restaurants every day. Don't |
| wait a few minutes before returning to see | | | | shout or point at a customer. Do not play with |
| whether they are ready. If they have trouble | | | | your hair, chew gum or argue with other staff |
| deciding what they want, don't sigh or roll your | | | | where customers can hear you. Don't smoke |
| eyes. It really should be no big deal to you if they | | | | cigarettes where they can see you. Never touch |
| need a little extra time. | | | | a patron or handle any of their personal property. |
| Should a customer happen to have a complaint, | | | | And under no circumstances should you tell a |
| always apologize even if you didn't do anything. | | | | customer that you cannot wait until it is time to |
| Do not make excuses or try to blame them. Say | | | | go home. And for crying out loud, refrain from |
| that you are sorry for the inconvenience and that | | | | asking for tips or counting them in view of the |
| you will fix the problem. If you are not able to | | | | guests. |
| solve the problem, get someone who can right | | | | As for the things you should do: Do dress neatly |
| away. | | | | and make sure your hair is combed. Always smile |
| Another important topic concerning waiters is | | | | and be polite. Remember to thank them for |
| removing plates. It is downright shocking how | | | | coming, and say it so that it sounds true. Even if |
| many waiters magically appear the moment a | | | | it's not. |