The Rules of Serving: Rule Three

by | May 18, 2010 | Rules of Serving | 733 comments

 

Rule Three: Generic Servers Receive Generic Tips.

 

We all have seen it before.  The server who walks up to a table and lifelessly repeats the corporate approved script when greeting a table.  They seem as if they are only about three more repetitions from developing a facial tick from irritation.  No inflection or signs of life.  Reading between the lines is not difficult and roughly translates to “what do I have to bring you to get you to leave?”

Then there is the other kind.  They walk up to the table and give you a more enthusiastic greeting than you got on your last birthday.  They ramble on through the generic script punctuating it with adjectives like “awesome” and “incredible.”  They suggest 37 specific drinks to start you off with before looking at the table to see you got your first round at the bar.  As they turn away from the table their posture immediately changes in a way that translates to, “thank goodness that is over.”

There are many types of generic servers.  They all share one fundamental trait.  They are putting on a performance that has little or nothing to do with the guests at that particular table.  As a result they are viewed as a generic server by their tables.  This doesn’t upset the guest.  It is not worth complaining about.  It doesn’t even stop the guest from tipping the server the same percent they always tip their server.  People have an idea of what they tip servers generically.  The competent yet generic server receives the adequate, but generic tip.

This is fine for someone who aspires to be no more than a generic server.  I am going to operate under the assumption that you, by merits of reading this blog, aspire to be more than a generic server.  At the least, I am assuming that you aspire to make more than the generic tip.  You cannot put the cart in front of the horse though.  In order to receive more than the generic tip, you must be more than the generic server.

Here are three ways to separate yourself from the generic server:

Give them the Experience they Want. The generic server gives every guest the same experience. They have the same interactions with every table.  In order to exceed the generic server, you must determine what your table expects out of their dining experience.  The sooner you are able to read your table, the better you are able to meet their expectations.  Here is a previous post on a great way to do this.  Guests’ expectations vary on everything from pacing to the amount of time you spend at the table.  Instead of a one size fits all experience, look for clues from your tables and follow them.

Develop a Connection. Find some way to interact with your tables on a personal level.  This can be something as simple as asking someone bringing in an umbrella if it looks like it is clearing up or complimenting a businessman on his tie.  Try to find the opportunity to have one brief interaction that doesn’t relate to food and let the table decide whether or not to turn it into a conversation.  The only way this can be successful is if it is sincere.  Guests can smell insincerity from a mile away.  They will appreciate the common ground and relate to you as a person rather than as a generic server.

Throw Away the Script. There is a fine line between using the best pitch possible and sounding scripted.  When a guest does want recommendations, it is easy to go into a prewritten pitch that might as well be prerecorded.  To make things worse, most restaurant companies have certain things they want you to say to every table.  The best way to sound unscripted is to change the order in which you mention these things.  You want to follow a logical progression, but intentionally change the order of sentences from table to table.  This does require more thought, but that time to think will prevent it from sounding too generic and scripted.

 

Being a competent, but generic server is much like holding most any other job.  You can do the minimum in most any occupation and get by.  The employee who does the minimum cannot expect to be promoted because of it.  They will also get passed on the corporate ladder by those who take the effort to do more than the minimum.  Exceeding the actions of the generic server is the best way to have the guest give your tip a promotion.

Tips2: Tips For Improving Your Tips is the new book from the author of The Hospitality Formula Network.  It contains the 52 essential skills of the exceptional server.  This book teaches the philosophy to turn average service into an exceptional guest experience that will rapidly increase your tips.  This book shows how you can provide better customer service and dramatically improve your tips.  Enter the coupon code “squared” to receive 20% off your copy today.

Related posts on this blog:

The Rules of Serving

People Who Read This Post Also Enjoyed:

The Lost Art Of Suggestive Selling (Tips Squared)

How To Serve A Bottle Of Wine (Tips Squared)

Story Time: Injuries (Restaurant Laughs)

How Money Motivates (The Manager’s Office)

Designated Drinker: Harry’s Bar Bellini (Foodie Knowledge)

733 Comments

  3. Ralphhierb
    Ralphhierb on June 4, 2022 at 2:31 pm

    over night cialis tadalafil

    Reply
  23. MichaelDag
    MichaelDag on June 17, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    viagra best over the counter viagra

    Reply
  34. MichaelDag
    MichaelDag on June 20, 2022 at 12:06 pm

    price of viagra where can i buy viagra over the counter

    Reply
  37. Georgemuh
    Georgemuh on June 21, 2022 at 3:10 pm

    canadian pharmacy doxycycline doxycline

    Reply
  128. Darrellnes
    Darrellnes on July 13, 2022 at 2:17 am

    best male enhancement pills drugs for ed

    Reply
  129. RobinGax
    RobinGax on July 13, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    order stromectol over the counter stromectol

    Reply
  136. RobertoSap
    RobertoSap on July 14, 2022 at 9:00 pm

    stromectol stromectol for humans for sale

    Reply
  216. Jamessmarm
    Jamessmarm on August 2, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    errection problems herbal ed

    Reply
  281. ThomasLed
    ThomasLed on August 22, 2022 at 6:39 pm

    paxil headache paxil flu

    Reply
  291. Adriancycle
    Adriancycle on August 25, 2022 at 3:45 pm

    [url=https://paxil.tech/#]paxil 10mg[/url] drug paxil

    Reply
  350. Josephorded
    Josephorded on September 11, 2022 at 2:06 am

    molnupiravir avermectin molunpiravir

    Reply
  455. TravisRew
    TravisRew on October 23, 2022 at 1:36 am

    best dating sites freetalk45

    Reply
  463. WilliamMib
    WilliamMib on October 26, 2022 at 8:13 am

    approved canadian pharmacies online pharmacy online

    Reply
  473. SteveSoche
    SteveSoche on October 30, 2022 at 2:25 pm

    clomid buy where can i buy clomiphene

    Reply
  509. Alvarotex
    Alvarotex on November 26, 2022 at 1:18 am

    most reputable canadian pharmacies naijamoviez.com
    ed pills online canada prescription drug price comparison

    Reply
  577. Michaelabato
    Michaelabato on January 7, 2023 at 6:03 am

    clomid europe can you buy clomid over the counter in uk

    Reply
  590. Michaelabato
    Michaelabato on January 10, 2023 at 11:43 pm

    ed pills non prescription ed drugs

    Reply
  598. mahmutlar escort
    mahmutlar escort on January 17, 2023 at 8:57 pm

    naturally like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

    Reply
  616. Jamesseiny
    Jamesseiny on February 2, 2023 at 8:45 am

    safe and effective drugs are available. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
    stromectol 12mg
    Get warning information here. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

    Reply
  617. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 2, 2023 at 5:01 pm

    Read here. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
    ivermectin australia
    Some trends of drugs. Get information now.

    Reply
  618. Zacharyarose
    Zacharyarose on February 3, 2023 at 1:16 am

    Drugs information sheet. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.
    ivermectin gel
    Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Read here.

    Reply
  619. Jamesseiny
    Jamesseiny on February 3, 2023 at 2:21 am

    Top 100 Searched Drugs. Read information now.
    ivermectin price usa
    Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. All trends of medicament.

    Reply
  620. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 3, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    Best and news about drug. Everything about medicine.
    ivermectin tablets order
    Best and news about drug. Get warning information here.

    Reply
  621. Zacharyarose
    Zacharyarose on February 4, 2023 at 6:50 am

    Read now. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    buy stromectol pills
    Top 100 Searched Drugs. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.

    Reply
  622. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 4, 2023 at 5:02 pm

    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
    https://stromectolst.com/# stromectol australia
    Generic Name. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.

    Reply
  623. JesseSor
    JesseSor on February 5, 2023 at 12:32 am

    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. Drug information.
    ivermectin humans
    earch our drug database. Some trends of drugs.

    Reply
  624. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 5, 2023 at 3:55 pm

    Cautions. safe and effective drugs are available.
    https://stromectolst.com/# ivermectin buy
    Everything about medicine. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.

    Reply
  625. Zacharyarose
    Zacharyarose on February 5, 2023 at 4:59 pm

    Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
    https://stromectolst.com/# ivermectin 1 cream 45gm
    Read information now. All trends of medicament.

    Reply
  626. RonaldShupS
    RonaldShupS on February 6, 2023 at 8:31 pm

    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Long-Term Effects.
    ivermectin 500mg
    Some trends of drugs. Actual trends of drug.

    Reply
  627. JesseSor
    JesseSor on February 6, 2023 at 8:32 pm

    earch our drug database. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.
    ivermectin buy australia
    earch our drug database. Read information now.

    Reply
  628. Williezoody
    Williezoody on February 7, 2023 at 8:31 am

    Best and news about drug. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
    can you get mobic
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Actual trends of drug.

    Reply
  629. Davidhon
    Davidhon on February 7, 2023 at 5:49 pm

    Get here. Best and news about drug.
    can i order cheap levaquin prices
    safe and effective drugs are available. п»їMedicament prescribing information.

    Reply
  630. JamesCuh
    JamesCuh on February 8, 2023 at 2:22 am

    Everything what you want to know about pills. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
    cost of generic levaquin price
    What side effects can this medication cause? Everything what you want to know about pills.

    Reply
  632. Davidhon
    Davidhon on February 9, 2023 at 5:34 am

    All trends of medicament. safe and effective drugs are available. buying cheap avodart online
    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. All trends of medicament.

    Reply
  633. Jamesdup
    Jamesdup on February 9, 2023 at 1:48 pm

    Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics. What side effects can this medication cause?
    lisinopril 40 mg no prescription
    Long-Term Effects. drug information and news for professionals and consumers.

    Reply
  634. Williezoody
    Williezoody on February 10, 2023 at 3:00 am

    Read here. Get information now.
    https://lisinopril.science/# lisinopril 25 mg price
    Top 100 Searched Drugs. safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  635. JamesCuh
    JamesCuh on February 10, 2023 at 5:59 pm

    Get warning information here. п»їMedicament prescribing information. https://avodart.science/# where can i get generic avodart pills
    Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Get information now.

    Reply
  636. Davidhon
    Davidhon on February 10, 2023 at 10:36 pm

    Everything what you want to know about pills. Get here. where to get generic avodart
    What side effects can this medication cause? Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

    Reply
  637. Williezoody
    Williezoody on February 11, 2023 at 3:58 am

    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Medscape Drugs & Diseases. can you get cheap avodart pills
    Generic Name. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.

    Reply
  638. DonaldNub
    DonaldNub on February 11, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    All trends of medicament. What side effects can this medication cause?
    https://azithromycins.com/ zithromax z-pak price without insurance
    Read here. Drug information.

    Reply
  639. DennisSog
    DennisSog on February 11, 2023 at 10:19 pm

    Everything information about medication. Everything information about medication.
    where buy generic clomid
    Drugs information sheet. Get warning information here.

    Reply
  640. DennisSog
    DennisSog on February 13, 2023 at 4:53 am

    Everything what you want to know about pills. Commonly Used Drugs Charts. https://amoxicillins.com/ amoxicillin 500 mg
    Get information now. Read here.

    Reply
  641. JamesBat
    JamesBat on February 13, 2023 at 12:36 pm

    Some trends of drugs. Get information now.
    generic zithromax 500mg
    Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Everything about medicine.

    Reply
  643. Aaronlip
    Aaronlip on February 14, 2023 at 1:14 am

    All trends of medicament. Get warning information here. https://amoxicillins.com/ how much is amoxicillin
    Everything about medicine. Best and news about drug.

    Reply
  644. JamesBat
    JamesBat on February 14, 2023 at 5:47 am

    Long-Term Effects. Drug information.
    https://clomiphenes.online buying cheap clomid without insurance
    safe and effective drugs are available. safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  645. DennisSog
    DennisSog on February 14, 2023 at 9:43 am

    Everything information about medication. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
    zithromax 1000 mg online
    Generic Name. Long-Term Effects.

    Reply
  647. DennisSog
    DennisSog on February 15, 2023 at 11:51 am

    Read now. Cautions.
    generic clomid
    Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Best and news about drug.

    Reply
  648. Aaronlip
    Aaronlip on February 15, 2023 at 1:20 pm

    Drugs information sheet. Cautions. amoxicillin buy online canada
    All trends of medicament. Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.

    Reply
  649. DonaldNub
    DonaldNub on February 15, 2023 at 6:13 pm

    Everything what you want to know about pills. Everything information about medication. https://amoxicillins.com/ cost of amoxicillin 875 mg
    What side effects can this medication cause? Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.

    Reply
  650. Mortonrix
    Mortonrix on February 16, 2023 at 4:16 am

    safe and effective drugs are available. Cautions.
    https://edonlinefast.com medication for ed
    Commonly Used Drugs Charts. Get here.

    Reply
  651. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 16, 2023 at 1:20 pm

    Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. Drug information.
    https://edonlinefast.com online ed pills
    Commonly Used Drugs Charts. safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  653. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 17, 2023 at 11:12 am

    Top 100 Searched Drugs. earch our drug database.
    buying ed pills online
    Generic Name. earch our drug database.

    Reply
  654. Mortonrix
    Mortonrix on February 17, 2023 at 8:29 pm

    Cautions. Top 100 Searched Drugs.
    best ed medications
    Get information now. earch our drug database.

    Reply
  655. DonaldNub
    DonaldNub on February 17, 2023 at 9:35 pm

    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
    https://azithromycins.com/ how to buy zithromax online
    Best and news about drug. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.

    Reply
  656. JeffreyRoork
    JeffreyRoork on February 19, 2023 at 2:24 am

    Read now. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    canadian king pharmacy
    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Get here.

    Reply
  657. VictorAWaib
    VictorAWaib on February 19, 2023 at 5:25 am

    Cautions. п»їMedicament prescribing information.
    non prescription ed pills
    Get here. Read information now.

    Reply
  658. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 19, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    Get warning information here. Generic Name.
    https://canadianfast.online/# best non prescription ed pills
    What side effects can this medication cause? Best and news about drug.

    Reply
  659. JeffreyRoork
    JeffreyRoork on February 19, 2023 at 10:22 pm

    Actual trends of drug. Get here.
    canadian pharmacy prices
    Some trends of drugs. п»їMedicament prescribing information.

    Reply
  661. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 20, 2023 at 6:29 pm

    Generic Name. Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side.
    https://canadianfast.online/# ed meds online without doctor prescription
    Get information now. Drugs information sheet.

    Reply
  662. JeffreyRoork
    JeffreyRoork on February 20, 2023 at 9:54 pm

    Get information now. Commonly Used Drugs Charts.
    canadian drugs pharmacy
    Some trends of drugs. Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe.

    Reply
  663. VictorAWaib
    VictorAWaib on February 20, 2023 at 10:02 pm

    What side effects can this medication cause? What side effects can this medication cause?
    pain meds online without doctor prescription
    earch our drug database. safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  665. Robertamoca
    Robertamoca on February 22, 2023 at 12:25 am

    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    https://canadianfast.com/# canadian drug
    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Get warning information here.

    Reply
  666. MichaelPoolf
    MichaelPoolf on February 22, 2023 at 4:14 am

    Get here. Best and news about drug.
    canadian pharmacy cialis reviews
    All trends of medicament. safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  668. Bradleyseess
    Bradleyseess on February 27, 2023 at 3:13 am

    Get warning information here. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
    what viagra does
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Best and news about drug.

    Reply
  669. Sammyfag
    Sammyfag on February 27, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Long-Term Effects.
    https://viagrapillsild.com/# sildenafil uk paypal
    Read information now. п»їMedicament prescribing information.

    Reply
  670. Bradleyseess
    Bradleyseess on February 27, 2023 at 11:52 pm

    Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions. earch our drug database.
    https://viagrapillsild.com/# buy viagra in singapore
    Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information. Actual trends of drug.

    Reply
  671. WillisBaido
    WillisBaido on February 28, 2023 at 8:59 am

    Some trends of drugs. Read information now.
    canadian pharmacy tadalafil
    Drugs information sheet. Definitive journal of drugs and therapeutics.

    Reply
  673. Sammyfag
    Sammyfag on March 1, 2023 at 2:33 am

    Best and news about drug. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.
    https://tadalafil1st.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription reddit
    Long-Term Effects. Everything information about medication.

    Reply
  674. WillisBaido
    WillisBaido on March 1, 2023 at 3:17 am

    Read information now. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    generic tadalafil from canada
    drug information and news for professionals and consumers. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

    Reply
  675. Albertenfof
    Albertenfof on March 1, 2023 at 4:23 am

    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    https://tadalafil1st.com/# generic tadalafil canada
    What side effects can this medication cause? safe and effective drugs are available.

    Reply
  676. WillisBaido
    WillisBaido on March 2, 2023 at 11:19 pm

    Actual trends of drug. Some trends of drugs.
    how can i buy cialis online
    Long-Term Effects. Medscape Drugs & Diseases.

    Reply
  677. Morristhoca
    Morristhoca on March 3, 2023 at 3:18 am

    Get warning information here. Get here.
    https://tadalafil1st.com/# can i buy cialis local
    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

    Reply
  678. 밤의전쟁
    밤의전쟁 on March 3, 2023 at 4:16 am

    i have learn several just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have right here on this post.“밤의전쟁” m really impressed with your writing skills and
    Aspectmontage makes it easy as can be and affordable for you to upgrade your windows, doors, roofing, showers or baths.

    Reply
  679. Albertenfof
    Albertenfof on March 3, 2023 at 8:34 am

    Read information now. Long-Term Effects.
    cialis 40mg
    Some are medicines that help people when doctors prescribe. Get here.

    Reply
  681. WillisBaido
    WillisBaido on March 4, 2023 at 12:51 am

    Actual trends of drug. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.
    tadalafil for sale from india
    Actual trends of drug. Generic Name.

    Reply
  682. MichaelSuisp
    MichaelSuisp on March 6, 2023 at 1:24 am

    Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side. Read information now.

    https://zithromaxa.fun/ zithromax 250 mg
    Everything information about medication. Read information now.

    Reply
  683. MichaelSuisp
    MichaelSuisp on March 8, 2023 at 12:49 am

    Some trends of drugs. Learn about the side effects, dosages, and interactions.

    buy zithromax no prescription
    Read information now. Everything what you want to know about pills.

    Reply
  684. MichaelSuisp
    MichaelSuisp on March 9, 2023 at 10:16 pm

    Read information now. Everything what you want to know about pills.
    amoxicillin 500 coupon
    Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Read information now.

    Reply
  685. 오피뷰
    오피뷰 on March 21, 2023 at 11:45 am

    Hi, I do believe this is a great website.“오피뷰”
    I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit once again since I bookmarked it. Money
    and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

    Reply
  686. ErvinSoM
    ErvinSoM on April 1, 2023 at 10:09 am

    prescription drugs without doctor approval cheap pills online buy prescription drugs from canada cheap

    Reply