Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is responsible for welcoming guests to the restaurant?
Who is responsible for welcoming guests to the restaurant?
Who is responsible for entering accurate orders for kitchen staff?
Who is responsible for entering accurate orders for kitchen staff?
Who is responsible for communicating any specialty item to the chef?
Who is responsible for communicating any specialty item to the chef?
Who is responsible for keeping the restaurant stocked?
Who is responsible for keeping the restaurant stocked?
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Who is responsible for assembling and bagging to-go orders?
Who is responsible for assembling and bagging to-go orders?
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What is the role of the busser in the restaurant?
What is the role of the busser in the restaurant?
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What is the core principle of achieving great service in fine dining?
What is the core principle of achieving great service in fine dining?
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What is the guiding principle in responding to guest needs?
What is the guiding principle in responding to guest needs?
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What is the correct approach to taking orders?
What is the correct approach to taking orders?
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What is the ultimate goal of great service?
What is the ultimate goal of great service?
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What should you say to greet the party?
What should you say to greet the party?
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What should you do if guests are at the bar?
What should you do if guests are at the bar?
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How should you take the beverage order?
How should you take the beverage order?
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What should you do when announcing additions to the menu?
What should you do when announcing additions to the menu?
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What should you do after taking the food order?
What should you do after taking the food order?
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What should you do if a guest prefers not to be disturbed?
What should you do if a guest prefers not to be disturbed?
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How should you present the dessert and spirits menus?
How should you present the dessert and spirits menus?
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What should you do with the dessert mats after clearing dessert?
What should you do with the dessert mats after clearing dessert?
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What is the key to achieving personalized customer experiences in luxury fine dining?
What is the key to achieving personalized customer experiences in luxury fine dining?
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Why is it essential to have a host mindset in the restaurant?
Why is it essential to have a host mindset in the restaurant?
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What is the primary focus of staff development in hospitality?
What is the primary focus of staff development in hospitality?
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What is the key to delivering an exceptional experience in fine dining?
What is the key to delivering an exceptional experience in fine dining?
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What is the recommended approach to giving feedback?
What is the recommended approach to giving feedback?
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What is the goal of personalization in fine dining?
What is the goal of personalization in fine dining?
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What is the primary goal of a host's interaction with guests?
What is the primary goal of a host's interaction with guests?
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What should be confirmed before sending a ticket to the kitchen?
What should be confirmed before sending a ticket to the kitchen?
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What is the essence of hospitality in terms of guest experience?
What is the essence of hospitality in terms of guest experience?
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How should wine and champagne glasses be transported to the table?
How should wine and champagne glasses be transported to the table?
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Why is it important for a host to take note of a guest's seating preferences?
Why is it important for a host to take note of a guest's seating preferences?
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What should be done with silverware when setting the table for a new course?
What should be done with silverware when setting the table for a new course?
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What is an effective way for a host to acknowledge a guest's special occasion?
What is an effective way for a host to acknowledge a guest's special occasion?
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What is the recommended approach to checking back with the table after serving a course?
What is the recommended approach to checking back with the table after serving a course?
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What is a key responsibility of a captain in the dining room?
What is a key responsibility of a captain in the dining room?
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How should the table be cleared after a course?
How should the table be cleared after a course?
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What can a captain do to make a guest feel valued and appreciated?
What can a captain do to make a guest feel valued and appreciated?
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What is the primary goal of a Captain's personalized service?
What is the primary goal of a Captain's personalized service?
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What is an example of a 'Special Touch' in personalized service?
What is an example of a 'Special Touch' in personalized service?
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How can a Captain 'Anticipate Needs' in personalized service?
How can a Captain 'Anticipate Needs' in personalized service?
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What is the benefit of a Captain 'Remembering Preferences' for frequent visitors?
What is the benefit of a Captain 'Remembering Preferences' for frequent visitors?
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What is the purpose of a Captain's 'Follow-Up' after the meal?
What is the purpose of a Captain's 'Follow-Up' after the meal?
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A Captain's role includes suggesting dishes that align with guests' tastes.
A Captain's role includes suggesting dishes that align with guests' tastes.
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Servers are responsible for observing the pace of guests' meals and adjusting the timing of subsequent courses accordingly.
Servers are responsible for observing the pace of guests' meals and adjusting the timing of subsequent courses accordingly.
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Sending a personalized thank you note after a guest's visit is a way to elevate the service from basic to extraordinary.
Sending a personalized thank you note after a guest's visit is a way to elevate the service from basic to extraordinary.
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Servers are responsible for taking note of guests' preferences and dietary restrictions for future visits.
Servers are responsible for taking note of guests' preferences and dietary restrictions for future visits.
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Captains do not engage in genuine conversation with guests to learn about their interests and preferences.
Captains do not engage in genuine conversation with guests to learn about their interests and preferences.
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Servers do not provide personalized recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
Servers do not provide personalized recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
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Captains do not anticipate guests' needs before they arise, such as refilling drinks or providing additional utensils.
Captains do not anticipate guests' needs before they arise, such as refilling drinks or providing additional utensils.
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Servers are not responsible for customizing orders to fulfill guests' special requests or modifications to dishes.
Servers are not responsible for customizing orders to fulfill guests' special requests or modifications to dishes.
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Captains do not follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
Captains do not follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
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Servers are not responsible for ensuring that each aspect of the dining experience is executed with precision and attention to detail.
Servers are not responsible for ensuring that each aspect of the dining experience is executed with precision and attention to detail.
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Captains should _______________ guests' needs before they arise, whether it's refilling drinks, providing additional utensils, or offering assistance with menu choices.
Captains should _______________ guests' needs before they arise, whether it's refilling drinks, providing additional utensils, or offering assistance with menu choices.
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Servers should engage in genuine conversation with guests, taking the time to learn about their _______________ and preferences.
Servers should engage in genuine conversation with guests, taking the time to learn about their _______________ and preferences.
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Captains can note guests' _______________ in the restaurant's database for future visits, including preferred seating arrangements, favorite dishes, or beverage choices.
Captains can note guests' _______________ in the restaurant's database for future visits, including preferred seating arrangements, favorite dishes, or beverage choices.
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Servers can offer insights into the menu, such as the chef's _______________ or the origins of certain ingredients, to enhance the dining experience and demonstrate expertise.
Servers can offer insights into the menu, such as the chef's _______________ or the origins of certain ingredients, to enhance the dining experience and demonstrate expertise.
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Captains can elevate the service from basic to extraordinary by sending a personalized _______________ note after a guest's visit.
Captains can elevate the service from basic to extraordinary by sending a personalized _______________ note after a guest's visit.
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Servers should pay attention to cues about guests' _______________, interests, and dining habits to establish a connection.
Servers should pay attention to cues about guests' _______________, interests, and dining habits to establish a connection.
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Captains should adjust the _______________ of subsequent courses accordingly, based on the pace at which guests are enjoying their meal.
Captains should adjust the _______________ of subsequent courses accordingly, based on the pace at which guests are enjoying their meal.
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Servers should strive to fulfill guests' _______________ by being flexible in accommodating special requests or modifications to dishes.
Servers should strive to fulfill guests' _______________ by being flexible in accommodating special requests or modifications to dishes.
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Captains can provide personalized touches to the table setting or presentation of dishes to elevate the dining experience and create a warm and welcoming _______________.
Captains can provide personalized touches to the table setting or presentation of dishes to elevate the dining experience and create a warm and welcoming _______________.
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Captains can follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a _______________ experience, asking for feedback and thanking them for their visit.
Captains can follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a _______________ experience, asking for feedback and thanking them for their visit.
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Study Notes
High-Level Integration of Roles & Responsibilities
- Each partner of the dining team plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service to guests.
- Collaboration and support among the team ensure seamless service delivery.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Dining Manager/Supervisor:
- Assures exceptional experience for guests
- Handles resident conflicts
- Provides feedback to partners
- Host:
- Welcomes guests to the restaurant
- Creates floor plans for servers
- Communicates visit notes
- Assists as needed
- Bartender:
- Makes accurate drink orders
- Stocks bus bins neatly
- Enters accurate orders
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Lead Server/Captain:
- Acts as guest liaison
- Role-models elevated service
- Communicates specialty items to the chef
- Enters accurate orders
- Server:
- Enters accurate orders
- Communicates specialty items to the chef
- Assists with seating tables
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Food Runner/Expo:
- Assembles and bags to-go orders
- Accurately delivers food to tables
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Liaisons between the chef and FOH team
- Busser:
- Greets and waters tables
- Provides bread for tables
- Pre-busses tables
- Resets tables
Advanced Dining Room Etiquette
- Great service hinges on the perception of being well-treated.
- Fine dining service focuses on creating moments that elevate guests to a state of culinary bliss and unmatched hospitality.
- Key principles:
- The guest is always right.
- Embrace positivity and personability.
- Treat guests as you would in your own home.
- Maintain eye contact and smile.
- Aim beyond mere satisfaction.
- Value all feedback.
- Prioritize accommodation.
- Keep personal issues away from guests.
Sequence of Service: Detailed & Explained
- Preparation:
- Confirm with the host: party's name, size, and special considerations.
- Gather details if guests are away from the podium.
- Approach:
- Greet the party with a pleasant greeting.
- Convey readiness to guide them to their table.
- Bar Coordination:
- Offer to carry drinks or follow up with guests.
- Confirm if they wish to transfer the bar tab.
- Journey to the Table:
- Lead the party to their table at a considerate pace.
- Assist with seating by managing booth tables and chairs.
- Greeting the Table:
- Promptly acknowledge new guests within two minutes of seating.
- Engage with a warm greeting, maintaining eye contact.
Fine Tuning the Details
- Pre-setting Glassware:
- Ensure correct glassware and wine coasters are pre-set at the table.
- Marking Silverware:
- Use the correct silverware for each course.
- Never compromise the integrity of a set table by borrowing silverware.
- Checking Back with the Table:
- Within 2-minutes or two bites from serving any course, discreetly return to the table.
- Frame your inquiry to prompt specific requests.
Maintaining Table Elegance
- Clearing the Table:
- Wait until all guests have finished before beginning to clear.
- Clear from the guest's right side, using your right hand when feasible.
- Clearing the Entrée:
- Remove all dinnerware, including side plates and placemats (if applicable).
- Collect all silverware and any empty glassware to de-clutter the table.
- Wiping the Table:
- Once the table is cleared, wipe from the right side with the crumber.
- Collect crumbs efficiently by sweeping them outward, depositing them into a clean plate.
Finishing Touches
- Presenting the Dessert and Dessert Wine Menus:
- After the main course has been cleared and the table refreshed, present the dessert and spirits menus.
- Place the dessert menu at the center of each setting.
- Clearing Dessert:
- Follow the established clearing procedures, removing dessert plates only after all guests have concluded their dessert course.
- Presenting the Check:
- At dinner, the check presentation is prompted solely by the guest's request, barring specific direction from management.
- Ensure accuracy in all charges, including bar transfers, promotional deletions, and corkage as per management's directives.
Personalized Experiences
- Hospitality:
- Aim to make guests feel at home with every interaction.
- Personalization:
- Customize experiences to individual guest preferences for memorable moments.
- Communication:
- Employ effective, empathetic communication to build trust.
- Staff Development:
- Focus on training and motivating staff in hospitality and personalization.
- Technology:
- Use technology to anticipate and meet guest needs.
- Feedback:
- Continuously improve through feedback, enhancing service and satisfaction.### Personalized Experiences
- Giving feedback should never involve insulting or belittling the recipient, and a positive approach should be adopted to ensure the recipient remains receptive.
Manager/Supervisor
- The person giving feedback should remain calm and composed to avoid the recipient becoming defensive.
- Adopting a positive approach and being open-minded is crucial for effective feedback.
Receiving Feedback
- The recipient of feedback should demonstrate openness through active listening, eye contact, and collaborative idea generation.
- Shared responsibility is essential, as everyone contributes to the guest experience, regardless of their role in the team.
Going Above and Beyond
- Creating alternatives or offering suggestions can help effectively say "no" without explicitly doing so.
- Strive to offer alternative ideas that might please the guest when their exact request cannot be fulfilled.
- Empathize and show a willingness to provide a satisfactory alternative.
Essence of Exceptional Experience
- Delivering an exceptional experience requires identifying and authentically responding to individual needs.
- This principle applies universally across all organizational levels, from customers to employees, and from managers to executives.
Team Ethos
- Nurture a team ethos dedicated to creating exceptional experiences, driven by a commitment to make positive impacts.
- Encourage interactions that create bespoke and meaningful moments for each diner's enjoyment and satisfaction.
Appreciation Gestures
- Consider sending personalized thank you notes after a visit, including information about upcoming special events or responses to guest queries.
- This gesture can further personalize the experience and leave a lasting positive impression.
Host
- The host plays a crucial role in the restaurant, interacting with every guest and leaving both the first and last impressions.
- The host's responsibility is to put guests at ease, establishing a warm, friendly, engaged, and professional tone.
- The host acts as the command center for service, determining the pace of the evening and how and when to seat the dining room.
Host Responsibilities
- Greet guests with a genuine smile and warm welcome, addressing them by name if possible.
- Take note of guests' seating preferences and accommodate their requests whenever possible.
- Remember special occasions and acknowledge them with personalized greetings or small gestures.
- Provide personalized menu recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Engage in friendly conversation with guests, showing genuine interest in their dining preferences and experiences.
- Be aware of guests' needs in the dining room, noticing when they may need something.
Host, Continued
- Be proactive in accommodating special requests from guests, whether it's adjusting the seasoning of a dish or preparing a custom cocktail.
- Follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
- Bid farewell to guests with a personal touch, expressing gratitude for their visit and inviting them to return.
Captain/Lead Server
- As a captain, you act as the guest liaison, making a memorable impact on the guest experience.
- Your timing needs to be impeccable, your food and beverage knowledge second to none, and your hospitality constantly on display.
- Know regular guests by name, as well as their preferences, dietary restrictions, and any special occasions they may be celebrating.
Captain/Lead Server Responsibilities
- Offer personalized recommendations from the menu, based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Observe the pace at which guests are enjoying their meal and adjust the timing of subsequent courses accordingly.
- Provide personalized touches to the table setting or presentation of dishes.
- Engage in genuine conversation with guests, taking the time to learn about their interests and preferences.
- Follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
Captain/Lead Server, Continued
- Anticipate guests' needs before they arise, whether it's refilling drinks, providing additional utensils, or offering assistance with menu choices.
- Remember frequent visitors' preferences in the restaurant's database for future visits.
- Offer insights into the menu, such as the chef's specialties or the origins of certain ingredients.
- Send personalized thank you notes after their visit to leave a lasting impression.
Server
- This role and guest contact are similar to the captain role.
- Build rapport by greeting guests warmly and engaging in friendly conversation to establish a connection.
- Pay attention to cues about guests' preferences, interests, and dining habits.
- Learn guest preferences, taking note of dietary restrictions, favorite dishes, preferred drinks, and any special requests.
- Offer personalized recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Provide insights into the menu, including chef's specialties, seasonal offerings, and wine pairings.
- Customize orders by accommodating special requests or modifications to dishes.
- Ensure attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience, from table setting to presentation of dishes.
- Gauge the pace at which guests are dining and adjust the timing of courses accordingly.
- Personalized service can elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression.
High-Level Integration of Roles & Responsibilities
- Each partner of the dining team plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service to guests.
- Collaboration and support among the team ensure seamless service delivery.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Dining Manager/Supervisor:
- Assures exceptional experience for guests
- Handles resident conflicts
- Provides feedback to partners
- Host:
- Welcomes guests to the restaurant
- Creates floor plans for servers
- Communicates visit notes
- Assists as needed
- Bartender:
- Makes accurate drink orders
- Stocks bus bins neatly
- Enters accurate orders
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Lead Server/Captain:
- Acts as guest liaison
- Role-models elevated service
- Communicates specialty items to the chef
- Enters accurate orders
- Server:
- Enters accurate orders
- Communicates specialty items to the chef
- Assists with seating tables
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Food Runner/Expo:
- Assembles and bags to-go orders
- Accurately delivers food to tables
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Liaisons between the chef and FOH team
- Busser:
- Greets and waters tables
- Provides bread for tables
- Pre-busses tables
- Resets tables
Advanced Dining Room Etiquette
- Great service hinges on the perception of being well-treated.
- Fine dining service focuses on creating moments that elevate guests to a state of culinary bliss and unmatched hospitality.
- Key principles:
- The guest is always right.
- Embrace positivity and personability.
- Treat guests as you would in your own home.
- Maintain eye contact and smile.
- Aim beyond mere satisfaction.
- Value all feedback.
- Prioritize accommodation.
- Keep personal issues away from guests.
Sequence of Service: Detailed & Explained
- Preparation:
- Confirm with the host: party's name, size, and special considerations.
- Gather details if guests are away from the podium.
- Approach:
- Greet the party with a pleasant greeting.
- Convey readiness to guide them to their table.
- Bar Coordination:
- Offer to carry drinks or follow up with guests.
- Confirm if they wish to transfer the bar tab.
- Journey to the Table:
- Lead the party to their table at a considerate pace.
- Assist with seating by managing booth tables and chairs.
- Greeting the Table:
- Promptly acknowledge new guests within two minutes of seating.
- Engage with a warm greeting, maintaining eye contact.
Fine Tuning the Details
- Pre-setting Glassware:
- Ensure correct glassware and wine coasters are pre-set at the table.
- Marking Silverware:
- Use the correct silverware for each course.
- Never compromise the integrity of a set table by borrowing silverware.
- Checking Back with the Table:
- Within 2-minutes or two bites from serving any course, discreetly return to the table.
- Frame your inquiry to prompt specific requests.
Maintaining Table Elegance
- Clearing the Table:
- Wait until all guests have finished before beginning to clear.
- Clear from the guest's right side, using your right hand when feasible.
- Clearing the Entrée:
- Remove all dinnerware, including side plates and placemats (if applicable).
- Collect all silverware and any empty glassware to de-clutter the table.
- Wiping the Table:
- Once the table is cleared, wipe from the right side with the crumber.
- Collect crumbs efficiently by sweeping them outward, depositing them into a clean plate.
Finishing Touches
- Presenting the Dessert and Dessert Wine Menus:
- After the main course has been cleared and the table refreshed, present the dessert and spirits menus.
- Place the dessert menu at the center of each setting.
- Clearing Dessert:
- Follow the established clearing procedures, removing dessert plates only after all guests have concluded their dessert course.
- Presenting the Check:
- At dinner, the check presentation is prompted solely by the guest's request, barring specific direction from management.
- Ensure accuracy in all charges, including bar transfers, promotional deletions, and corkage as per management's directives.
Personalized Experiences
- Hospitality:
- Aim to make guests feel at home with every interaction.
- Personalization:
- Customize experiences to individual guest preferences for memorable moments.
- Communication:
- Employ effective, empathetic communication to build trust.
- Staff Development:
- Focus on training and motivating staff in hospitality and personalization.
- Technology:
- Use technology to anticipate and meet guest needs.
- Feedback:
- Continuously improve through feedback, enhancing service and satisfaction.### Personalized Experiences
- Giving feedback should never involve insulting or belittling the recipient, and a positive approach should be adopted to ensure the recipient remains receptive.
Manager/Supervisor
- The person giving feedback should remain calm and composed to avoid the recipient becoming defensive.
- Adopting a positive approach and being open-minded is crucial for effective feedback.
Receiving Feedback
- The recipient of feedback should demonstrate openness through active listening, eye contact, and collaborative idea generation.
- Shared responsibility is essential, as everyone contributes to the guest experience, regardless of their role in the team.
Going Above and Beyond
- Creating alternatives or offering suggestions can help effectively say "no" without explicitly doing so.
- Strive to offer alternative ideas that might please the guest when their exact request cannot be fulfilled.
- Empathize and show a willingness to provide a satisfactory alternative.
Essence of Exceptional Experience
- Delivering an exceptional experience requires identifying and authentically responding to individual needs.
- This principle applies universally across all organizational levels, from customers to employees, and from managers to executives.
Team Ethos
- Nurture a team ethos dedicated to creating exceptional experiences, driven by a commitment to make positive impacts.
- Encourage interactions that create bespoke and meaningful moments for each diner's enjoyment and satisfaction.
Appreciation Gestures
- Consider sending personalized thank you notes after a visit, including information about upcoming special events or responses to guest queries.
- This gesture can further personalize the experience and leave a lasting positive impression.
Host
- The host plays a crucial role in the restaurant, interacting with every guest and leaving both the first and last impressions.
- The host's responsibility is to put guests at ease, establishing a warm, friendly, engaged, and professional tone.
- The host acts as the command center for service, determining the pace of the evening and how and when to seat the dining room.
Host Responsibilities
- Greet guests with a genuine smile and warm welcome, addressing them by name if possible.
- Take note of guests' seating preferences and accommodate their requests whenever possible.
- Remember special occasions and acknowledge them with personalized greetings or small gestures.
- Provide personalized menu recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Engage in friendly conversation with guests, showing genuine interest in their dining preferences and experiences.
- Be aware of guests' needs in the dining room, noticing when they may need something.
Host, Continued
- Be proactive in accommodating special requests from guests, whether it's adjusting the seasoning of a dish or preparing a custom cocktail.
- Follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
- Bid farewell to guests with a personal touch, expressing gratitude for their visit and inviting them to return.
Captain/Lead Server
- As a captain, you act as the guest liaison, making a memorable impact on the guest experience.
- Your timing needs to be impeccable, your food and beverage knowledge second to none, and your hospitality constantly on display.
- Know regular guests by name, as well as their preferences, dietary restrictions, and any special occasions they may be celebrating.
Captain/Lead Server Responsibilities
- Offer personalized recommendations from the menu, based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Observe the pace at which guests are enjoying their meal and adjust the timing of subsequent courses accordingly.
- Provide personalized touches to the table setting or presentation of dishes.
- Engage in genuine conversation with guests, taking the time to learn about their interests and preferences.
- Follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
Captain/Lead Server, Continued
- Anticipate guests' needs before they arise, whether it's refilling drinks, providing additional utensils, or offering assistance with menu choices.
- Remember frequent visitors' preferences in the restaurant's database for future visits.
- Offer insights into the menu, such as the chef's specialties or the origins of certain ingredients.
- Send personalized thank you notes after their visit to leave a lasting impression.
Server
- This role and guest contact are similar to the captain role.
- Build rapport by greeting guests warmly and engaging in friendly conversation to establish a connection.
- Pay attention to cues about guests' preferences, interests, and dining habits.
- Learn guest preferences, taking note of dietary restrictions, favorite dishes, preferred drinks, and any special requests.
- Offer personalized recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Provide insights into the menu, including chef's specialties, seasonal offerings, and wine pairings.
- Customize orders by accommodating special requests or modifications to dishes.
- Ensure attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience, from table setting to presentation of dishes.
- Gauge the pace at which guests are dining and adjust the timing of courses accordingly.
- Personalized service can elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression.
High-Level Integration of Roles & Responsibilities
- Each partner of the dining team plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service to guests.
- Collaboration and support among the team ensure seamless service delivery.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Dining Manager/Supervisor:
- Assures exceptional experience for guests
- Handles resident conflicts
- Provides feedback to partners
- Host:
- Welcomes guests to the restaurant
- Creates floor plans for servers
- Communicates visit notes
- Assists as needed
- Bartender:
- Makes accurate drink orders
- Stocks bus bins neatly
- Enters accurate orders
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Lead Server/Captain:
- Acts as guest liaison
- Role-models elevated service
- Communicates specialty items to the chef
- Enters accurate orders
- Server:
- Enters accurate orders
- Communicates specialty items to the chef
- Assists with seating tables
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Food Runner/Expo:
- Assembles and bags to-go orders
- Accurately delivers food to tables
- Keeps the restaurant stocked
- Liaisons between the chef and FOH team
- Busser:
- Greets and waters tables
- Provides bread for tables
- Pre-busses tables
- Resets tables
Advanced Dining Room Etiquette
- Great service hinges on the perception of being well-treated.
- Fine dining service focuses on creating moments that elevate guests to a state of culinary bliss and unmatched hospitality.
- Key principles:
- The guest is always right.
- Embrace positivity and personability.
- Treat guests as you would in your own home.
- Maintain eye contact and smile.
- Aim beyond mere satisfaction.
- Value all feedback.
- Prioritize accommodation.
- Keep personal issues away from guests.
Sequence of Service: Detailed & Explained
- Preparation:
- Confirm with the host: party's name, size, and special considerations.
- Gather details if guests are away from the podium.
- Approach:
- Greet the party with a pleasant greeting.
- Convey readiness to guide them to their table.
- Bar Coordination:
- Offer to carry drinks or follow up with guests.
- Confirm if they wish to transfer the bar tab.
- Journey to the Table:
- Lead the party to their table at a considerate pace.
- Assist with seating by managing booth tables and chairs.
- Greeting the Table:
- Promptly acknowledge new guests within two minutes of seating.
- Engage with a warm greeting, maintaining eye contact.
Fine Tuning the Details
- Pre-setting Glassware:
- Ensure correct glassware and wine coasters are pre-set at the table.
- Marking Silverware:
- Use the correct silverware for each course.
- Never compromise the integrity of a set table by borrowing silverware.
- Checking Back with the Table:
- Within 2-minutes or two bites from serving any course, discreetly return to the table.
- Frame your inquiry to prompt specific requests.
Maintaining Table Elegance
- Clearing the Table:
- Wait until all guests have finished before beginning to clear.
- Clear from the guest's right side, using your right hand when feasible.
- Clearing the Entrée:
- Remove all dinnerware, including side plates and placemats (if applicable).
- Collect all silverware and any empty glassware to de-clutter the table.
- Wiping the Table:
- Once the table is cleared, wipe from the right side with the crumber.
- Collect crumbs efficiently by sweeping them outward, depositing them into a clean plate.
Finishing Touches
- Presenting the Dessert and Dessert Wine Menus:
- After the main course has been cleared and the table refreshed, present the dessert and spirits menus.
- Place the dessert menu at the center of each setting.
- Clearing Dessert:
- Follow the established clearing procedures, removing dessert plates only after all guests have concluded their dessert course.
- Presenting the Check:
- At dinner, the check presentation is prompted solely by the guest's request, barring specific direction from management.
- Ensure accuracy in all charges, including bar transfers, promotional deletions, and corkage as per management's directives.
Personalized Experiences
- Hospitality:
- Aim to make guests feel at home with every interaction.
- Personalization:
- Customize experiences to individual guest preferences for memorable moments.
- Communication:
- Employ effective, empathetic communication to build trust.
- Staff Development:
- Focus on training and motivating staff in hospitality and personalization.
- Technology:
- Use technology to anticipate and meet guest needs.
- Feedback:
- Continuously improve through feedback, enhancing service and satisfaction.### Personalized Experiences
- Giving feedback should never involve insulting or belittling the recipient, and a positive approach should be adopted to ensure the recipient remains receptive.
Manager/Supervisor
- The person giving feedback should remain calm and composed to avoid the recipient becoming defensive.
- Adopting a positive approach and being open-minded is crucial for effective feedback.
Receiving Feedback
- The recipient of feedback should demonstrate openness through active listening, eye contact, and collaborative idea generation.
- Shared responsibility is essential, as everyone contributes to the guest experience, regardless of their role in the team.
Going Above and Beyond
- Creating alternatives or offering suggestions can help effectively say "no" without explicitly doing so.
- Strive to offer alternative ideas that might please the guest when their exact request cannot be fulfilled.
- Empathize and show a willingness to provide a satisfactory alternative.
Essence of Exceptional Experience
- Delivering an exceptional experience requires identifying and authentically responding to individual needs.
- This principle applies universally across all organizational levels, from customers to employees, and from managers to executives.
Team Ethos
- Nurture a team ethos dedicated to creating exceptional experiences, driven by a commitment to make positive impacts.
- Encourage interactions that create bespoke and meaningful moments for each diner's enjoyment and satisfaction.
Appreciation Gestures
- Consider sending personalized thank you notes after a visit, including information about upcoming special events or responses to guest queries.
- This gesture can further personalize the experience and leave a lasting positive impression.
Host
- The host plays a crucial role in the restaurant, interacting with every guest and leaving both the first and last impressions.
- The host's responsibility is to put guests at ease, establishing a warm, friendly, engaged, and professional tone.
- The host acts as the command center for service, determining the pace of the evening and how and when to seat the dining room.
Host Responsibilities
- Greet guests with a genuine smile and warm welcome, addressing them by name if possible.
- Take note of guests' seating preferences and accommodate their requests whenever possible.
- Remember special occasions and acknowledge them with personalized greetings or small gestures.
- Provide personalized menu recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Engage in friendly conversation with guests, showing genuine interest in their dining preferences and experiences.
- Be aware of guests' needs in the dining room, noticing when they may need something.
Host, Continued
- Be proactive in accommodating special requests from guests, whether it's adjusting the seasoning of a dish or preparing a custom cocktail.
- Follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
- Bid farewell to guests with a personal touch, expressing gratitude for their visit and inviting them to return.
Captain/Lead Server
- As a captain, you act as the guest liaison, making a memorable impact on the guest experience.
- Your timing needs to be impeccable, your food and beverage knowledge second to none, and your hospitality constantly on display.
- Know regular guests by name, as well as their preferences, dietary restrictions, and any special occasions they may be celebrating.
Captain/Lead Server Responsibilities
- Offer personalized recommendations from the menu, based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Observe the pace at which guests are enjoying their meal and adjust the timing of subsequent courses accordingly.
- Provide personalized touches to the table setting or presentation of dishes.
- Engage in genuine conversation with guests, taking the time to learn about their interests and preferences.
- Follow up with guests after the meal to ensure they had a satisfactory experience.
Captain/Lead Server, Continued
- Anticipate guests' needs before they arise, whether it's refilling drinks, providing additional utensils, or offering assistance with menu choices.
- Remember frequent visitors' preferences in the restaurant's database for future visits.
- Offer insights into the menu, such as the chef's specialties or the origins of certain ingredients.
- Send personalized thank you notes after their visit to leave a lasting impression.
Server
- This role and guest contact are similar to the captain role.
- Build rapport by greeting guests warmly and engaging in friendly conversation to establish a connection.
- Pay attention to cues about guests' preferences, interests, and dining habits.
- Learn guest preferences, taking note of dietary restrictions, favorite dishes, preferred drinks, and any special requests.
- Offer personalized recommendations based on guests' preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Provide insights into the menu, including chef's specialties, seasonal offerings, and wine pairings.
- Customize orders by accommodating special requests or modifications to dishes.
- Ensure attention to detail in every aspect of the dining experience, from table setting to presentation of dishes.
- Gauge the pace at which guests are dining and adjust the timing of courses accordingly.
- Personalized service can elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression.
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Description
Understand the importance of each partner's role in delivering exceptional service to guests and how collaboration contributes to seamless service delivery.