Last Thursday, I started working at a local restaurant in downtown Greenville called Nose Dive. I was (and still am) extremely excited to start working in the restaurant industry. When I was younger, my mom managed many restaurants, my aunt worked (and still works) in the food business, my sister worked in a restaurant, so it is only natural that I follow suit. In my short time in the restaurant, I have learned what to do and what not to do, and I would like to share a few of those things with you.
Do's:
1. Smiling is key.
As a host/hostess, I am one of the first people you see as you walk into the restaurant. You must greet people with a smile because you set the tone for the rest of their meal.
2. Stay on your toes.
You never know when a spill could happen, when a table will need to be bussed, or even when someone could start choking. You have to be prepared for everything.
3. Do everything you can to keep your servers happy.
If your servers are happy, they are more likely to be nicer to you. If they are pissed, they will treat you like you are the spawn of Satan.
4. Bus as many tables as possible.
If you bus the tables for your servers, this will put them in a good mood, and you also can flip the table faster to seat more customers.
Dont's:
5. Don't make the chef mad.
Your chef is already under enough stress as it is. They don't need a slight mishap in the front of the house to throw off the entire flow of the kitchen.
6. Don't get in the way
It is best for everyone if you try to stay out of everyone's way.
7. Don't roll your eyes. EVER!
Don't roll your eyes at customers. Don't roll your eyes at your manager. Don't roll your eyes ever. You never know who can see you, and you never know what the consequences may be.
8. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
This is a tip that I take advantage of all the time. If you don't know how to do something, ask for help. If you don't know the answer to a question, ask someone who knows the answer.
We are all in the food business together and we all need to help each other out.
In all seriousness, the restaurant industry is not for the faint of heart. It is fast passed, and you never stop moving. From brunch to lunch to dinner, you never know what may happen and you never know what odd request a customer may have. To my mom, I never knew how hard it was for you in the restaurant business. I appreciate all you do while working in restaurants to make ends meet for me and Brooke. Love you. To anyone that works in a restaurant, you are appreciated, keep your head up, and deep breaths always help.
