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Tips & Tricks for Waiters

Zdjęcie autora: Iryna BilaIryna Bila

Zaktualizowano: 4 lut

Ever feel that rush when you deliver a perfectly timed meal or refill a glass right before your guest even thinks to ask? That, my friend, is the magic of being a great waiter. So here are some useful tips on how to be a good waiter, keep customers smiling, and maybe even become a head waiter before you know it!

By the way, here you can see what a typical day looks like for a waiter working through Time2Staff click to watch a video.

Understanding your role: A La Carte, Runner, or Banquet?

A la carte waiter
  • A La Carte waiter

    Being an a la carte waiter means you’re the main person in the dining room helping guests choose from the menu. You talk with them, offer suggestions, and make sure everyone has a great experience. If you love one-on-one interactions, remember to master your menu, stay organized, and charm guests with a genuine smile.


  • Runner

    Think of yourself as the backbone of the operation. You bring dishes from the kitchen to the floor, refill beverages, and support your fellow servers. Speed and teamwork are your best friends here—plus some strong calf muscles for those double-time sprints.

  • Banquet waiter

    Being a banquet waiter means serving large groups—like weddings or corporate events—with careful timing and coordination. The head waiter tells you when to bring out dishes, where they go, and who needs attention. By following their lead, staying in sync with your team, and staying alert to changes, you’ll help each event run smoothly and keep guests happy.

Serving rules: Serve from the Right, Clear from the Left

Greet with confidence

A genuine smile can do wonders. Greet your guests warmly, and a brief, friendly chat helps everyone feel at ease. There’s no need to force conversation—just be natural and authentic.

Order & Timing

  • Drinks first: If your guests look thirsty, offer drinks as soon as they settle in.

  • Start with appetizers: For a la carte service, bring starters first and ensure everyone is comfortable before moving on.

  • Keep an eye out: Stay attentive, not intrusive. Nobody needs that third refill if they’ve barely touched the first!

Plating & Serving

  • Serve from the right: Typically, you place food and drinks from the diner’s right side.

  • Clear from the left: Once they’re done, clear empty plates from the left side. This helps avoid accidental elbow collisions—and it looks more professional, too.

Wine & Drink service

  • Presentation: Show the label to the person who ordered the wine. Wait for a nod before you start pouring.

  • Pour slowly: Aim for about a third of the glass (or halfway) to give the wine room to breathe. For other drinks, it’s usually best to pour away from guests (nobody wants an accidental sleeve soak!).

  • Offer refills politely: A simple, “Would anyone like another round?” does the trick.

Communication: The art of saying “How’s Everything?” without sounding like a robot

waiter time2staff
Waiter serving food

Pay attention

Listen for cues. Some guests want a quick meal and minimal chatter. Others love to talk about the menu, the décor, or the story behind the venue. If you’re not sure, start with friendly small talk and take your lead from their response.

Ask questions

If you’re unsure about a special request—food allergies, extra sauce on the side—ask the kitchen or your supervisor. It’s better to double-check than to guess and cause a problem. Guests appreciate your effort to get things right.

Smile often

Yes, it’s been said a hundred times, but it’s true: your smile can brighten up even the crankiest diner’s day. It also makes you more approachable, which can lead to better tips and happier shifts.

Adapting to a new team

Observe

Every workplace has its own flow. In your first few shifts, watch how the experienced team members handle things—who’s in charge, who runs the food, and who keeps the atmosphere fun. Chat with your colleagues, ask questions when you’re unsure, and stay open-minded. Before you know it, you’ll fit right in!

Offer help

When you see someone juggling three trays at once, step in to lighten their load. Teamwork fosters goodwill and helps the entire floor run smoother. Plus, management notices when you’re the go-to helper.

Leadership

If you’ve got your eyes on the head waiter role, start by leading with empathy. Communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and guide new hires with patience. The more supportive you are, the faster you’ll earn that respect (and the shiny title, too).

Pro Tips: Making the Dining Experience Memorable

  1. Read the room: Some guests enjoy friendly chatter; others value peace and quiet. Observe their cues and adapt accordingly.

  2. Refill before they ask: A top-up of water, fresh bread, or a quick coffee refill often wins major points for thoughtfulness.

  3. Know the menu well: It’s fine to say “I’m not sure” once in a while, but you’ll gain trust by confidently recommending dishes and answering questions.

  4. Special requests: Allergies, dietary needs, or personal preferences—check in with the kitchen so you’re prepared for anything.

  5. Check in without hovering: A brief “Is everything okay?” goes a long way. Just avoid interrupting conversations or catching guests mid-bite.

At Time2Staff, we know how important it is for restaurants, hotels, and event venues to have top-notch hospitality staff. Imagine a place, or better an app where restaurants, hotels, and event venues easily connect with great hospitality staff. Time2Staff app brings together jobseekers and workplaces in a way that feels effortless and fun. Experienced waiters seeking a new daytime job and aspiring banquet waiters starting their journey find roles that perfectly match their schedules. Workplaces discover reliable waiters, runners, bartenders, event crews, housekeepers, cleaners and more—all in one simple spot.

Time2Staff is a trusted staffing agency in Norway and Sweden for both locals and foreigners. Picture a space where students earn extra income and businesses quickly secure the help they need. You can just quickly post a job in the app and find a match to your team, all while keeping full control over your guests. With convenience, simplicity, and efficiency at its heart, Time2Staff makes it easy to get the job done.



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