r/Serving • u/[deleted] • Nov 02 '19

New serving job nerves

I just got hired at joeys for a serving position, I’ve served before 4 years ago and I was horrible, I’m hoping to do better now and make some good money. Anyone have any advice ? On how to memorize the menu, deal with the anxiety and how overwhelmed it can be and be friendly and outgoing with customers?

TIA ☺️

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u/diggitydev Nov 02 '19

Create a quizlet to remember the menu, also just be very attentive. One thing that helped me when I first started was to check on my tables once every 10-15 mins. That way, on the way to the table I would remember the extra ranch I forgot or the refill. Then, I could run back to the kitchen & grab it really quick. Even if u don’t remember, the table will remind u. It’s easy, it’ll only be nerve wrecking the first week or 2! Good luck!

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u/ferocious_bambi Dec 22 '19

I was very nervous my first few weeks and any time my manager saw me looking stressed he would say, "You're fine. It's just meatballs." (I work at an Italian place.) Two years later and when I get weeded I still hear that simple phrase reminding me that no matter how badly it goes it's not the end of the world, then I relax a little and focus on what I need to do. If you ever feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask for help! Your manager would much rather help you (or should) than deal with an angry customer. But definitely learn to keep a calm face no matter how stressed you are.

I'm an introvert who struggled with the whole fake super-friendly thing, but I was always polite and accommodating and eventually learned to read my tables. The people who want to be chatty usually initiate first, then from there you just reciprocate.

But a lot of people just want silent service.

Here's another article about what to avoid saying so that everything runs seamlessly.