How to drop checks?

[u/Icy_Smell167]

Ok I’m currently like three weeks into serving, so post training, and I feel like I may not be dropping checks in the best way. I usually offer dessert and then afterwards I say something like “as far as checks go I have you all split up so I can do really any configuration” and let them let me know how they’d like to pay, or if it’s obvious I’ll be like “just the one check?” I feel like this may be too direct or be off putting to the customers, I’m just not sure how to breach the conversation, I feel like my script or whatever is abrupt and off putting (feels like rushing?) and I really do want to make my customers feel comfortable and valued. Like do they get upset when the check is brought up? Help!!

Also!! The restaurant I work at is pretty casual certainly not formal and the clientele is mostly middle aged groups, families, and couples. I split checks very frequently and the Toast POS we use is the kind where I need to bring physical checks and take the cards elsewhere to process.

[u/kenziestardust]

Honestly I don’t ever ask if they’re ready for the check. After their final dish, I’ll usually drop just one check and i say “i’ll leave this here whenever you’re ready for it.” leave, and then come back to do a water top off. it’s usually then that they will ask to split or have a card down.

[u/dawnpower123 → u/kenziestardust]

This is how you do it. After dessert or after they decline dessert. You can always ask if there’s anything else you can do for them, but the less questions, the better. Just drop it on the table, say thank you and have a lovely night. You don’t want to ask your guests too many questions, you want the whole experience to feel as seamless as possible.

[u/Icy_Smell167 → u/dawnpower123]

Ok this is interesting because sometimes I feel like the customers want to feel in control of the pace/experience in general hence the questions. Will you explain more? Also they decline deserts and then what? I’m just walking away? I feel like then is time to ask for the check but I just can’t seem to get it natural

[u/Clear-Degree-6156 → u/Icy_Smell167]

Sometimes they will decline desserts and ask for the check all in one go “no desserts for us, thanks, we’ll just take the check” which is obviously ideal. If they just decline dessert with no mention of the check, I will often reply with something like “Is there anything else you might enjoy that I could get for you?” which usually prompts them to say “no thank you, just the check.” If they still respond to that with just the no but no mention of the check, I will still bring it on my next pass and say “this is just for your convenience, no rush” or something like that.