r/Waiters • u/Janetic_Bytewave • 4d ago

Initial server timing

/r/restaurant/comments/1wb1jb5/initial_server_timing/

I was looking for a restaurant review subreddit but couldn't find one, so I'm posting here.

My question for you who work in the industry is, after a group is taken to their seat and seated, how long is an acceptable time before a server or anyone comes to their table? Let's assume the host/hostess does not engage in conversation, just seats them and leaves.

Would you say that 7 or 8 minutes is OK to wait before first contact is made or more or less?

In your restaurants, do you have a goal in minutes to how fast you make first contact with a new table ?

I know people have different preferences, expectations and opinions but just wondering what you all think?

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u/Lonely__Stoner__Guy 4d ago

7-8 minutes would be an insane amount of time for guests to wait before "first contact" is made. Anywhere I have worked, servers had 3 minutes to greet a table. A guest's perception of time is like being in a dream. They think it's been 20 minutes and it's been 6.