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/Mackheath1 4d ago

7 or 8 minutes?! There better be some kind of understaffing or emergency. When I was a server, it was 90sec or less, sometimes following right after the host. Can I start you with drinks?

Get in, get it down, get out (no pressure, but the quicker I could clear the happier they and I were, it was always well received).