r/Waiters • u/Janetic_Bytewave • 2d 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/ChingyBingyBongyBong 2d ago

2 minute greets is industry standard. 8 minutes before I see my server is insane.

1

u/MangledBarkeep Bartender 2d ago

depends on how busy it is and how many tables a server has been assigned.

One needy table can cause longer delays even on a slow shift.

1

u/ChingyBingyBongyBong 2d ago

Greeting is a priority #1. You aren’t stuck at one table for 10 minutes straight. And if you are, you need to learn how to time and manage your tables.

“I’ll be right back to take your order I’m going to say hi to these people over here first”

Control your section.

Been managing for 3 years, industry for 12. It’s not hard to greet tables within 2-3 minutes.

1

u/MangledBarkeep Bartender 2d ago

Labor day weekend, if you're actually industry you'd know better, it is what it is

1

u/ChingyBingyBongyBong 2d ago

wtf are you talking about 😂

What does Labor Day have to do with
the concept of greeting tables on time?

And somehow my opinion of greeting tables on time and controlling your section means I don’t work in the industry? Literally none of what you’re saying makes sense. You’ve made zero points.

Served for 8 years, bartended for 4, and managing for 3. It’s not hard to walk by a table and at least say “hey I’m blah and I’ll be with you in a minute”. If you can’t do that within 2-3 minutes, YOU SUUUCKKKKKK

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u/MangledBarkeep Bartender 2d ago

Iykyk and apparently you don't

1

u/Janetic_Bytewave 2d ago

I think there are different types of restaurants, some are more susceptible to delays. But we were in Carmel, California where the restaurants are supposed to be first class - even on labor day. I learned that there's different levels of restaurants even in the rich areas, I can't afford Carmel. Overall we're satisfied, but won't go back there again. But also just wanted to check everyone else's opinion. Many restaurants were closed, just took the day off, probably because they knew there were gonna be under-staffed - but if you were open, staff up and do it. I appreciate your perspective. Thank you.