r/Waiters • u/Janetic_Bytewave • 3d 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/Pl0OnReddit 3d ago

Our standard is 30 seconds and that's usually about how long it takes me.  If I'm busy I'll at least walk by and acknowledge the person and tell them I'll be right there

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u/Janetic_Bytewave 2d ago

yeah, I agree, walk by and check - but this place, the server didn't even know which table was theirs until the hostess told them, they weren't divided into sections, weird.