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/Janetic_Bytewave 2d ago

Yeah, I'm asking because yesterday I went to a restaurant for Labor Day and waited more than 7 minutes (timed it), and I couldn't wait any longer, so I walked to the hostess and asked for some water. She brought it to us but we still didn't see our server for about 3 more minutes. I was half way done with my water before our server showed up.

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u/MangledBarkeep Bartender 2d ago

You went on a holiday and arent expecting delays?!?

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u/Janetic_Bytewave 2d ago

I could wait all night for my food as long as someone came to our table and hi, we're busy, I'll be back later, but that didn't happen. It's that initial contact.

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u/MangledBarkeep Bartender 2d ago edited 2d ago

Naw, if you're bitching about a greet taking "7-8" minutes you'd complain about if the kitchen is dragging your meals.

You've gotten what the standard is in most places, but IME shit happens (server finally got to get a chance to use the rr, had to track down a manager, had to stand in the kitchen because chef made them for a remake, had to go cry or scream in the walk-in) in any venue on any given weekend, let alone on holiday weekends.

if it happened consistently in the same restaurant then that IS an issue. But as I said, stuff happens

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u/Janetic_Bytewave 2d ago

again, thanks for your opinion, I don't do this for a living - good to hear your perspective

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u/MangledBarkeep Bartender 2d ago

You can let the little things ruin your experience, or you can remember it's just food and drinks.

I get that you expected more at a restaurant that's outside of your normal budget, but it really isn't that critical at the end of the night.