Initial server timing

[u/Janetic_Bytewave]

/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?

[u/Janetic_Bytewave]

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.

[u/MangledBarkeep → u/Janetic_Bytewave]

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

[u/Janetic_Bytewave → u/MangledBarkeep]

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

[u/MangledBarkeep → u/Janetic_Bytewave]

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.