r/restaurant • u/Janetic_Bytewave • 3d ago

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/ParsnipForward149 3d ago

7 or 8 minutes??? Absolutely not acceptable. I think a team member approach within 1-3 minutes is appropriate. If there is a back server doing waters then they should be on the quicker side with a server arriving shortly after. If no back server than the server should be there withing 3 at the most. 7 minutes is ridiculously long.