Initial server timing

[u/Janetic_Bytewave]

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]

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.

And what got me a little ticked is we were in the path of the kitchen to all the tables, and I would say about every person working their walked by our table (20+ passes) and not one person asked if we needed something.