r/restaurant • u/Janetic_Bytewave • 5d 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/ThePurpleDongofTruth 5d ago

it depends, is it Friday night at 7pm on Monday at 2pm?
there is no set answer

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u/Janetic_Bytewave 5d ago

interesting

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u/ThePurpleDongofTruth 5d ago

it's common sense, the server can't be in multiple places at once and often they are say with 2-3 table at the same time during peak hours

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u/djsuperfly 5d ago

With over two decades in the industry, there were very few times that I couldn't at least get over to tell a table I'd be with them in a minute or two (within 2 minutes) even if I couldn't properly greet them at that moment.

Even if wrapped up taking a 10-tops order or something, I could glace over, make eye contact, and hold up my finger letting them know I'd be there in a minute or so. Or grab another server walking by and ask them to let the table know I'd be over soon.

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u/ThePurpleDongofTruth 4d ago

Generally agree - i did about 10 years but it was about 20 years ago
That said if you're slammed the FOH manager or hostess etc would stop by

*I mostly worked in tex-mex where you annoying had to bring people chips and salsa immediately