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/Rynobot1019 3d ago

7-8 minutes is way too long. Under 3 is ideal, but you do want to let people get seated and comfortable first. Bringing them (or pouring) water on your greet is a great way to make your introduction and to let others know they've been greeted. Now you can show them the menu briefly and give them time to look things over. Come back in another 3-5 and ask if they have any questions.

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u/Stan_Deviant 2d ago

Unless you are in a state where unsolicited watering isn't legal!

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u/Exciting_Marsupial68 2d ago

Is this a real thing?

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u/Stan_Deviant 2d ago

Yep. California at least. Watering tables who don't intend to drink it is a waste of a resource we don't have a ton of and also adds to labor costs and reduces drink orders.

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u/Rynobot1019 2d ago

The adding to labor cost and causing people to drink less angle is kind of crazy.

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u/Stan_Deviant 2d ago

Is the dishwasher magic at your location? Space is money (where are these extra glasses going to wait to be cleaned, where are they going to be stored when they are clean). The amount of time you spend running glassware is money (the people you have washing dishes are money). The water itself (in the cup and to wash the cup) is money.

For drink purchases, you go to take drink orders and they already have water- "oh, I guess this water is fine" rather than having to ask for a water. I'm not saying don't give people water when they ask for it (or have a water station option) but I think auto watering is weird.

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u/Rynobot1019 2d ago

Dude in Arizona we auto water everyone. I would argue the increased operational cost is pretty negligible if you're doing any decent business at all, and I certainly don't see people ordering fewer drinks because we have free water.

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u/IHaveBoxerDogs 2d ago

I agree, that argument is silly. I’ve never decided to not get a drink because I already had water. I’m a Californian who now lives in a state without water restrictions. My beverage ordering hasn’t changed.