It’s a known fact that the best restaurants worldwide have exceptional service. After all, you can’t achieve the “best in the world” status without quality service.

But how do they do it?

There’s more to being a quality server than just a simple smile, so let’s look at what it will take for you to become the best in the business!

What Makes a Service Exceptional?

So, let’s start with the main question: What is exceptional service?

Well, imagine this scenario: you’re at a restaurant, just about to dig into your meal, and before you even notice your glass is empty, a friendly server appears with a refill. That’s what we call attentiveness!

A great server must be observant and responsive to the guests’ wants and needs. This can truly elevate every guest’s dining experience.

Here’s how you, as a server, can strike a great impression and make a difference:

• Refilling water glasses without being asked
• Bringing extra napkins before you even need them
• Checking in regularly to see if everything is okay

Personalized Touch

You should always look to add a pinch of personalization. 

Remember the last time a server remembered your name or your favorite dish? It simply makes you feel special. Little details and touches like this can make a good dining experience great!

However, personalization isn’t just about remembering names and orders; it’s about making each guest feel valued. A server should take the time to get to know the guests they are serving. This helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

It’s like visiting an old friend who knows exactly how you like your coffee!

Creating a Lasting Impression

First impressions matter, especially for great restaurants. Imagine entering a restaurant and being greeted with a smile and a warm “Welcome!” It gets you excited for the meal you’re about to have.

Compare that to a cold, indifferent greeting – it’s like a rainy day without an umbrella.

Now, let’s talk about consistency. Excellent service doesn’t end at the greeting; you’ll need to maintain that level of attentiveness and care throughout the entire meal.

The difference between a server who checks in regularly and one who vanishes right after taking your order is light-years apart.

Consistency keeps the meal enjoyable and long-lasting!

Training Your Staff

From the more minor things like the greetings to the consistent quality of service from your staff, it all comes down to how they’ve been trained. 

But training is a very vague term. So, let’s keep it simple and see what the quickest ways are to train your staff. 

Training Programs

Training programs are the easiest way to get your staff started. For more experienced personnel, they can be a means of bringing their talent to the highest levels of customer service. So whether it’s setting a foundation or building on existing skills, training programs are an excellent choice. 

These programs will teach your staff where they should pay attention. Even simple things like when to smile or how to read situations. Every guest is different, so having an idea on how to approach them is very important. 

Plus, if they need additional motivation to learn these things, remind them of tips!

The ‘Watch and Learn’ Approach

Now, not everyone learns the same way. Another thing is the watch-and-learn approach. It’s very likely that you already have at least one highly experienced member of the team. By using these members, guide your newer personnel and show what you expect from them. 

If you don’t have such members, no problem! You can either lead by example or you can hire part-time chefs or managers to help get things started. 

Building Relationships

Bonding with the guests is another way to create a lasting impression. Taking the time to chat with them and showing genuine interest makes the guests feel like they are more than just customers.

Forming that connection can make the guests want to return in the future!

The guests need to feel welcomed, valued, and consistently cared for throughout their visit. Each one takes notice from the initial greeting to the final goodbye.

These might help:

• Taking a moment to ask about your day
• Remembering small details from previous visits
• Sharing recommendations and personal favorites

The Role of Anticipation

Great servers don’t just react; they predict. 

This might sound hard, but you’ll need to learn how to read minds to become a good server. You’ll need to know what the guests want before they even realize it.

Having this skill is the difference between a regular and a fantastic server!

You’ll also notice that a great server can read the room with a simple glance. Imagine a couple celebrating their anniversary; for a great server, it’s an instinct for them to bring the couple complimentary dessert. 

Little moments like these can add an extra spark to the evening! Here are some ways to master this skill:

• Observe Body Language: Notice when guests are looking around for assistance.
• Pick Up on Cues: Listen for hints in conversation, like mentions of a special occasion.
• Be Present: Without hovering, be aware of your guests’ needs.

Conclusion

Exceptional service is the secret to any restaurant’s success. The welcoming smile, the friendly tone, and the skill of anticipation make any dining experience truly unforgettable!

So, the next time you see a guest walk in, remember that it’s the simple things that count!