What Makes a Good Waiter?

Info: Good Waiters(article)

Definition of good wait staff

Most of us frequently encounter waiting staff in restaurants. Our experiences will be varied for sure. We might be left gnashing our teeth at the rudeness of someone behind the counter at a fast food outlet or might come away feeling better about our day as a result of a pleasant interaction with the serving staff in an establishment.

The best possible reaction however, is feeling that the person who has taken our order understands what we want and will deliver it (in the not too distant future - but more on that a little later in this article).

Training

Training in the art of waiting is akin to the almost lost art of the butler.

There must be friendly interaction and trust generated by the staff at your function or restaurant, but the invisible boundary that separates the staff and the guests at an event must be tangible - good waiting staff know their place within the structure of the event and are competent in their duties.

Preferences for male or female waiting staff

A commonly asked question is whether male or female waiters (waiters and waitresses) are better?

The answer to this question lies not so much in the gender of the serving staff but rather in their sensitivity. If it is true that women are generally more sensitive to their environment and the feelings and wants of those around them - then perhaps it is generally true that women make better waiting staff - however clearly some men are better in the client/staff domain than some women - and thus it is far better to estimate a persons skills in the hospitality domain than to make generalisations.

Team Work

No man is an island and nowhere is this more evident than in the hospitality business. Your wait staff need to be backed up in the kitchen, at the bar, at the till if there is one and of course in the delivery of all fine foods (catering) and alcohol - it all has to work seamlessly for the waiting ('front of house') staff to deliver to you the customer.

Where to find good waiting staff

All good hospitality staff provider should be able to provide your event of function with good wait staff - if you are not sure ask if they have the following qualifications:

• 5 years service in the industry
• Intimate knowledge of all major function types (dinners, corporate functions, cocktail parties etc.)
• Team work and punctuality credentials that meeta high standard

Sam Moore.
For all forms of hospitality staffing in Sydney, Australia visit http://www.whoswaiting.com.au