Working on Your Own Server Training Program

Good service is one of the things that help you stand out from the croud when running a smaller restaurant not backed by a major corporation. And the service starts with a restaurant server.

A good server is what makes the difference between a satisfied customer and bad reviews. Server training should be a top priority, and you need to have an adequate server training program in place to make sure the skills of your servers are high enough to fit your customers’ expectations.

Must Have Components of a Successful Training Program

1. Orientation

Make it obligatory for every employee to go through an orientation given by owner or manager of the restaurant. This will provide him/her with a basic understanding of how to treat customers, your staff requirements and an inside look into how the restaurant operates.

One of the most important aspects of orientation is conveying a clear expectation of what’s required of employees. To do that you can use handbooks to list all of the expectations and policies of your restaurant.

2. Handbooks

Your employee handbook is a reference guide that should be given to all new employees. It will also allow you to take corrective action if the employee does not meet the restaurant’s expectations.

3. Training Manual

Training manuals make the life easier for managers responsible for restaurant staff training and allows each new server to have a better understanding of their requirements.

View the training manual as a guideline of how every part of the wait staff should wait on patrons. A key part of a restaurant training program, the server training manual should include:

• Opening checklists
• Closing checklists
• Overview of orientation and training
• Requirements for knowing the menu
• Expectations

4. Service Standards

Perhaps the most important part of serving classes is how to follow service standards. You may have these standards listed in the training manual, and it should be provided to everyone at waitstaff training.

Your service standards may include many elements, but a few elements that can help you get started are:

• How to handle guest complaints
• Leave tips on the table until guests leave
• Inviting guests to come back to the restaurant
• How to properly recommend menu items
• How to remain hospitable
• What to do when the restaurant is full

The more time and attention goes into the service standards and your server training manual, the better.

Additional Training and Steps for Training New Staff

Server skills lists are long, and we’ve covered just the basic training guidelines of your staff. You’ll also want to conduct more training. On a busy night, it’s not uncommon for restaurant server skills to also include:

• Checkout procedures
• Opening and closing
• Additional service steps

There is a long list of training topics for employees to learn. Continue reading the complete guide here.