I need some surefire ways of....

Hi!

Sorry about the incomplete subject line.

I need some surefire ways of getting Excellent Service in restaurants.

Backstory: recently some relatives came to visit, and my wife and I took them to a new steak place called Saltgrass. We happened to get an absolutely fabulous waitperson named Leila, and we all left the restaurant ecstatic about how great the experience was ($125 dinner check didn't detract from our happiness).

A few weeks later my wife and I decided to celebrate something by going back to the same restaurant. Guess what happened? We got a slow, dumb, disinterested waitress who seemed to be on some kind of medication, our "well-done" steaks were raw inside, we had to practically beg for refills on coffee, etc., etc. To make the situation even more aggravating across the room we could see Leila giving other patrons the same kind of great service she had given our party on the earlier visit (Leila seemed to have an assistant that worked for her, I'm not sure how she had it set up, but between Leila and her assistant her tables got Royal Treatment). My wife and I were childishly disappointed, we got fussy with each other, had a fight at home, and the evening was just a Disaster! We don't want to repeat that experience!!!!!!

Does anyone have techniques for demanding and receiving Great Service at any restaurant?

Thanks in advance!

- Boyd

Back in high school, I was a waitress.

We LOVED the big tippers.

When you get great service, tip outrageously well. The next time you walk into that establishment, the waitresses will zero in on you. And behind the scenese, they may be "fighting" about who gets to wait on you.

Another idea--most times waitresses are assigned sections. First call ahead and see if your fave waitress is working. If she/he is, request to sit in their section.

(and tip outrageously well *grin*)

Becky




What IS usability?

Hi Boyd!

Boy have I think we've all been there. I feel your frustration. I have seen this situation played out TOO many times in All of the restaurants I have worked in.

Here are some sure fire TACTICS that I use over and over again to get Excellent service when I dine out! (I have been on the other side as a waiter at the Four Seasons and other restaurants, so these have been used by me and on Me :->)They WORK!!!

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE YOU COULD:

- CALL AHEAD and request for Leila!

- Visit the restaurant and speak with the MANAGER. Let him/her know the OCCASION and what you EXPECT of the evening. Meet Leila again and remind her of YOUR NAME and Your WIFE's NAMe.

It's a nice touch when you arrive with your wife and are greeted with a "Welcome back Mr. and Mrs. Stone. Your waitress Leila will be right with you!" (I've Impressed many a date with this one)

- Hey you could also have your server arrive with you and your wifes favourite wine/beverage. (very nice touch)

SET THE STAGE WHEN A SERVER ARRIVES...

- Smile AND use THEIR NAME. If no name, ASK THEM! It shows that you are a seasoned restauranteur and it sets you apart from everyone else.

* I may be from the "old-school" with this one, but I do believe in Ladies first! Majority of times I find that the server looks towards the gentlemen first when they ask what would you like to drink/order! (As a server, I did this once and the gentlemen calmly gestured towards his wife with his hand...I GOT THE POINT !!!) Ever since I have been "CALMLY GESTURING" towards my dates whenever we dine out. It makes an impression on the waiter (which says I know What I Like..and What I Expect)

- Please look me in the EYE when your talking. Please don't bury your face in the menu. (Talking to the top of peoples head is embarassing.)

- If you haven't already, let them know what the occasion is.

- Make sure you know what you want to order! (No need to frustrate a 'busy' server)

- Pick 2 items from the menu. Ask them how long what you ordered usually takes to make. Then casually look at your watch. (As a waiter I have just committed myself to ensure that the food arrives during that time.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

- Write a Positive comment on the back of their copy of the bill with their name thanking them. Sign it.

- Ask to see their manager. Tell them how satisfied/ Unsatisfied you were with their service. (Managers will not forget you if you become regulars)

- Tip BIG if service was great!...If shoddy service Tip Lower and Let management know what could have been Improved with SUGGESTIONS for improvement.

MORE TIPS:

- In terms of steaks, It may not be your servers fault, It is usually the back staffs (the cooks)

- If service is not up to your expecatations you could always talk with management and state that service is not up to your expectations.

Happy Dining Boyd.

Duane Adolph

> Hi!

> Sorry about the incomplete subject line.

> I need some surefire ways of getting
> Excellent Service in restaurants.

> Backstory: recently some relatives came to
> visit, and my wife and I took them to a new
> steak place called Saltgrass. We happened to
> get an absolutely fabulous waitperson named
> Leila, and we all left the restaurant
> ecstatic about how great the experience was
> ($125 dinner check didn't detract from our
> happiness).

> A few weeks later my wife and I decided to
> celebrate something by going back to the
> same restaurant. Guess what happened? We got
> a slow, dumb, disinterested waitress who
> seemed to be on some kind of medication, our
> "well-done" steaks were raw
> inside, we had to practically beg for
> refills on coffee, etc., etc. To make the
> situation even more aggravating across the
> room we could see Leila giving other patrons
> the same kind of great service she had given
> our party on the earlier visit (Leila seemed
> to have an assistant that worked for her,
> I'm not sure how she had it set up, but
> between Leila and her assistant her tables
> got Royal Treatment). My wife and I were
> childishly disappointed, we got fussy with
> each other, had a fight at home, and the
> evening was just a Disaster! We don't want
> to repeat that experience!!!!!!

> Does anyone have techniques for demanding
> and receiving Great Service at any
> restaurant?

> Thanks in advance!

> - Boyd

Hi Boyd,

Your question reminded me of something I read in Ted Nicholas's book, "Magic Words that Bring You Riches"....

These are a list of "magic words" you can use in all sorts of situations....

One of them (if I remember right) was "How to get the best table in any restaurant"....

The magic words were, We're Celebrating.... (Which you were doing!)

He said it didn't matter what you were celebrating, just be sure you're celebrating something.... And make sure to let them know when you get there (for example, mention it to the waitress).... Maybe, when they say "Table for two?" you say, "Yes please, tonight we're celebrating!"

Anyhow, beyond that I'm not sure what you can do (besides the excellent advice already from Duane and Becky)!

- Dien

Hi Boyd!

Here is something I do, as well, following a less than stellar experience.

With a warm smile and the same friendly attitude I enter the restaurant with, I voice my concern to the manager. Normally, the outcome of our conversation is favorable if I carefully preface my comments with a positive, understanding stance. Something like, "My (significant other) and I decided to celebrate here because of the exemplary service we have received in the past. Unfortunately, tonight's service was below standard due to (X, Y, Z). I thought perhaps you would like to know so you can address this in your next training session, since I know your goal is to retain customers and MY goal is to continue experiencing delicious meals here."

I can not tell you how many times my bill has been taken from me and "zeroed" out. Depending whether the service challenges were based on the server or not, the server MAY still get a full tip.

Hope this helps for your future dining engagements, Boyd! And great to "See" you again!

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE


Dare to Discover Your Passion, Decide to Live Your Destiny!

dno dno dno dno ndo dno dno dnod ndod odond dodndodndnodndodnodnddndnodnodndodn

> Hi Boyd!

> Here is something I do, as well, following a
> less than stellar experience.

> With a warm smile and the same friendly
> attitude I enter the restaurant with, I
> voice my concern to the manager. Normally,
> the outcome of our conversation is favorable
> if I carefully preface my comments with a
> positive, understanding stance. Something
> like, "My (significant other) and I
> decided to celebrate here because of the
> exemplary service we have received in the
> past. Unfortunately, tonight's service was
> below standard due to (X, Y, Z). I thought
> perhaps you would like to know so you can
> address this in your next training session,
> since I know your goal is to retain
> customers and MY goal is to continue
> experiencing delicious meals here."

> I can not tell you how many times my bill
> has been taken from me and
> "zeroed" out. Depending whether
> the service challenges were based on the
> server or not, the server MAY still get a
> full tip.

> Hope this helps for your future dining
> engagements, Boyd! And great to
> "See" you again!

> With Purpose and Passion,

> JULIE

Boyd, look in the book by Steve West I told you to
get...under how to get vip service.
Also, tipping in advance is good. Remember, the
tip means to insure promptness. :)
By the way, are you USING the book????

> I need some surefire ways of getting
> Excellent Service in restaurants.

> Backstory: recently some relatives came to
> visit, and my wife and I took them to a new
> steak place called Saltgrass. We happened to
> get an absolutely fabulous waitperson named
> Leila, and we all left the restaurant
> ecstatic about how great the experience was
> ($125 dinner check didn't detract from our
> happiness).

> A few weeks later my wife and I decided to
> celebrate something by going back to the
> same restaurant. Guess what happened? We got
> a slow, dumb, disinterested waitress who
> seemed to be on some kind of medication, our
> "well-done" steaks were raw
> inside, we had to practically beg for
> refills on coffee, etc., etc. To make the
> situation even more aggravating across the
> room we could see Leila giving other patrons
> the same kind of great service she had given
> our party on the earlier visit (Leila seemed
> to have an assistant that worked for her,
> I'm not sure how she had it set up, but
> between Leila and her assistant her tables
> got Royal Treatment). My wife and I were
> childishly disappointed, we got fussy with
> each other, had a fight at home, and the
> evening was just a Disaster! We don't want
> to repeat that experience!!!!!!

> Does anyone have techniques for demanding
> and receiving Great Service at any
> restaurant?

> Thanks in advance!

> - Boyd

Hi,

I can't believe I forgot about that book, as it's the perfect reference for the kind of question I was asking. I'm kind of embarrassed.....

I actually bought two copies of it, and I've read it twice. Part of what's in it I can do. Some of it I just don't have the face-to-face chutzpah to make work: like bartering being a building agent in exchange for office space.

Apparently I need to read it another time and let it sink in this time.

Thanks for telling me about the book, and reminding me the use it can be put to.

Your friend and fan,

- Boyd

> Boyd, look in the book by Steve West I told
> you to
> get...under how to get vip service.
> Also, tipping in advance is good. Remember,
> the
> tip means to insure promptness. :)
> By the way, are you USING the book????

dno dno dno dno dno dno

> Hi!

> Sorry about the incomplete subject line.

> I need some surefire ways of getting
> Excellent Service in restaurants.

> Backstory: recently some relatives came to
> visit, and my wife and I took them to a new
> steak place called Saltgrass. We happened to
> get an absolutely fabulous waitperson named
> Leila, and we all left the restaurant
> ecstatic about how great the experience was
> ($125 dinner check didn't detract from our
> happiness).

> A few weeks later my wife and I decided to
> celebrate something by going back to the
> same restaurant. Guess what happened? We got
> a slow, dumb, disinterested waitress who
> seemed to be on some kind of medication, our
> "well-done" steaks were raw
> inside, we had to practically beg for
> refills on coffee, etc., etc. To make the
> situation even more aggravating across the
> room we could see Leila giving other patrons
> the same kind of great service she had given
> our party on the earlier visit (Leila seemed
> to have an assistant that worked for her,
> I'm not sure how she had it set up, but
> between Leila and her assistant her tables
> got Royal Treatment). My wife and I were
> childishly disappointed, we got fussy with
> each other, had a fight at home, and the
> evening was just a Disaster! We don't want
> to repeat that experience!!!!!!

> Does anyone have techniques for demanding
> and receiving Great Service at any
> restaurant?

> Thanks in advance!

> - Boyd

One other thing that might work. According to some
body language expert I saw on tv the other day,
if you rub the back of your neck, the waiter will
come over.
Supposedly, this is because its a sign you are
irrated and might start a fight and they pick this
up on a subconscious level. They don't know why
they come over, they just do. Hmmm...
Next time I'm out, I'll give it a shot and see
what happens.