If you eat out frequently you probably have your own tales of horror related to restaurant service .In fact, in one poll, consumers site poor service as the single biggest reason they don't eat out in restaurants more often. It's obvious that restaurant service is not meeting the expectations of America's hungry diners. Can this problem be solved so that eating out is a more pleasant experience? Here are some effective ways to get good restaurant service the next time you go out to eat:
Time your Visit
If you visit a restaurant during their peak hours on the busiest days to the week, you're less likely to get good service. Avoid restaurant dining during the peak hours of 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Restaurants are usually filled to their capacity during those times which means service will suffer. Monday and Tuesday nights are usually slow evenings when you'll probably be seated and served quickly.
Make a Reservation
By making a reservation, you can significantly reduce your wait time particularly on the weekends. If you have special requests such as a window seat, booth, or high chair for a child, let them know at the time you make your reservation. This can significantly reduce your wait time as well as your frustration level.
Read the Menu Beforehand
Many restaurants now publish their menu online. Read through the menu before heading to the restaurant so you'll have an idea of what you want to order ahead of time. Be ready with any questions you have about the menu items when you arrive at the restaurant. This will reduce the level of confusion and will allow you to get your meal ordered quickly and efficiently.
Be Decisive
By knowing the menu beforehand, you can be more decisive when you order. Waiters and waitresses love a customer who knows what he or she wants and doesn't have to play twenty questions. If you make your food selections quickly and decisively, they'll be more likely to give you efficient service because you're making their life easier.
Establish a Relationship with your Server
When your server comes to your table, be cordial and polite. Pause for a moment to get the name of your server and make small talk. If you establish a friendly but professional relationship with your server early on, you're more likely to get good service. Never be rude or condescending to the restaurant staff.
Establish a Longer Term Relationship with a Good Server
If you eat frequently at the same restaurant, do your research and see which server gives the best service. Once you know, request that particular waitperson each time you go to the restaurant. Of course, you'll want to tip this special server well to reward him or her for a stellar performance. Do it with a smile. A good server is worth his or her weight in gold.
Reward Good Service
If you get good service, reinforce the good performance by leaving a generous tip and acknowledging to the server that you appreciated their efforts. If service was extraordinary, give a glowing report to the manager. Managers get so much negative feedback that they really appreciate a good report. Plus, they'll probably go out of their way to make sure your next experience is just as good.
You'll enjoy your restaurant meals a lot more if you take these simple steps to ensure that you get good restaurant service. Finally, eating out can be a pleasure again.
