Waiter Service Manual
Waiter Service Manual
Waiter Service Manual
CHAPTER I
7. Make the member’s problem your problem. If you don’t have a way to solve it, find
out who does.
9. Follow up on all concerns and complaints by members and guests to ensure their needs
have been met.
10. Always maintain positive eye contact with members and guest.
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13. When you walk into these doors leave everything at the door. Come in focused on the
job at hand. This is important for you are the face of this club.
8. Remain Professional.
.
CHAPTER II
Non-Verbal Communication
1. Member Perception.
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CHAPTER III
Handling Complaints:
Listen with interest and empathy. Apologize immediately by saying “I’m sorry that you
have been inconvenienced or this has happened.” Speak to a manager.
3. At all times when dealing with a member, politeness is of the utmost importance.
4. Tell the member that you will do something about this problem and report the
complaint to the proper person. Always follow up by finding out if the member was taken
care of.
CHAPTER IV
Importance of Self Image and Personal Appearance:
2. Eye Contact
3. Facial Expression
8. Every person is responsible for picking up trash, paper or any unsightly articles on the
property.
9. No employees may have visitors without prior notice and supervisor’s authorization.
10. Come to work on time to punch in and start by scheduled hour of duty.
12. Free time should be spent cleaning, preparing or adjusting your station.
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13. Chain of command must be followed. Go to your supervisor first for anything
pertaining to work.
15. Always be well groomed and in full uniform(Clean & Pressed Apron,Shirt, and
Pants), pants hemmed, black socks, black shoes.
16. Always stand confident and professional. Never slouch at the table when taking and
order or interacting with a member.
CHAPTER V
Telephone Etiquette:
Frequently, the first contact a person has with the facility is made by phone. The
objective is always to convey a warm, friendly greeting backed up with the knowledge
and know-how to handle the caller’s inquiries without interrupting the conversation to
seek answers from someone near by. Pick up the phone within three rings. Greet every
caller with a welcoming salutation. “Thank you for calling Illini Country Club. This is
_____________ (Give your first name.) How may I help you?” Close the conversation in
a polite manner. Should you be unable to answer the caller’s question, politely transfer
the caller to another person. If a transfer is not possible, take the callers name, number
and message and have the appropriate person return the call.
CHAPTER VI
Negative Points Remembered by GUEST
1. When their server never seems to be available to them.
2. When server is not knowledgeable about the menu or events at the club.
5. When hot food is not hot and cold food is room temperature.
7. When the club phone rings more than three times without being answered.
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8. When silver on tables is spotted or tarnished.
9. When glasses are streaked (hold them up to the light and you will be shocked).
12. When they wait for three minutes without having a drink order taken.
15. When salt and peppershakers are greasy to touch or half empty.
16. When service personnel have the “I’m doing you a favor” attitude.
17. When a member pays top dollar for quality food and beverage and does not get it.
20. When orders arrive and they are incomplete or service people ask “who gets what?’
21. When members do not get recognized with a smile, hello, on eye contact. 4
22. When members are on a tight schedule and cannot get in and out for lunch in 45
minutes.
23. When the member gets the food check and it is sloppy, wet, or stained.
CHAPTER VII
Attention to Detail:
1. Use your head to save your feet. Organize yourself.
4. Ask for help when you need it. Offer help when you can.
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5. Know your menu! Be able to answer any questions the member may have. Always
have an answer.
7. Approach newly arrived members, even if only to say you will be with them shortly.
8. When taking orders and serving, remember, children and ladies first, then men and
always serve the host last.
9. Stand to the left of the person ordering when taking their order. Try to keep eye
contact at all times.
11. Always use a tray when serving food or beverages. Never put your tray on the table
or bar.
12. Food is served from the left with the left hand.
13. Beverages are served from the right with the right hand.
14. Food and beverages are removed from the right side with the right hand.
15. Clear plates only when everyone at the table is finished. Clear cocktail glasses as
soon as they are empty and ask if they would like another. Clear the table completely
after the main course. Only water and cocktails should be left on the table.
16. For sanitary reasons: Do not touch the rims of glasses, touch silverware by the handle
only and keep fingers on rims of plates only.
CHAPTER VIII
Job Description:
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A. JOB TASKS/LIST:
1. To efficiently serve food and drinks in a friendly and courteous manner. To follow the
service sequence and standard of the club, according to the training manual.
2. To take food and beverage orders and be able to communicate both verbally and in
writing the content of the orders with co-workers.
4. To assure that food and beverage preparation and presentation are proper throughout
the guests’ dining experience.
6. To ensure proper set-up and maintenance of service area, tables and common areas
throughout dining room. Silverware, china, sugar, creamers, ice tea, coffee, dressings,
lemons according to reservation levels. Always prepare for 20% over reservations.
7. To ensure that all silver ware, glasses, base plates and china are polished and set to
club standards.
9. To fold napkins, roll silver, polish silver, manicure tables and environment in spare
time.
10. Knowledge of, respect for and adherence to all staff privileges and responsibilities 11.
Adherence to schedules and attendance to all service staff meetings.
12. To work well as a team member with the entire club staff
13. To be aware of all state laws pertaining to the sale and service of liquor and alcoholic
beverages Additional duties and responsibilities will be added from time to time.
B. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Being prompt for work and on the floor at your scheduled time. If you are going to be
late, please call and advise us that you will be late. If you are 6 late without a phone call
you will be sent home for that full shift. Frequent tardiness will result in further
disciplinary action and/or dismissal.
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3. When you arrive on the floor check with your supervisor as to what must be done.
She/he will assign you to a station or room. When your station has been checked and
ready for business, you will then help set up parties, even if you are not working the
party.
5. Water glasses and sometimes the butter will have to be refilled during the meal. If the
member is sitting in such a way that you cannot reach the glass, say, “Pardon my reach,
sir/ma’am”.
6. Never stack dishes in front of some ones face when clearing appetizers. Also remove
any papers and fill water glasses.
7. When picking up orders in the kitchen, you must move as quickly as possible. Hot
food will not stay hot indefinitely. Check your menu. Make sure all garnishes and
condiments are on the plates or tray before food goes out.
8. When clearing the table after dinner, make sure everything comes off the table except
water glasses, and any silver they may need for dessert. Do not forget butter dishes and
roll basket. Crumb table.
9. Clear and clean the table immediately when vacant. Do not wait until closing time.
Check chairs for crumbs also check floor around table for crumbs or paper. Clean if
needed.
10. Carry everything on a tray no matter how small. Use bar trays.
11. Never argue with a member. If you have any complaints see your supervisor.
13. Never leave the club unless you check with your supervisor.
14. You must always be available in the dining room. Not in the kitchen except to pick
up an order.
15. Never load trays too heavy to carry, even if you have to make two trips. Breakage is
expensive. Be careful. Do not throw silver away. Never use napkins to wipe trays. Use
wet kitchen cloths.
16. Make your trips in & out of the kitchen count(Always have something in your
hands!).
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CHAPTER IX
Safety in the Workplace:
The objective of the following rules is to make Illini Country Club a safe place for you,
your co-workers and the members. .
1. Use caution when pouring and carrying hot liquids to avoid scalding (always remove
glasses, cups, or stemware when refilling).
3. Always have a clean side towel handy for hot plates to avoid burns to you and the
member.
4. When clearing, stack trays neatly and keep in mind proper balance.
5. Pick up items that have fallen on the floor, even if you did not drop them. (Silver,
pieces of food and spilled liquids are the major cause of accidents.) Clean it up. If you do
not have time, tell someone who does.
6. Be careful not to let glass break near ice. When filling a glass with ice, use a scoop. Do
not shove the glass into the ice.
7. Carry everything on a tray. If a spill occurs, it will fall on the tray not you or the
member
8. Pay attention to what you are doing and do not allow yourself to be distracted by co-
workers.
1. Apologize
2. Hand the member a towel to help clean it (sometimes club soda or water will do the
job)
3. Immediately report it to the supervisor so he or she can offer to have the Garment
cleaned
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1. Report it to your department head.
CHAPTER X
Service Standards Explained
A. Greeting
Once a table has been seated, you should greet your table as soon as possible. The
maximum amount of time a table should wait for your acknowledgment is one (1)
minutes.
Get a feeling of why they’re here, who they’re with and how long they wish to wait to
eat, sit, linger, etc. Act appropriately.
Also make sure bread is served. If your guest desires an appetizer, take the order, and
place the order at the same time you order beverages.
If an appetizer requires a condiment (fresh black pepper, grated cheese) bring it to the
table without asking.
B. Beverage Service
The service standard for beverage service is, for our members and guests, to receive their
initial beverage within 3 minutes after being seated.
If two people in the party order a glass of wine suggest that they order a bottle for the
table.
Your drinks should be ready to pick up within 2-3 minutes of placing an order.
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C. When Serving Beverages:
2. Hold the glass by the bottom, if serving stemware hold by the stem.
4. When serving beverages that come in a container (i.e. bottle beer) always offer to pour
the beverage. If you empty the container, take it with you when you leave the table.
A country club differs from a restaurant in many ways, but the largest difference is the
amount of time spent here. Many of our members know our menus inside and out and
have favorites. Some do not. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable and
informative. Find your favorites and recommend them! Describe entrees in detail so that
your guest knows exactly what to expect.
E. Food Delivery:
Most items will take 10-20 minutes to prepare during rush periods, it is important that
you have an idea of how long it is taking for food preparation.
Communicate wait times to your table. Make sure you have dressings for salads, lemons
for fish, tartar sauce, sour cream, steak sauce etc.
An order should NEVER sit in the window for more than 30 seconds. If at any time your
order has not left the kitchen in 15-20 minutes, go to the floor manager and inquire about
it. Give them only the facts.
2. Table number
3. Items on ticket
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6. Use a napkin if a plate is hot and always inform your guest of a hot plate.
7. Do not just set food down and walk away, even if table is not yours.
8. Always double check to make certain that everyone has received everything they need.
9. When delivering condiments to a table make sure they are clean and full.
12. Never reach across guest to set something down or when clearing the table.
13. Maintain eye contact with each quest. Address each guest individually.
14. Keep your confidence! Don’t be sheepish about who ordered what-ask if you are
unsure, and keep a smile on your face. Your guest won’t think your absent minded,
they’ll think your being attentive.
Do not ask the generic question “is everything o.k?” Instead, ask a question with more
focus, such as “was the food prepared correctly?’ Ask if you can get anything else.
Tell them you will check back with them in five minutes.
The service standard for bussing tables is to wait until it is evident that everyone at the
table is finished eating.
Never remove a plate or glass from the front of a guest without asking.
2. If your reach is the least bit obtrusive, always say “pardon my reach”
3. Clear silverware according to each course, and always give the proper setting when
replacing silverware at a place setting.
5. Make sure salt and pepper and butter plates are removed from dinner table.
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6. Remove condiments immediately following completion of main course.
7. The only items that should remain on the table during dessert are the coffee cup, water
glass, dessertspoon (or fork) and sugar. Crumb table after clearing main course items.
8. When clearing dinner plates, remember to remove bread & butter plates and basket.
When it is evident that your guests are finished eating, do your final check back. Present
dessert menu. Suggest an after dinner drink. Following delivery of these items, clear any
remaining dishes, empty glasses etc. Make sure all water glasses are full.
I. Check Presentation The service standard for check presentation is for you, the server,
to present a complete check to the responsible member when all guests have finished.
Present the check only after the member has said they are ready. Never just assume –
always ask. -Host of Party
Another important consideration when approaching the table is for you to find out who is
the host of the party. Usually the host is the one who made the reservation. The host
should be approached about the wine selection, and will usually make most of the
decisions during the meal for his/her guest. The host will ask for and take care of the
check. If you cannot determine who the host is in the party, be neutral by placing the
check in the middle of the table.
CHAPTER XI
Side-work and Side-stand
The following is a list of items that must be attended to on a regular basis:
b. Salt and peppershakers: Keep clean and full, make sure holes are not clogged.
c. Sugar bowl: Keep full with four different types of sugar packets.
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e. Oil and vinegar cruets: Keep full. If the oil or vinegar becomes cloudy, empty the
cruet, have it cleaned and refill.
f. Garnishes: Lemon for ice tea to be kept stocked. g. Peppermill: Clean and full at all
times.
i. Linens: Keep clean tablecloths, napkins and side towels available. Napkins folded per
specifications.
j. China: Keep clean coffee cups, saucers, creamers, show plates, and bread and butter
plates available
k. Glassware: Keep clean water glasses, red wine glasses and white wine glasses
stocked, as well as any other specified glassware.
l. Flatware:
m. Service trays: Have a variety of trays in different sizes available to be used for
serving and clearing food and beverages. Always line trays w/ linen.
o. Servers working in the Porch Bar will be responsible for front of house clean up and
side work sheet.
p. Servers working in the Illini Room will be responsible for back of the house clean per
side work sheet.
Suggestive selling is the ability to present the member with options that will enhance his
or her dining experience as well as the check average.
1. Descriptive: By giving a colorful description of the item the member will be more
eager to order it. EX: The member asks you what you recommend. Do you say, “the
sword fish is good” or “We have fresh swordfish served with the chef’s special
homemade citrus sauce.” Obviously the latter response is the preferred one. When
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describing dishes, try to use words such as (homemade, fresh, delicious, favorite, chef’s
special, new, etc.)
We also have a beautiful assortment of sorbets, for those who want something light.”
The next item everyone is too full to have dessert, try this “I would hate for you to have
to miss our Crème Brule. Would you like me to bring one with two spoons for you to
share?”
4. Natural Complements: Sell items that naturally go together. Proactive selling uses each
course as an opportunity to build the check average:
5. Selling wine:
If the member asks for a suggestion, never offer one of the most expensive wines.
You will lose credibility by offering wines that are high priced.
If a member wants an expensive wine, he will have the knowledge to order it himself.
If two people order the same wine by the glass, offer a ½ carafe.
If three people do, offer a full carafe or suggest that they have a look at the wine list.
6. Up Selling:
Up-selling is used when the member has already ordered an item, and we now want to
improve on it. EX: The member orders a scotch on the rocks and doesn’t specify a brand.
Offer a selection of name brands. The member orders coffee but no dessert. Suggest an
after dinner drink.
7. Feature Description:
A feature description is a brief but thorough narration of the special features the chef has
prepared for your guest. When done right, it is an informative and pleasurable narration
for your 13 guest. Therefore, it is imperative to learn, practice and be very knowledgeable
about what you are describing.
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The following are several examples of the perfect feature description as well as some
important tips to remember:
a. Do not mumble.
b. Do not talk too long and turn your feature description into an interruption.
c. Get excited about what you are describing and always know exactly how each item is
prepared and all the items in them.
“The soup du jour is vegetable beef made with fresh carrots, celery, tomatoes and chunks
of tender beef in a natural beef stock.
The fresh fish today is grouper, caught right off the coast and is broiled in lemon butter;
however if you would like it prepared another way, just let me know and I’ll ask the chef.
I’ll give you a few minutes to decide what you want and in the meantime, may I get you a
glass of wine or a cocktail?
Always be able to answer any questions regarding the food you are serving, whether it’s
on the menu or a feature item, from all the ingredients to spices being used.
8. Power of suggestion:
People will often get a sudden urge for an item after we mention it.
If a server suggests a certain liquor to members as after dinner drink for two weeks,
chances are the club will sell much more of that item.
Everyone can learn to be a good salesperson. If a member says “No” to a suggestion, just
show that his/her decision Is fine and the suggestion was made only for his/her pleasure.
No matter What the decision is, the same good service is expected.
A customer will Never resent the suggestion when enthusiastically and sincerely
presented.
CHAPTER XIII
Wine Service
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The following procedures must be adhered to in order to ensure proper wine service. At
first, these procedures might seem awkward, if so, please let your supervisor know so you
can get additional training.
a. If the guest orders red, open immediately and allow it to breathe first (ask if they
would like to have a carafe).
2. Present the bottle of wine wrapped in a napkin to the person who ordered the wine,
pronouncing the name of the wine properly. Allow the guest to read the label to ensure it
is the correct wine.
a. Place the bottle on the edge of the table with the label facing the guest (it should
remain stationary throughout the opening process.)
b. Cut the foil or plastic top just below the lip of the bottle
d. Free the cork from the corkscrew and place it near the guest. Experienced wine
drinkers will sniff the cork to assure themselves that the wine has not soured.
e. Pour a sample into the glass of the guest who ordered the wine. Roll you wrist and lift
the bottle at the end of each pouring to catch the drops.
g. The guest will sample the wine for aroma, color and taste.
h. Upon acceptance, you may pour wine for the other guest at the table, filling the ladies
glasses first. Wine glasses should be filled ½ full to allow guest to swirl or smell the
wine. After pouring, place the bottle on the edge of the table or in the wine bucket
(depending on type of wine) with the label facing the guest.
i. A food server should be continually attentive to the pouring of the wine throughout the
meal.
You have not performed proper wine service if at any time the guest has to pour his/her
own wine.
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A suggestion for a second bottle should be made as the last drop of wine is poured. If a
second bottle is ordered allow the guest to taste the wine with a fresh glass.
j. If two different wines were ordered, fresh glasses should be brought to the table for
each type of wine.
k. Wine buckets are available for chilled wines and should be offered to the guest if
chilled wines are ordered.
Ice buckets should be ½ filled with ice and water to allow the wine to sit properly in the
bucket.
The bottle needs to be wiped when pouring to prevent water drops on the table.
CHAPTER XIV
1. Appear at work shortly before your scheduled time in clean uniform, clean shoes, clean
fingernails, neat hair so you can….
2. Familiarize yourself with offerings of the day’s soups and specials and be sure to…
3. Check your station for cleanliness and see that it is stocked with all you need to offer
excellent service.
4. Approach you tables smiling and cheerful, know the menu and practice suggestive
selling-drinks, appetizers, specials, wine, and desserts.
5. Turn in the order without delay; communicate with the kitchen staff in explaining any
unusual requests or preferences.
6. Attend to the immediate wants of your guests while orders are being prepared. (Drinks,
appetizers, salads, etc.)
7. Serve food as soon as it is ready; make sure your guest receive all appropriate
condiments.
9. Never argue with members. Try to correct any problems as they arrive. Inform your
supervisor.
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10. Even after you have presented the check, see if your guests want anything else. Thank
them for coming and tell them we look forward to seeing them soon.
11. Do I have the knowledge to answer other questions a member might have about the
club?
1. If you don’t like people, you have no business being in the people business.
2. Serve them well you keep them. Serve them poorly you lose them.
3. It’s not a member it’s your guest! It’s not a club it’s your home!
4. Give the member not only what he/she wants, but anticipate what he really needs.
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