Here’s a little server secret. Everything I need to know about you and your party I’ll see in the approach to the table. I’ll break it down.

One day, two ladies walk in towards a table in my assigned section. The one in front took a focused approach to her chair. The second lady walked more slowly observing every minute detail. She dragged her feet in her sandals and sat down with a thud and a sigh. It was as if she didn’t want to be there. I’ll be diplomatic and say that she was a bit high maintenance throughout her time there.

Here’s another scenario. A family of 5 is going to their table. The child is holding the adult’s hand with a happy little skip and laughter. Now compare this to another family where the child runs past the host for no apparent reason while the guardians are on the phone. Which family will be easier to serve?S

Servers are not only psychic and multitask masters. We are very, very, observant. We notice details that will help us work with that table. Here are a few questions. you

How is the couple dressed?

What brand of shoes is one wearing?

How heavy is the credit card?

How good are the child’s manners?

Who is doing most of the talking?

Can the teen order for themselves?

How well does the couple communicate?

How fast are they drinking their soda?

How fast are they drinking their cocktail?

Do they smell like a recreational drug?

Are they asking red flag questions? (That’s a whole different Chronicle.)

We are gathering all of this information and adjust our serving style to be of service. Being a server is not quite as easy as it looks but it can be a hoot of a career if you let it be!