5 Simple Ways for Servers to Get Better Tips

5 Simple Ways for Servers to Get Better Tips

by | Oct 28, 2016 | Career

When you’re a server, you often live on your tips. Increasing them by a dollar or two per table can make a big difference over the course of a night. Of course, you can’t reduce yourself to begging your tables to tip better, so how do you increase those all-important tips? These simple tips will help you increase yours.

Introduce Yourself by Name

Did you know that offering your table your name–regardless of whether you’re male or female–can lead to an average of $2 more in tips per table?

Introducing yourself by name helps create a sense of connection between you and your customers.

Introducing yourself by name helps create a sense of connection between you and your customers. They’re more likely to identify with you as a person, decide that they like you, and therefore tip higher as a result.

Dress Up a Little

Perceptions matter, and servers who are perceived as being attractive are more likely to get higher tips than those who aren’t, before you go to work, take the time to clean up. If you’re female, do your makeup and fix your hair. If you’re a man, same goes!

Also, try to avoid stains on your uniform or apron, and if you need to, freshen up occasionally throughout the evening. You might be surprised by the results!

Get Closer

Making eye contact with your customers is a great way to encourage them to develop a connection with you and increase the amount of your tip. Crouch down by the table so that you’re looking at them at eye level, rather than staring down at them.

Watch your customers for cues; some would prefer that you keep your distance.

You can also try standing a little bit closer to your customers when they’re ordering. Watch your customers for cues; some would prefer that you keep your distance.

Encourage the Customer to Like You

When you repeat their food order back to them, you encourage customers to identify with you and think of you as “like them.” Letting the customer know that they made a good choice in their meal tells them that approve of them and that you like the same things they do.

You can also convince the customer that you’re on their side through the concept of reciprocity: convince the customer that you’ve done something for them, whether it’s writing “thank you!” on the back of their receipt, taking care of a minor inconvenience, or bringing them a little something extra like mints with the check.

Offer Great Service

At the heart of a great tip, is a great server – that is, one that provides a high-quality experience to every customer who comes to their tables. Strive to do this regardless of how your day is going, how you perceive the customer, or what they order.

At the heart of a great tip, is a great server.

There are some things that are beyond your control: the speed of the kitchen and whether or not they get the order exactly right, for example. Other things are well within your control. Make it a priority to keep drink glasses full, to bring food out as soon as it’s ready, and to be cheerful whenever you check on a table.

Learning to read your customers is one of the most critical parts of being a good server. Some tables are high-maintenance, but will pay well for it; others will pay for the privilege of discreet service and being left alone to enjoy their meals. As you learn to evaluate your customers’ needs from the moment they arrive at the table, you’ll discover that your tips start going up as a result of your improved service.

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How to Prep Your Restaurant for the Holiday Season

How to Prep Your Restaurant for the Holiday Season

by | Oct 26, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

This time of year everybody’s thinking about how to hire restaurant staff in time to be ready for the holiday season. While you are getting your hiring program in gear, there other steps to take now to satisfy holiday demand spikes.

Encourage early bookings

Market your special services early, and provide incentives to clients to get their orders in as soon as possible. Tell everybody that you are ready to take early orders and will offer coupons with serious discounts for comfortably early bookings. If your catering program racks up extra reservations, you have time to staff properly.

Earlier catering orders from your customers will allow strategic moves such as staffing additions, schedule changes and supply sourcing.

Promote early using the social media tools that your community prefers. (Thinking of expanding into another social platform? Do that early, too!) Mention that you offer 10% off on early reservations for holiday party catering on your printed menus and add the pitch to your recorded phone messages, too.

Use annual trends to plan ahead

Yes, you must hire enough people and give them enough time to learn your systems. When restaurant guests wait for long stretches to place an order because you provide only one waiter on a shopping weekend, there’s a possibility that they’ll never come return to your establishment. Understaffed restaurants do significant damage to their brands.

Having those year to year records to compare makes your judgment call much easier. If you know from annual trends that you will need a certain level of help for the holiday season, you can line up quality seasonal staff by starting outreach early.

Understaffed restaurants do significant damage to their brands.

If you have been in business for under a year, or have been open at a particular location for less than a year, be bold and invest in generous holiday season customer service. You can cut back next year, but you may not be able to make up for the diminished reputation that a bad holiday experience can engender.

Start hiring earlier rather than later

Now that you’ve started planning for the holiday season, you should have a better idea of how much additional staff you’ll need and when you’ll need it, so don’t wait until the last minute to actually get the word out.

Also, decide what channels you’ll be using to hire. Online hiring platforms, like Sirvo, are great because they’re easy to use and can increase your reach to potential candidates. Not to mention, having a talent library to search through can help you, the employer, be proactive during the process.

Prevent your staff from getting in the weeds

During heavy demand, your staff will walk a tightrope, having to balance providing great service with turning tables quickly. Conflicting impulses and tired shoppers can create stress and alienation among your servers.

For exceptionally busy times, consider offering a shorter holiday menu to make decisions easier

You can help prevent holiday burnout and even address slowed service during a rush with just a few suggestions to your staff. For example, encourage servers to make compelling verbal suggestions when or even before a menu is presented. For exceptionally busy times, consider offering a shorter holiday menu to make decisions easier.

Keep the kitchen stocked

Running out of advertised dishes is never the mark of a solid restaurant operation, but it is much worse at the time of special splurges and meaningful holiday meals.

Keep a healthy inventory, and don’t run out of your signature dishes. Ordering what you need for increased demand will instill confidence and show that you take the season seriously.

Your employees want to make a good living in a good restaurant. Providing them what they need to keep your holiday diners smiling will help everybody win.

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Employee Turnover: Get Ready, It Happens — 5 Ways To Slow It Down

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If you own or manage a restaurant, according to the laws of averages, you should expect to replace almost three-quarters of your workers each year! However, you can cushion yourself against losses in productivity and profitability and reduce turnover by developing solutions based on the reasons restaurant turnover occurs.

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Here’s How to Spot a Food Critic In Your Restaurant

Here’s How to Spot a Food Critic In Your Restaurant

by | Sep 14, 2016 | IndiNews

The moment a food critic steps into your restaurant, you want to make their experience the best one possible. There are plenty of ways for people to learn about your everyday spectacular customer service, wonderful dishes, and amazing environment, but a food critic’s opinion still has the ability to make or break your restaurant. There’s just one problem: you have to recognize who the food critic is! While you won’t be able to identify them a hundred percent of the time, knowing how to spot a food critic will give you an extra advantage the next time one slips into your restaurant.

The Time Matters

Most of the time, food critics aren’t going to arrive at your restaurant during your busiest times. Instead, they’ll arrive at odd times. Very early reservations are often a giveaway that you’re dealing with a food critic, as are particularly late visits. Customers who come in before the dinner rush on more than one occasion are particularly likely to be food critics, especially if it’s a face you don’t see on a regular basis.

Keep in mind that many food critics prefer to check out a restaurant more than once in order to get a real feel for the dishes, the staff, and the ambiance of the restaurant. You probably know your regular customers fairly well, so the sudden appearance of a customer at an odd time who comes in two or three times in the space of a week is a sign that you’re dealing with a food critic.

Customers who come in before the dinner rush on more than one occasion are particularly likely to be food critics.

Watch for Warning Signs

Many restaurants are on the lookout for customers who come in alone, especially those arriving at odd times. There are, however, several other warning signs that may indicate that you’re dealing with a food critic:

  • Detailed questions about the food, including how it’s prepared, where it’s sourced, and more.
  • A customer who visits the restroom frequently or appears to spend more time than usual on their phone. Critics have to take notes somehow!
  • A customer who pays detailed attention to the server’s spiel at the beginning of the meal.
  • A customer who is very interested in everything going on around the restaurant, constantly looking around and taking everything in.

A customer who pays detailed attention to the server’s spiel at the beginning of the meal is likely to be a food critic.

Observe the Food

Food critics need to taste as many dishes as possible when they visit a restaurant. When they come in alone, they may order an appetizer, entree, and desert for a single individual or check out more than one dish, even if that means leaving with a large number of leftovers. A food critic who dines with a group, on the other hand, might seem more difficult to spot–until you take note of the following behaviors.

  • Everyone at the table orders something different, especially if they order more than just the entree. At a typical table, you’ll see a couple of people who order the same thing.
  • Plates that are passed around the table, especially if they seem targeted at one individual.
  • Small portions of food placed on bread plates and moved to a particular individual at the table.

A savvy server can note these behaviors and let the restaurant managers know that they’re dealing with a food critic, ensuring that you’re able to respond appropriately.

Once you’ve identified a food critic, your goal is to make their experience at your restaurant the best one possible. Ideally, you want your best server to be the one to wait on the food critic to ensure that they’re getting the best service. Treat the food critic like every other guest: offering them the best your restaurant can provide.

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Sirvo Says: The 6 Most Unique Things To Do In Denver

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Open Call for The Stanley Marketplace Career Fair

Open Call for The Stanley Marketplace Career Fair

by | Sep 13, 2016 | Career

Sirvo is proud to announce that on Saturday, September 24th we will be at Stanley Marketplace’s Career Fair, located at 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, CO. Residing in a hangar formerly owned and operated by Stanley Aviation (once Aurora’s largest employer), this new marketplace is sure to be one of Colorado’s hottest locations to shop, eat, drink and have fun!

STANLEY MARKETPLACE CAREER FAIR

Saturday, September 24th 2016

2501 Dallas St., Aurora, CO

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Pre-Registration is Required-Head Here to Register

More than 50 independently owned and operated businesses will all be gathered under one roof looking for that next great hire to join their team in one of the most anticipated openings of 2016. This is the place to work!

The marketplace has two levels of retail shops, restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, ice cream, bakeries, salons, health and fitness studios and so much more! Located in northwest Aurora, The Stanley Marketplace is part of a continued revitalization effort that seeks to take older structures located in the city and restructure them in a way that pays homage to their former glory. A lot of thought and effort is put into these types of spaces and it is meant to be a modern gathering place where you can bring friends or family and spend a day enjoying yourself.

More than 50 independently owned and operated businesses will all be gathered under one roof looking for that next great hire to join their team in one of the most anticipated openings of 2016.

Denverites are already accustomed to this type of scene, as many of us frequent The Source or Industry, both located in RiNo. So when you are wondering what Stanley will look like, think of those buildings and triple the amount of things to do and places to visit. The space is so huge it will also play host to some of the best art, food, music and cultural events (or “Happenings“) we all love to partake in as Coloradans; including CherryArts at The Stanley and 5280 Eats hosted by 5280 Magazine!

So, if you are looking for a fun and exciting environment to work in and have been waiting for an opportunity like The Stanley Marketplace to arrive, then come see us on Saturday, September 24th with your Sirvo resume printed and ready to go! With a place this popular, this is your chance to get your foot in the door. If you have any friends that you think would be interested in applying to work at The Stanley or are looking for a position in hospitality in general, share this blog post and tell them to head over to Sirvo and create their profile.

See you there! 

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Sirvo Says: Best Restaurants to Have Brunch in Denver

Sirvo Says: Best Restaurants to Have Brunch in Denver

by | Sep 12, 2016 | IndiNews

Who doesn’t love brunch? It has everything – friends, stories, drinks and, most importantly, delicious food! But choosing where to brunch… now that’s a different story. With an ever growing number of options in Denver, it can be a tough choice. So, we’re here to offer a little guidance with our list of top 10 brunch spots in the Mile Hight City.

 

1. Beast + Bottle

best brunch Denver

Are there really people out there who haven’t eaten here yet? Not only do they serve up one of the best dinner experiences in town, but their brunch menu is phenomenal. Chef Paul Reilly uses a combination of flavors that create an unforgettable experience. Our recommendation? The Pork Shoulder Tostada: charred tomatillo, queso panela & sunny eggs…yes please!

2. Snooze

best brunch Denver

This Colorado staple is an obvious choice on any brunch list, but Snooze is more than just a pretty face. The minute you walk in the door you are met with a smile from a staff that has been slinging eggs to multiples of people before you and your crew strolled in at 9 AM. Yes, the line is long-but many of the locations have games like Cornhole and complimentary coffee to keep you occupied and awake while you wait. If you can’t decide which Benny to eat, then choose the Benny Duo and combine your two favorites. Our duo would be the Chilaquiles and the Bella Bella.

3. Steuben’s

best brunch Denver

Did you already forget who helped (with others) create this whole food scene we are enjoying today? Many of our wonderful transplants may not know that Steuben’s has been offering some of the best brunch options for ten years now (Happy Anniversary Steubs!). With a revamped brunch list and a new location in Arvada, Steuben’s is as relevant as ever! Our choice? Simple, the Buttermilk Chicken & Waffles and a Ramos Gin Fizz while we wait.

4. OneFold

best brunch Denver

Yet another great Uptown brunch option! It’s not the largest of places, but it is well worth the wait. As cliche as it sounds we recommend the Breakfast Burrito. Seriously, it’s one of the best in town! An in-house handmade flour tortilla, choice of Tender Belly bacon or housemade breakfast sausage, green chili, eggs, duck fat fried potatoes & asadero cheese. Wash it down with a Sophisticate’s (local) Black Chai Latte.

5. Root Down

best brunch Denver

This Lo-Hi establishment was the first concept given to us by Justin Cucci and his wonderfully talented team at Edible Beats. With a focus on sustainability and using local growers and purveyors, you know you are getting the best/freshest ingredients. The Banana Bread French Toast will remain in your taste bud registry for months and lucky for us if we are ever traveling out of town we can justify heading to the airport early to visit their DIA location.

6. Lola

best brunch Denver

With plates like the Horchata Pancakes, Griddled Green Chile Bolillo or Smoked Mushroom Tamale, how can one not put this amazing establishment on a top ten brunch list? Chef/Owner Dave Query and his Big Red F Restaurant Group have been essential to the diverse scene we as eaters get to partake in. A trip to Lola for brunch is a great way to-Treat. Yo. Self.

7. Denver Biscuit Company

best brunch Denver

In 2009 Denver experienced a flavor explosion when Denver Biscuit Co. entered onto the scene. The concept can be a little to confusing, but basically Owner Drew Shader has created three concepts in one, Atomic Cowboy, Fat Sully’s and of course DBC. One of our favorite plates is the The Franklin, buttermilk fried chicken, Tender Belly bacon, and cheddar cheese smothered in sausage or vegetarian mushroom gravy. Delicious. Seriously.

8. Sassafras

Two locations, one in the Jefferson Park and one in Cap Hill, both serving some of the best Southern style food in Denver. Sassafras also has some of the best housemade Bloody Marys you’ll ever have, with eleven on the menu to choose from. Our favorite dish? The Chicken Fried Eggs with Buffalo Hash, local Buffalo smoked over Pecan wood, fried six-minute eggs (not a minute under or over), housemade cornbread & a Fresno Chile Hollandaise. YUM!

9. Linger

best brunch Denver

This list is definitely representing the classics in town, well there is a reason places like Linger stay consistently popular with Denver residents. Located in LoHi, with one of the best patios and ambiances in the state. Another Edible Beets concept and the second one on this list. Are we biased, yes we are, for delicious food that is prepared and served by one of the best staffs in Denver. The obvious choice on a Saturday morning is the Hangover Ramen, pork belly, soft boiled Shoyu egg, duck confit, mushrooms, sesame & Lots o’Condiments. Enjoy.

10. Revelry Kitchen

best brunch Denver

Top ten lists are so difficult, especially when the last restaurant on the list could very easily be at the top. This is one of the best new restaurants in town and you need to make it a top priority to check it out! Order the The Benny: rajas tamales, braised kale, guajillo hollandaise & pork chicharron. When should you go? Any day because they have brunch every day of the week!

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Sirvo Says: The 6 Most Unique Things To Do In Denver

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Denver is a great place to visit but there are so many activities to choose from, so we wanted to put together a list of the most unique things to do in the Mile High City. From murder to money to sopapillas, read on the find out what topped our list!

read more

Experience Sirvo for yourself

Sign up now to find hospitality jobs and hire top industry talent.
Sign up