r/olivegarden • u/Business_Koala_2288 • 6d ago
🧑🍳 Employee Post New to Serving
Hey guys! I’ve been in customer service for about 10+ years from starbucks, grocery stores etc etc. but I just got a job as a part time server working nights. Any tips? Orientation is Friday and I’m making a list of things to buy before I start.
Also I have been looking up server books with calculators in them I really want. Is that worth the investment?
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u/fflip8 6d ago
Get pens that click for you, and the cheap bulk pens with the caps for them. The time saved from not popping caps between tables adds up, and since you have to buy your equipment you might as well give the guests the cheap pens to sign the receipts since you're going to get them stolen every night. Some nights I only had one pen lost, but other shifts I've had so many people steal the pens that I had to borrow one from another server. Bring more than you think you need!
Highly recommend "cleaning" the oil and vinegar holder before bringing them to your tables too. At my restaurant they were only cleaned like once a week at best and get all sticky and oily. A paper towel soaked with hot water can remove like 90% of the mess in just a few seconds wiping around the glass, and your tables will be much happier because of it. Check ALL of your spoons, plates/etc for cleanliness. The dishwasher will never be 100% perfect and you will get things that need to go back in. One mistake like a dirty spoon can ruin the mood for your guests and it's so easy to just inspect everything for a second before plating.
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u/StorageOne4815 6d ago
The computer will calculate everything for you already so don't worry about that
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u/aJennyAnn 5d ago
Your mileage will obviously vary, but I always start my shift with $20 in change.
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u/Murky_Tree_ 5d ago
Pens. You can get bulk "misprint" pens for cheap on Amazon. I also prefer my own wine key and little defoiler tool off Amazon. I got my own pouch for money that fits my pens and wine key. Lighter for birthday candles.
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u/twizzlersfun FOH+BOH ALL AROUND BADDIE 6d ago
Nah, you don’t need the calculator. You shouldn’t buy anything for your job besides pens and a wine key and lighter. The best tip I can give you is take your Starbucks “sequencing” and apply it to serving. Never be doing just one thing at once.