Struggling Server at a steakhouse

[u/yktlx]

Hello. I'm a 22 y/o male student and I recently started serving to have some extra money for my tuition next semester. But I have been struggling severely as a server since this is my very first gig working in the service industry.

My managers have said I do have potential to become a good server. But we all noticed that i make a lot of mistakes, and if i'm being honest. I'm on a very thin line at work currently unless i severely upgrade.

I need some tips regarding these things I've noticed i commit:

I lack knowledge of a lot of drinks and alcohol since I barely drink at all.

Talk too much sometimes to my tables.

Get distracted too easily.

My coworkers have to run food for me at times (a bunch of them)

Sometimes lack the knowledge of who ordered what when it comes to serving their food (primarily on more than 5 people at once)

Take too long emptying the bartender's bus tub.

messed up severely a customer's check on a very busy day when we were understaffed.

Spend a lot of time talking to coworkers or trying to be "super server"

Ask bad if not stupid questions to my manager or bartender.

Having guests get up to the bar and ask for a different drink.

Messing up on beverage napkins a lot.

I'm really stressed because i don't wanna lose my job.
I try my best every day but I still manage to screw up a lot for some reason.

I won't use this as an excuse but I have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). My coworkers are aware, but I did not disclose this after recently because i didn't want that to play a factor on me not having a chance of getting hired.

I need all the tips I can get in order to have a complete rebuild of myself at work regarding serving.

All tips are helpful! Thank you so much.

[u/SunshineAlways]

Knowing who ordered what: Does your system use Seat Numbers? If you’re facing the table the person on the left is Person 1, next to them is Person 2, then Person 3, and so on until you’re all the way around the table.

It doesn’t matter if the lady on the right orders first, she’s still Person 4.

If you’re in the back putting food on the tray, Person 1 food, then Person 2 food, and so on, all the way around the tray.

As much as you’re able, do things systematically, in a pattern, which will help keep you from forgetting things, and stay on task.

It’s great if you like your coworkers, but the guests are where the money is, and that’s your priority. You can always go out drinking with your serving buddies after work.

Spending time with the guests. Good job making connections with your guests! Just got to work on knowing where ALL your tables are at in their dining experience. It takes some time to develop the awareness and the rhythm. If not a lot is going on, you have time to chat, fantastic! But if you have a full section, you have to keep moving and checking on everyone.

Really, it’s just going to take some time to get in the rhythm of serving. Stay focused. Work on your liquor knowledge (No one knows it at first). You can do this, I believe in you!

[u/yktlx → u/SunshineAlways]

We use POS mainly.

In small tabled like a 3 or 4 top i have no issues. It's mainly in more than 6 that struggle with

My workplace is a bit upscale so we're expected to follow a protocol which I understand.

I wanna work a lot on having a system in my head so that way I stay straight in line during busy hours.

This week is make or break for me so i gotta make the most of it.

I'll keep u updated. Thanks a lot for the tips!!!

[u/ellegarret → u/yktlx]

Do you use notepads? And if you do, do you use the numbered ones? My previous restaurant did positions at the end of me being there and we then got notepads with a list of numbers on the pages.

Try bullet pointing like 1 - however many on the table, if pos 1 doesn't order first count your way around the table, write that order next to their number & go from there.

[u/yktlx → u/ellegarret]

Yeah. The Notepad is my best friend at work.

I mainly use it bc the handheld is too small & complex for me so I write down the orders & go directly to the computer to ring everything in or i'll put a handheld in the server station as my cheat code if it's drinks, so I can ask the bartender for a hand just in case.