create a checklist for day by day training for servers from day one to day 10.
Day 1: Introduction and Orientation
- Shake hands and introduce yourself to each member of the management team
- Express enthusiasm for joining the team
- Walk through the dining area, kitchen, and back-of-house areas
- Point out key features and emergency exits
- Receive uniform pieces and try them on for proper fit
- Review dress code policy and discuss grooming standards
- Watch a demonstration of how to use the POS system
- Practice taking orders on the system with guidance from a trainer
- Have new servers meet with each key staff member individually
- Provide brief background information on each staff member's role and responsibilities
- Provide new servers with a copy of the employee handbook
- Go over key policies such as dress code, attendance, and code of conduct
- Discuss the founding of the restaurant and its mission
- Explain the concept and theme of the restaurant
- Review the menu and highlight popular or signature dishes
- Explain the importance of good customer service
- Demonstrate proper etiquette for greeting and serving guests
- Provide a tour of emergency exits and first aid kits
- Go over procedures for handling spills, accidents, and other emergencies
- Review the upcoming schedule and shifts for the new server
- Explain duties such as opening/closing tasks, side work, and teamwork expectations
- Have new servers fill out any required forms or paperwork
- Assign any online training modules to be completed during downtime
Day 2: Food and Beverage Knowledge
- Have servers taste a selection of dishes from the menu
- Review menu items including ingredients and preparation methods
- Provide training on different types of wines and cocktails offered
- Teach servers how to recommend and serve wine and cocktails
- Discuss any current specials or promotions being offered
- Explain how to upsell and promote specials to guests
- Educate servers on common food allergies and dietary restrictions
- Train servers on how to accommodate guests with special dietary needs
- Provide guidance on pairing food items with wine or cocktails
- Teach servers how to make recommendations for food and beverage pairings
- Demonstrate proper techniques for handling and serving food and beverages
- Discuss the importance of presentation and how it impacts the guest experience
- Review ingredients used in menu items
- Explain the preparation methods for various dishes
- Train servers on portion sizes for different dishes
- Discuss serving suggestions for appetizers, entrees, and desserts
- Show servers the different types of glassware and tableware used in the restaurant
- Explain how to select the appropriate glassware for different beverages
Day 3: Service Standards and Etiquette
- Demonstrate proper table setting techniques
- Show how to fold napkins in various styles
- Teach how to greet guests warmly and professionally
- Explain the importance of making a good first impression
- Train on how to upsell menu items and beverages
- Discuss how to make suggestive recommendations to guests
- Provide strategies for handling difficult customers
- Teach conflict resolution techniques
- Demonstrate proper posture and body language
- Explain how it affects guest perceptions
- Discuss strategies for balancing multiple tables
- Teach how to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently
- Show how to clear tables efficiently
- Teach proper table resetting procedures
- Review restaurant policies on service standards
- Ensure servers understand and adhere to them
- Discuss different types of guest requests
- Teach how to prioritize and fulfill them promptly
- Explain the importance of accuracy in order taking
- Demonstrate proper food and beverage delivery techniques
- Emphasize the importance of cleanliness and organization
- Provide tips on how to keep work station tidy
- Discuss the importance of being attentive to guests
- Teach how to anticipate and fulfill guest needs
- Emphasize the value of teamwork in the restaurant
- Teach effective communication strategies with coworkers
Day 4: Shadowing Experienced Servers
Day 5: POS System Training
- Allow servers to physically interact with the POS system
- Practice entering orders, voiding items, processing payments
- Demonstrate how to split checks for customers
- Show how to process various payment methods
- Train on accepting cash payments and making change
- Teach how to process credit card transactions
- Explain the process for voiding items and modifying orders
- Practice voiding and modifying orders in the POS system
- Emphasize the importance of accuracy in order entry
- Provide tips for entering orders quickly and efficiently
- Demonstrate how to navigate through different functions in the POS system
- Practice using seating assignments and modifying orders
- Explain the steps for voiding transactions and correcting errors
- Provide examples of common mistakes and how to fix them
- Show how to redeem gift cards and loyalty rewards in the POS system
- Practice processing transactions involving gift cards and loyalty rewards
- Walk through the process of closing out checks at the end of a meal
- Demonstrate how to generate receipts for customers
Day 6: Upselling and Add-Ons
- Pair trainees into groups.
- Assign roles: server and guest.
- Create scenarios for different dining experiences.
- Practice upselling techniques during role-plays.
- Rotate roles to experience both perspectives.
- Introduce combinations with main dishes.
- Highlight popular items on the menu.
- Use descriptive language to entice guests.
- Share personal favorites or staff picks.
- Maintain a friendly and engaging tone.
- Review daily specials and promotions.
- Encourage servers to mention specials early.
- Use urgency to create excitement.
- Train on the best times to promote deals.
- Incorporate specials into the overall dining experience.
- Discuss new items on the menu.
- Provide tasting notes or unique features.
- Ask open-ended questions to gauge interest.
- Share stories about the creation of dishes.
- Be enthusiastic and confident in recommendations.
- Share real-life success stories.
- Discuss what made those techniques effective.
- Analyze different approaches used by top servers.
- Encourage discussion on personal experiences.
- Highlight key elements that resonate with guests.
- Explain upselling's impact on revenue.
- Discuss how it enhances guest satisfaction.
- Provide statistics or case studies.
- Encourage a mindset of service and value.
- Foster a positive approach to upselling.
- Identify key high-margin items.
- Discuss characteristics that make them appealing.
- Train on how to present these items effectively.
- Encourage servers to prioritize these in conversations.
- Review how to pair them with other offerings.
- Conduct practice sessions in pairs.
- Role-play various guest scenarios.
- Provide specific upselling challenges.
- Record and review practice interactions.
- Encourage peer feedback and discussion.
- Set clear criteria for evaluation.
- Observe and assess upselling attempts.
- Provide specific examples of strengths and areas for improvement.
- Encourage a supportive feedback environment.
- Set goals for future upselling performance.
Use in Manifestly