Better Tips as a Food Server! 💸💰🥘
ways I think I make better money as a food server!! I’ve worked in this job for about a year at my current restaurant, then many years before that. I’ve learned a few things along the way!
SMILING • importance rating: 5/5
- people love positive attitudes
- smile when greeting, asking if they need anything extra, and especially when handing them the bill and saying have a blessed night!
MODIFICATIONS • importance rating 3/5
- ask exactly how they want their food
- example if they order a steak: how would you like that cooked? It comes with broccoli and mashed potatoes, does that sound good for you? any steak sauce I can bring to the table?
SUGGEST YOUR FAVORITES • importance rating 2/5
- if the customer asks you “what’s good here” don’t suggest what everyone else orders
- make it a personal experience for them by giving them a few options that cover most on the menu: “if you’re looking for pastas our chicken alfredo is my favorite, but we also have an amazing 8oz sirloin or perfectly sized tex-mex shrimp bowl.”
UPSELL • importance rating 5/5
- the bigger the bill the bigger the tip!!!
- even just a $ extra gets you a $ extra
- “that steak comes with mashed potatoes and broccoli, would you like to load those potatoes with sour cream and bacon or add cheese to that broccoli?”
- “the burgers come with french fries but I could upgrade you to some onion rings if that sounds good today!”
MAKE JOKES • importance rating 4/5
- older people love the corny jokes!!
- plate completely empty? “Oh my gosh guys looks like we hated it!”
- guest 1 orders a margarita, guest 2 orders water - “here’s that house margarita and here’s that water on the rocks”
- tons of these I got from TikTok!
EFFORT INTO APPEARANCE • importance rating 5/5
- unfortunately, I make more on nights I do my hair cute and a little bit of makeup, cause that’s the world we live in
- even just some mascara and a braid added to the ponytail can help
- men especially tip better on nights I feel and look my best
ACTING STRESSED • importance rating 5/5
- you could have 20 tables all by yourself but the way you carry yourself m a t t e r s.
- at the end of the day it’s just a restaurant. ppl will get their food and their drinks, even if it’s not at the pace they’d like
- you acting rushed makes the guest feel rushed, which isn’t what you want when out to dinner
EXTRA EVERYTHING • importance rating 3/5
- if they asked for extra ranch, give them e x t r a ranch, better to have more than too little
- bring more drinks out when they’re half full if you have the time
- always be asking about refills on alcoholic beverages when it gets to about 1/3
WHY THEY’RE HERE • importance rating 5/5
- you can usually get the vibe when someone’s out on a special occasion
- most restaurants do a free birthday desert, add a extra cherry for your guests
- our location is right off of interstate, so many people are traveling through and it’s nice to be asked where they’re headed, what they’re looking forward to, etc
OTHER TIPS • importance rating 4/5
- leave a “thank you!!” written on their check with a smiley face, sometimes they write it back
- if it’s they’re birthday and they told you their age, write “happy 16th birthday!” and add a birthday hat on the smiley face
- don’t act super fake and rehearsed, they’re expecting a line you’ve told a thousand times so switch it up, instead of “hey guys how are we, what can I get us to drink” try “what’s up guys how are we doing tonight? Good? Amazing! Well my names (name) and I’ll be your server extraordinaire tonight, can I get us started with some margaritas or beers to start off the evening?”
#servertips #foodservice #foodserver #makegoodtips #diningout #lemon8challenge #lemon8creator #jobtips #savingmoneyonfood #serverlife
After years navigating the bustling world of food service, I've gathered a wealth of insights into what truly helps boost your earnings. It’s not just about luck; it’s about a combination of genuine hospitality and smart strategies that directly impact how much money you can make as a server. Many of us are looking for practical ways to increase our server pay, and I’ve found that focusing on a few key areas can make a massive difference. One of the most impactful strategies, beyond just a simple 'smile,' is to understand the psychology behind it. A genuine, warm smile doesn't just make you seem friendly; it creates an immediate, positive connection with guests. It eases them into their dining experience and makes them feel welcomed and valued. This initial impression sets the stage for their entire meal and, crucially, for their tipping generosity. It's about conveying a positive attitude even when things get hectic, which is a big part of why learning to 'never act stressed' is so vital. Guests shouldn't feel like they're adding to your burden; they're there to relax, and your calm demeanor reflects that. Upselling, often seen as a pushy tactic, can actually be an art form that significantly contributes to better tips. Instead of just asking, ‘Do you want fries with that?’, frame it as an enhancement to their experience. For example, suggesting a delightful appetizer to start, recommending a premium side dish that perfectly complements their main, or offering a dessert to cap off a wonderful meal. When you genuinely believe in what you're 'suggesting your favorites' and present it as an added value, guests appreciate the guidance, and their bill—and consequently, your tip—naturally grows. Another aspect that often goes underestimated is 'effort into appearance.' It's not about being runway ready, but rather about presenting yourself professionally and neatly. When you look put-together, it communicates respect for your job and your guests, fostering a sense of trust and competence. This indirectly influences how guests perceive your service quality, and frankly, tends to lead to higher tips. It's a small investment of time that offers substantial returns on your server pay. Lastly, the 'extra everything' mindset is a game-changer. It’s about anticipating needs and proactively going the extra mile without being asked. Did they ask for extra ranch? Give them extra extra ranch. Notice their drink is half empty? Offer a refill before they even have to signal. These small, thoughtful gestures don't just improve the dining experience; they demonstrate attentiveness and care. Guests remember servers who make their visit smoother and more enjoyable, and that appreciation often translates directly into a more generous tip. By consistently applying these 'things I think MAKE ME Better Tips as a food server,' you'll not only enhance your guests' experience but also genuinely increase your income.
You’re amazing! Thank you for the tips and tricks, God bless you 🙏🏾🤍🥳🩷!