The Do’s and Don’t Every Wait Staff Should Know  

Having skilled and attentive wait staff is crucial to a restaurant’s success. They play a central role in shaping the guest experience and influencing whether customers return. Think back to a time when you had poor service at a restaurant—chances are, it left a lasting impression and made you less likely to go back. Training and consistency are key for every member of your restaurant staff because while people can eat anywhere, they return for the service and the atmosphere that make dining memorable.

Do: Utilize Equipment Properly  

Whether you’re using LINGA POS or another restaurant management system, every member of your wait staff should understand its full functionality. Entering incorrect orders or missing key details can frustrate both customers and kitchen teams. Proper training ensures smoother communication and a better dining experience for everyone.

Do: Pay Attention to Your Section  

A great restaurant staff stays alert. Glasses break, customers need refills, and emergencies happen without warning. Regularly scanning your section helps anticipate guests’ needs before they have to ask, creating a more seamless and attentive experience.

Do: Be Friendly and Professional  

Guests appreciate warm, courteous service. Wait staff should always use polite language and maintain professionalism, even under pressure. A friendly attitude builds rapport and can turn a one-time visitor into a loyal customer.

Do: Write Things Down  

No matter how good your memory is, mistakes happen. Writing down orders—especially for large parties or guests with allergies—prevents confusion and ensures safety. Small details matter, and accuracy can make or break a dining experience.

Do: Know the Menu  

Comprehensive menu knowledge sets apart good restaurant staff from great ones. Be ready to answer questions about ingredients, specials, and pricing. Confidence and clarity go a long way in building trust with guests.

Do: Keep Up With the Pace  

Restaurant environments move quickly. The best wait staff balance speed with accuracy, ensuring guests receive their food and drinks promptly without sacrificing quality. A strong sense of urgency often leads to happier guests and better tips.

Do: Prioritize Guests Properly  

Regulars are important, but so are new faces. Great servers know how to balance attention between both. Every guest should feel valued, no matter how many times they’ve visited.

Don’t: Be Distracted  

Phones should stay out of sight during shifts. Using your phone while serving looks unprofessional and can cause you to miss important guest cues or service needs. Staying focused ensures smoother service.

Don’t: Overlook Details  

From clearing empty glasses to remembering refill requests, small actions define great service. Attentive restaurant staff notices and acts on these details without being reminded.

Don’t: Intrude on Guest Space  

Always maintain professionalism by respecting personal boundaries. Never sit with guests or overshare personal information. A guest’s comfort should always come first.

Don’t: Disappear During Service  

After taking an order, remain visible and available. Guests may need updates, refills, or quick assistance. Consistent presence reassures customers that their experience matters.

Don’t: Argue With Customers  

Even when challenges arise, remember that patience and diplomacy are key. The best wait staff know that respectful communication preserves the restaurant’s reputation and ensures guest satisfaction.

Empower Your Staff With Better Tools  

An organized and efficient restaurant staff starts with the right technology. LINGA POS simplifies every aspect of service, from staff scheduling to the guest payment experience, so servers can focus on creating memorable guest experiences.

Don’t let inefficiency hold your team back. Learn more about LINGA POS today and see how smarter technology empowers your staff to deliver exceptional service, every time.