A good server should always remember customer names as well as likes and dislikes.
A customer that frequents your venue should be greeted by their name and with respect. It depends on the type of restaurant that you work in whether you call your guest Peter or Mr Jones. The customer feels important when you remember their name and if you can remember where they like to sit or what wine they drink you are in good shape for a healthy dose of that instant gratification thing or even a nice fat tip!
Remember that remembering names is a discipline not a gift. It comes easier to some people but it is difficult all the same. Try associating a funny picture with their name or focus on a feature of theirs like bald or tall. For example, ‘Balding Jim’ or ‘Tall Tom.’
Another good way is to repeat the name immediately while shaking their hand.
I also have a little thing where I always introduce myself to all of my tables when I first approach. Most people reply with their names and at very least they can now talk to me or call me without clicking their fingers or waving their hand around. It is also very handy when they specifically state your name to management or the owner when heaping praise on your fantastic waiting skills!!
#1 by Naseem at January 29th, 2010
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I live in a small town and a server would never remember my name. It’s not a name they are used too so they have a hard time saying it. I mean people in general in this town.
“NA -SEEM” Maybe I should tell them my name is Nas that way we can have a rapport and my experience at the restaurant could be even better. And yes I would leave a bigger tip too.
#2 by waiterextraordinaire at January 29th, 2010
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Really good tip on getting bigger tips. I have trouble remembering names unfortunately. I can remember what they eat and drink though. I have had better success in dining rooms where I see the people more often.
#3 by PurpleGirl at January 30th, 2010
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I suck terribly at remembering names, but I often remember orders and modifiers. I try with the names, but I think because I’m very visual in my learning I don’t remember them. If people had to wear nametags I think I’d do better.
#4 by Shaun Cooper at February 1st, 2010
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Naseem - the fact that your name is unique should mean that it is easier for them to remember it! I struggle with the common names mostly..
Waiter ex - i reckon as long as you give them something (ie. what they eat and drink), that’s a pretty good start to developing the rapport.
Purple Girl - life would be so much easier if we introduced the name tag to society - good idea! prob won’t catch on though…
#5 by ♥ Caz at February 1st, 2010
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I think this is very important. After all customers love the extra attention of them knowing and being familiar with them.
It’s like their loyalty has paid off.
It’s also nice when customers come in and remember the servers name too. Makes me feel like they tool the effort and time.
#6 by Shaun Cooper at February 1st, 2010
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Caz - it does make you feel good when customers remember your name. I think it makes you give them more attentive service too - so it pays off for both sides!