After opening your own bar, now comes one of the trickiest parts: hiring a wait staff. It’s vital to look for servers who have experience and excellent interpersonal communication skills. The best servers can think fast on their feet, don’t get overwhelmed and flustered when it’s busy, and have the keen ability to sell your services without coming off as a salesman. Be sure to take your time when interviewing and hiring your wait staff. Here are some important qualities to look for when interviewing potential wait staff.
EXPERIENCE: A good wait staff is knowledgeable in the different kinds of liquor, how drinks are made, and how to work your bartender and kitchen staff.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: A good waiter/waitress is personable but able to maintain a skillful detachment that keeps them focused on delivering drinks and food and, most importantly, getting the orders right.
RELIABILITY: No one wants an unreliable employee that’s going to call out often or have “emergencies” all of the time during their shift. A good way to root out the unreliable potentials is to thoroughly check their references. It’s worth the few phone calls
If you end up hiring someone who doesn’t live up to your expectations, either stay strong and re-train them or let them go. Bar owners can’t afford to hold on to people who aren’t able to live up to their expectations or give your customers those special experiences that will have them coming back for more.Be prepared for turnover but don’t get too frustrated!
One Fat Frog • 11473 S. Orange Blossom Trail • Orlando, FL • 407-480-3409