Your First 30 Days as a Server: How to Succeed in Your New Restaurant Job

“Hi, I’m Ana. I just started. Is it okay if I ask you questions when it’s quiet?”

Say this to a friendly, experienced server on day one.

“I think side salads go under Sides. Is that right?”

The “try first, then check” question.

“Can you show me that one more time?”

For the system (the POS = the computer you put orders into).

“Where do we keep the extra napkins?”

Learn where everything is in week 1. It saves you a lot of stress.

“Behind you!”

Say it when you walk behind someone. Say “Hot!” when you carry something hot.

“Sorry, I forgot to ring in table 5’s starter. Could you rush it, please?”

Ring in = put the order in the system. Rush = make it fast. Own your mistakes.

“Table 6 ordered the burger with no onions. Could you remake it, please?”

When the kitchen makes a mistake. Say it quietly, with no blame.

“Thank you for rushing that.”

Small thanks build big friendships with the kitchen.

“Hi, welcome! I’ll be right with you.”

Say hello to every new table within a minute, even when you’re busy.

“Just to confirm: the chicken sandwich, no mayo, with sweet potato fries?”

Repeat every order back. The guest corrects you now, not later.

“That’s a great question. Let me check with the kitchen.”

Never guess about ingredients, especially allergies.

“I’m in the weeds. Could someone run drinks to table 8?”

In the weeds = very busy. Asking for help in a rush is normal.

“Thank you for telling me. I’ll do it that way next time.”

When a manager or trainer corrects you. Don’t explain or argue. Just learn.

“Is there anything else you need me to do before I go?”

At the end of every shift. Managers notice this.

Trainer: How was your first week?

Server: Good, thanks. Can I ask you a question?

Trainer: Sure, it’s quiet now.

Server: I think split checks go under Pay, then Split. Is that right?

Trainer: Almost. Tap Split first, then choose the seats.

Server: Got it. Can you show me that one more time?

Trainer: Of course. And one more thing: say “Behind!” when you walk behind people.

Server: Thank you for telling me. I’ll do it that way next time.

Trainer: Great. You’re doing well.

❌ Yes, yes. (when you don’t understand)

✅ Sorry, could you show me again?

❌ How do I do this?

✅ I think I do it this way. Is that right?

❌ The kitchen forgot! (when you forgot)

✅ I forgot to ring it in. Could you rush it?

❌ It’s not my job.

✅ Sure, I can help with that.

❌ How long? How long? (every minute)

✅ Ask once: “How long on table 4?”