Banquet Server Training Program

Banquet Server Training Tactics

Friendly Service:

Napkins!

Remember:

Uniform:

Do not neglect a guest request just because the guest is not in your area.

If he/she makes a request directly to you, tell their server, or if applicable, do it yourself.

• Black pants (no jeans or yoga pants)
• Closed-toe black shoes (no boots)
• Candlestone white button-up oxford shirt
• Uniform is neatly pressed - no wrinkles

Appearance:

• Neatly groomed
• No excessive jewelry
• Hair pulled back (if past shoulders)

Preparing the Tables:

Job of a Banquet Server:

For our events, we will use the Pyramid Napkin Fold.

Time for a napkin folding demonstration and practice!

• Make sure all silverware is clean/no spots
• Linens (tablecloths and napkins) are spotless

Setting the Table:

Serving Food:

Serve food from the left

Serve beverages from the right

Clear dishes from the right

When holding dishes, hold by the edge/rim of the plate. Keep all fingers away and out of the food.

Walk clockwise while serving

beverages and clearing plates

The server is responsible for the complete service of food and beverages, catering to all of the guests' needs.

The ultimate goal - that the guest has an enjoyable dining experience.

• Remember that guests can see you whenever you are in the room! Smile, be efficient, and be quiet.

• Maintain good posture

• Make eye contact with guests

• Keep an eye on your tables without constantly hovering over them

• Be aware of your surroundings - help out your other servers if they need it, be sure to always be available to your guests

Walk counter-clockwise while

serving food to the guest

Banquet Server Do's and Don'ts:

Don't:

Do:

Pouring Champagne

• Keep quietly focused

on the guests

• Warn guests when

serving hot plates and

beverages

• Handle all items as

quietly as possible

• Do not huddle or chat with other servers while on the floor
• Don't eat or drink in front of the guests
• Don't stand around with your hands in your pockets or arms crossed
• Don't chew gum

Bussing

Banquet Tear-Down Tasks Continued

Banquet Tear-Down Tasks

Banquet Set Up Tasks

Banquet Set Up Tasks Continued

When clearing tables, it is important to completely clear one table at a time.

Make sure that all items that relate to the food service is taken from the tables (ex: Salt and pepper shakers, all utensils, plates)

1. Set Up Banquet Bar

• Cover bar with 81 linen and pin sides
• Get mixers (tonic, soda, OJ, cranberry juice, pink lemonade, grenadine, pop, sour mix, milk/cream)
• Cut lemons/limes
• Stock beer/wine; get liquor
• Stock plastic cups, cocktail napkins, green and red straws
• Set out tip jar, get money bag from front desk and cash drawer from bar

2. Polish Silverware

3. Fold Napkins

4. Set Table

• Make sure linens look neat, are centered on table, hurricanes are clean (if used)
• Silverware: 1 Knife, 1 Spoon, and 3 Forks
• Water Goblets and Crafts (All goblets matching at each table)

5. Fill Goblets and Crafts with Ice (fill to brim)

6. Fill with Water (~1hr before, fill head table last)

7. Light Candles if Necessary (~10 min before guests arrive)

8. Set Ambiance (Music, Lights, Decorations)

9. Set up Coffee/Water/Lemonade/Tea, as well as Cups, Sugar, Cream, Stirrers

10. Prepare Trays, Tray Jacks, Cup Racks, Lexan Containers, Silverware Bucket, Extra Dishes/Silverware

1. Finish Clearing Tables: Take the dirty dishes upstairs to be washed, bring down the clean dishes and put them away

2. Remove linens from tables and place in linen bag

3. Pick up all trash, Take trash to dumpster

4. Take beer bottles/Cans to shed

5. Empty and wash all gallon beverage containers used

6. Put away Liquor/Banquet Bar

7. Take all Opened Wine/Kegs up to the bar to be used as soon as possible

QUIZ TIME!

8. Put away supplies from restaurant (Salt and Pepper Shakers/ Trays/ Tray Jacks/ etc.)

9. If Hurricane Centerpieces are used, run all mirror bases through the dishwasher, if necessary, and put them away neatly in the closet

10. Put away all centerpieces neatly in the closet

11. Put away necessary amount of tables/chairs neatly in the Boiler Room (Chairs in stacks of 8)

12. Clean all surfaces and put everything back in place

13. Lock Beer Cooler (Return bar keys to Kat)

14. Bartender: Count down money bag