Your interactions with guests are important. The most important interaction, however, may be the very first: greeting your guests. Making guests feel welcome goes a long way towards making their dining experience a good one.
Use a polite and friendly greeting when a guest walks in or pulls into the drive-through. For example, you could say, “Hi, how may I help you?” or, “Thanks for coming in tonight. How many are in your party?” If a guest has had a long wait, it’s a good idea to acknowledge it. You could say something like, “Thanks for being so patient. Lunch hour can get very busy.” Additionally, some restaurants may suggest a preferred greeting for employees to use, which can be a helpful tool.
The words you say are not the only way you communicate with guests; your body language also says a lot. Keep your posture and facial expressions open and welcoming. Stand up straight, look customers in the eye, and wear a friendly smile. Even if you are staffing a drive-through, it’s important to smile; a positive facial expression reflects itself in the tone of your voice.
Last but not least, welcome guests to your workplace by maintaining a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. A well-kept establishment gives customers a positive message right away, so work with your coworkers to keep things tidy. Also, even when working quickly, try not to look rushed or hassled. A calm voice and steady walking pace create a relaxed atmosphere. If you work at the counter of a casual restaurant, be patient when taking customer orders; give your guests time to read the menu, and answer any questions respectfully. If a customer remains unclear as to what they want, you might ask, “Is there anything I can do to help you decide?”
Taking the time to welcome guests builds the reputation of your restaurant and encourages guests to return. When you make a strong enough impression, you may even earn better tips.
—Katie Heil
FAQs
Use a polite and friendly greeting when a guest walks in or pulls into the drive-through. For example, you could say, “Hi, how may I help you?” or, “Thanks for coming in tonight. How many are in your party?” If a guest has had a long wait, it's a good idea to acknowledge it.
What do waiters say to greet customers? ›
For example, “Good Morning/Afternoon/evening, welcome to XYZ (Restaurant Name) . If they do have a booking, follow up with “Can I please have your name?” After checking the reservation, repeat the details back to them “Absolutely (address by name if appropriate).
What to say when welcoming guests? ›
Some suggested Some suggestions include; Hello, welcome; Welcome, good morning; Hello, good afternoon, welcome. Introduce yourself by name making sure your communication is professional, yet personal. “Great to meet you, I'm Nikko”. If occupied with another guest, it is important to acknowledge arriving guests.
What do waiters say when welcoming guests in restaurants? ›
The language used during the greeting should be polite, friendly, and professional. Encourage your own staff member to use phrases such as "Welcome," "Good evening," or "How may I assist you?" This helps customers feel acknowledged and sets a welcoming tone.
How do you welcome and seat a guest? ›
Lead Guests to their table. When seating the guests, it's important for the host to maintain eye contact, and continue smiling in the same friendly manner. To avoid any confusion, have the host lead the way to the table and be careful not to walk too fast.
How should a waitress introduce herself? ›
Immediately upon meeting your guests, you should introduce yourself by name. Off the bat, this builds rapport with them, establishing a personal connection. Welcome them to the establishment and let them know that you'll be assisting them throughout their experience with whatever they should need.
How to talk to customers as a server? ›
There's a common theme here: servers should pose more questions than answers. As guests share their stories and opinions, they feel more comfortable and connected with their environment. Also, by asking subtle questions, you're able to customize your service for their specific wants and needs.
How to welcome a guest in a restaurant script? ›
WELCOMING THE GUEST W: Good morning Ma'am/ Sir, Welcome to _______Do you have any reservation. G: None (yes check the reservation log book and repeat the reservation) W: May I suggest a table for you Ma'am/Sir? G: Yes, please! W: Table for how many Ma'am/Sir?
What is a good welcome quote? ›
An open door is a welcome that makes a stranger into a friend. A smile is a welcomed sight that invites people in. It's a welcomed gift to encourage others to achieve greatness. When struggles and challenges are holding you down, a simple welcoming hand toward you is all you need to lift you up.
What is a welcoming phrase? ›
Every great welcome message should focus on welcoming your team member to their new position, team, and company. Phrases like “welcome to the team”, “we're so glad you're here”, and “we can't wait to get to know you” all let your new hire know you're excited about their presence.
Welcome message examples
- We are excited to have you on our team. ...
- Your skills and talents will be a great asset to our company. ...
- On behalf of the whole department, welcome onboard! ...
- Congratulations on joining our team! ...
- I welcome you on behalf of the team and hope that we will have a fantastic time working together.
Formal greetings: “How do you do?”
- “Hello!”
- “Good morning.”
- “Good afternoon.”
- “Good evening.”
- “It's nice to meet you.”
- “It's a pleasure to meet you.” (These last two only work when you are meeting someone for the first time.)
Eye contact is one of the most important distance markers when it comes to welcoming a guest. Looking someone in the eyes and smiling can demonstrate that you're interested in engaging in conversation.
How to greet people as a host? ›
As soon as a guest enters, the host should greet them warmly with a smile. This is the initial rapport that is built with your customer. The host must be polite, asking about the diner's needs and showing genuine concern. Hosts should seat guests based on their preferences, if available.
