If you run a restaurant, then one of the most important elements of staff training is getting your servers up to speed.
Restaurant server training programs ensure these vital staff members have all the skills needed to provide a great customer experience. Servers also play a crucial role in representing your brand, so they need to be properly trained on what this entails.
As a restaurant owner, you should offer an in-depth training program. This can include both in-house and external training programs. We’ll break down exactly what this should entail in the guide below.
Top Restaurant Server Training Programs to Consider
If you want to get your staff up to standard, then it might be worth enrolling them in a restaurant training program.
Here are some of the best options you might want to consider.
National Restaurant Association (NRA) Programs
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) is a leading organization for all things restaurant knowledge. The organization includes a wide range of educational resources and restaurant server training programs that your staff could utilize.
The NRA offers a wide range of courses catering to various aspects of restaurant operations. These programs cover the technical skills required for restaurant service, as well as the essential elements of customer engagement and satisfaction.
ServSafe Program
The ServSafe program is one of the best restaurant server training programs out there.
This certification includes options for restaurant managers, food handlers, alcohol service, and more. It’s a gold standard in the hospitality industry and includes all of the technical and occupational knowledge you’ll need for a successful server career.
Online Platforms
Various online platforms exist that offer valuable resources for server training.
TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) and Learn2Serve are two great online platforms that offer detailed server training information.
TIPS emphasizes responsible alcohol service and equips servers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of alcohol-related service responsibly. Learn2Serve offers a more well-rounded approach by covering all of the essential skills in the food service industry.
These are just two of the best online resources focused on restaurant server training programs. However, do some further research and you’ll find a wealth of online resources on the topic.
Local Hospitality Schools and Colleges
Local culinary and hospitality schools are ideal places for sharpening your restaurant server skills.
These institutions often provide specialized courses and certifications tailored to the unique demands of the restaurant industry. By joining these restaurant server training programs, you can gain all of the practical and theoretical knowledge that the restaurant industry demands.
The advantage of local schools is that they tend to offer a more personalized and hands-on approach to training. This typically aligns better with your local hospitality industry.
In-House Training Programs
Few people enroll in restaurant server training programs. Instead, most servers rely on the in-house training programs of the restaurants they work in.
Successful restaurants provide in-house training initiatives tailored to their specific operational needs. These programs go beyond the basics and should cover the intricacies of the restaurant's unique menu offerings, service protocols, and brand ethos.
In-house training is a powerful tool for building a team that possesses all the right technical skills but also embodies the values and culture of the establishment. Of course, an in-house training program also provides plenty of hands-on experience in a real restaurant setting.
As a restaurant owner, it's essential that your in-house training is up to standard. Even if you offer external restaurant server training programs, you’ll need to make sure that new staff also get a proper onboarding experience tailored to your restaurant.
What the Best Restaurant Server Training Programs Should Cover
No matter what type of program you go for, top server training programs should all cover the same foundational knowledge and skills. Here’s a breakdown of what this should include.
Customer Service Excellence
The cornerstone of any good restaurant server training program is properly covering customer service principles.
Beyond simple politeness, servers should be adept at creating a welcoming atmosphere, understanding guest needs, and adapting their service style to cater to individual preferences.
This involves training in active listening, empathy, and the art of personalized recommendations. Effective customer service is all about building positive relationships, which can significantly impact the success of any restaurant.
Menu Knowledge
You can’t be a great restaurant server without understanding the menu. Of course, this part of the server training program needs to be specific to the restaurant, as each menu is unique.
A comprehensive understanding of the menu is not only about memorizing dish names, but it involves understanding the different ingredients, culinary techniques, and flavor profiles of each dish.
Servers should understand the preparation methods of each dish, enabling them to offer detailed descriptions and recommendations to customers. An in-depth knowledge of potential allergens ensures that servers can make the right recommendations to customers.
POS Systems and Technology
Technology is integral to restaurant operations, so server training programs should provide plenty of hands-on experience with POS systems and other digital tools.
This includes training on order processing, payment handling, and troubleshooting common technical issues. Familiarity with any online reservation systems or food delivery platforms used by the restaurant is just as important.
Being a great server today requires a strong level of tech-saviness - something that can give any restaurant a major boost in operational efficiency.
Responsible Alcohol Service
Responsible alcohol service is an important part of being a server. Training should extend beyond basic legal requirements to cover a proper understanding of customer behavior, signs of intoxication, and strategies for intervention.
Certification programs like TIPS explore scenario-based training, equipping servers with the skills to handle challenging situations diplomatically. This not only ensures regulatory compliance but also helps to protect the well-being of patrons and the reputation of your establishment.
Health and Safety Procedures
The health and safety of both customers and staff is essential in the hospitality business.
Training programs should cover the entire spectrum of food safety, from proper food handling to storage and hygiene practices. Servers must understand the importance of regularly sanitizing high-touch surfaces and promoting a clean dining environment.
Upselling Techniques
There’s a lot that goes into being a great server. Upselling skills are certainly a big part of this.
Effective upselling involves more than just encouraging customers to spend more - it's an art that enhances the overall dining experience.
Servers should be trained in the subtleties of suggestive selling, using persuasive language to highlight specials or recommend complementary items. Beyond increasing revenue, this can add to customer satisfaction by guiding customers toward choices that align better with their preferences.
Servers should strike a balance between upselling and respecting the customer's choices, helping to create a more positive dining experience that also boosts sales.
Teamwork and Communication
The dynamics of a restaurant require seamless teamwork and communication among staff members.
Servers must be trained to collaborate effectively with kitchen staff, hosts, and fellow servers. This involves understanding the flow of service, coordinating orders, and communicating any customer preferences or special requests.
Being able to convey information accurately and efficiently adds to a well-coordinated team. Get this right, and you’ll be able to offer a smoother dining experience for guests.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving
There’s a lot that can go on during a restaurant service. This means servers need to be adaptable and quick-thinking.
Training should include scenarios that simulate unexpected challenges, like a surge in customer volume or unforeseen issues with orders. Servers need problem-solving skills to address these challenges proactively and maintain a high level of service.
Time Management
Efficient time management is a vital skill in the restaurant business.
Servers should be trained to prioritize tasks, handle multiple tables simultaneously, and ensure timely delivery of orders. This involves understanding the ebb and flow of customer traffic, anticipating peak periods, and allocating time effectively.
Well-honed time management skills contribute to a smoother dining experience, minimizing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Professionalism and Appearance
While this isn't part of any skills training, restaurant server training programs should also cover the importance of presentation.
Servers are a representation of the business. They play a vital role in portraying the brand and shaping the customer experience. So, servers should maintain a professional appearance.
Of course, this also ties into personal hygiene, which is vital when dealing with food.
Conclusion
Enrolling your staff in proper restaurant server training programs is essential for the success of your restaurant. After all, your servers are the main point of contact between customers and your business. So, if servers don't offer a great experience, then it might impact your restaurant's reputation.
Whether you use internal or external restaurant server training programs, you’ll need to make sure they cover the right processes and skills. Investing in proper training can pay off over the long run.
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