Deliver Exceptional Table Service Checklist
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This Template was installed 4 times.
Pre-Service & Setup
Ensuring the dining area is pristine and ready for guests before they arrive.
Verify Table Count
Inspect Table Linens (Cleanliness & Condition)
Check Tableware (Polish, Absence of Damage)
Confirm Ambiance (Lighting, Music, Temperature)
Note any Specific Table Setups (e.g., Highchair, Special Request)
Verify Fresh Water Pitchers & Ice
Guest Greeting & Seating
Creating a warm welcome and seamlessly guiding guests to their table.
Number of guests in party (if not pre-arranged)
Seating Preference (if applicable)
Record any special requests during seating (e.g., accessibility needs)
Confirm table assigned is appropriate for party size
Guest Name (for personalized service - optional)
Reservation Notes (if applicable)
Menu Presentation & Recommendations
Providing knowledgeable and engaging assistance with menu choices.
Are you familiar with the current menu offerings?
Describe your approach to presenting the menu to guests.
How do you handle guest inquiries about ingredient sourcing?
Provide examples of 3-5 dishes you can confidently recommend and why.
How do you respond when a guest asks for a recommendation outside of the menu?
Estimate how many menu-related questions you handle per shift (on average).
Order Taking & Accuracy
Recording orders precisely and efficiently, handling special requests professionally.
Confirm Guest Allergies/Dietary Restrictions?
Detailed Guest Requests/Modifications (e.g., 'no cheese', 'extra sauce')
Quantity of Each Item Ordered
Wine Pairing Recommendation (if applicable)
Order Taken to Kitchen Properly?
Table Number
Any special instructions regarding cooking temperature?
Beverage Service
Expertly serving beverages, including wine pairing and drink preparation.
Wine Knowledge Level
Common Wine Pairing Knowledge
Pour Size (oz) for Standard Wine Glass
Proper Wine Service Temperature (Red)
Describe steps for proper sparkling wine service.
Are you trained on any specialized cocktails?
Briefly describe a situation where you successfully handled a guest’s beverage request that was not on the menu.
Food Service & Timing
Serving food with impeccable presentation, pace, and attention to detail.
Course Timing (minutes)
Plate Presentation Check
Temperature Check (Hot Dishes)
Special Requests/Modifications Noted
Allergies/Dietary Restrictions Confirmed?
Table Turnover Time (minutes)
Table Maintenance & Anticipation
Proactively attending to guest needs throughout the meal, maintaining cleanliness and readiness.
Check Table Cleanliness Score (1-5)
Check for these items:
Did you proactively offer refills?
Time of last table maintenance check
Note any specific guest requests or concerns addressed during table maintenance
Did you notice any spills or potential hazards?
Number of times table was checked during service
Guest Engagement & Rapport
Building positive relationships with guests through attentive and friendly interaction.
Initial Greeting Tone (Select one)
Describe your approach to building rapport with guests.
How do you handle a guest who seems disinterested in conversation?
Approximate average time spent at each table for proactive check-ins (in minutes)
Which of the following are appropriate conversation starters (select all that apply)?
Give an example of how you would handle a guest expressing a minor complaint (e.g., music too loud)
Check Presentation & Payment
Handling payment processing accurately and efficiently, providing a gracious farewell.
Check Presentation Method
Total Bill Amount
Payment Method Received
Credit Card Type (if applicable)
Tip Amount (if applicable)
Authorization Code (if applicable)
Notes on Payment
Post-Service & Resetting
Preparing the table for the next guests, ensuring a smooth transition.
Number of dirty plates/cutlery removed
Table linens/napkins condition
Chair Condition
Any specific notes regarding table cleanliness/condition?
Time taken to reset table (minutes)
Tableware condition after reset
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