If you have ever worked as a server you know that one of the more difficult parts of being a waitress or waiter is remembering EVERYTHING that you need to. From what’s on the menu to what is in each dish, there is so much information to remember and it can sometimes feel overwhelming when you first start. Here are some memory tips for servers that can help you become a better waitress or waiter.
I have worked in the same restaurant for over 13 years so remembering everything that’s there is not too much of a problem for me. But if you asked me in the early days about certain things on the menu, I wouldn’t have been able to answer you. Years of constantly repeating the same thing over and over really pushed the information into my brain.
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Why memory is important when waiting tables
Even though you need to remember what is on the menu when you wait tables, there are several other reasons that you need a good memory. One of these is so that you can remember the smaller things that people may ask for. I have never been a fan of trying to remember an order for a whole table without writing anything down, but realistically you should remember if someone needs a new drink, side item or extra anything without having to write it down.
Face/food/location
One of the tricks that I use to remember who got what is Food/Face/Location. Typically when taking a food order it is best to look at who is ordering as they are talking, write the order down when they are done. This way you can associate the food with their face so that when you take out the food you know who belongs to what food. Another trick is to go in order around the table. This is generally a good practice to stay in so that even if another server runs your food, they know right where to start.
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Memory Tips For Servers
One of the best things that you can do for your memory is to get enough rest. It can be tempting especially if you are younger to go out after shift and hang out with friends. This is fine if you don’t overdo it. But going out and drinking every night can have a really bad effect on your health and your ability to function the next day. If you make sure that you are getting enough sleep each night it can go a long way towards how well you perform your job the next day. When you are relying on tips to survive better performance = better tips overall.
Another thing to do is to make sure that you are eating well. I know its hard to eat healthily all the time especially if you are rushed between shifts. There are many different types of food that you can eat that are both good for you but can have a positive effect on your memory too. Some of these are various fish, dark leafy veggies, nuts, and berries. Each of these contains different nutrients that have been shown to improve not just memory but other body functions as well.
Staying hydrated is also important for your brain function. While you may feel like you need loads of coffee, soda or energy drinks to make it through a long, busy shift, it’s a better idea to drink water through most of it. When you mostly drink things that are high in sugar or caffeine, you are only tricking your body into thinking it is staying hydrated. Dehydration can lead to impaired memory and makes it difficult to remember simple things.
Final thoughts
While you don’t need to have a superior memory to be a good server, there are several different things that you can do to improve your memory. The best thing that you can do is to get in the habit of taking care of yourself and to practice simple repetition techniques that drill the information into your brain.
There is not a set way to improve your memory as a server or anyone else for that matter. If you work on these simple things there is a good chance that you can not just become a better server, but you can impress your customers with how well you remember things.
I hope you enjoyed these memory tips for servers! if there are any others you can think of let me know in the comments!