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How to become a regular

• Visit the same restaurant three times in the first month, then once a month ongoing. These are minimums, visit more if you like.


• Use your name and theirs. Hi [server], my name is [me]…


• Use the restaurant for a party, catering, or other service.


• Bring new friends (customers) and introduce them. Use this as an opportunity to stay in touch friends.


• Tip 20% on the total bill (tax, drinks, everything) and round up to the nearest dollar.


• Tip the same percentage, don’t over tip unless you plan to do it every time. (Over tipping is not necessary. )


• Tip on free benefits, or you won’t receive them anymore.


• Treat servers as if they have more knowledge of the menu items than you , because they do.


• Work with the same knowledge set as the restaurant. (Know what sushi is hip and what is pop, what dishes are authentic and which are americanized)


• Inquire about and order house/chef specialties.


• Don’t ask for the owner if you don’t know him.


• Don’t make 8 pm reservations, a restaurant wants to seat at least two people during dinner hours.


• If you ask for advice take it. Don’t ask what the server recommends if you know you want pasta.


• If you order a nice bottle of wine, ask the server if they would like to sample it. They may decline, but the gesture makes an impression.


• Say please when ordering. May i please have the…


• Say thank you when receiving service.


• Throw out expectations for dish preparations. Each chef has a unique interpretation on that meal.


• Stick to your reservations. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, call. Cancel as soon as you know.


• Respect their dress code, because they will respect you by not bringing up your failure to meet it.


• Turn off your cell phone while dining.


• If you’re the only one left after a group of regulars, it’s time to move on.


• Be sympathetic of busy times, understand it’s not always like that, and you will benefit in the long haul.


• Don’t banter with the wait staff when they are hurried.


• Wrap up conversations quickly when the server approaches the table.


• Communicate. If you have a question or if you need something, ask. If you only have an hour to eat, let them know a head of time.


• Save waitstaff unnecessary trips.


• Smile and be friendly.

Above all, it’s just about being there on a regular basis. Being courteous and social just accelerates the process.