This handbook in a must for anyone in the restaurant business - from the restaurateur to the staff. It covers every aspect of restaurant service such as: the basics of waiting on tables; table settings; menu knowledge; customer service troubleshooting; wine and liquors/beverage service; tips, taxes and the IRS; security and sanitation/hygiene and that's just to name a few! It is concise, useful and easy to read. Anyone in restaurant management should implement this manual into their training program as there are chapters devoted to the specific duties of each position in the restaurant service staff.
The strength of this book lies in the idea that each restaurant employee in the service area is a "host" and the customer is their "guest" (as discussed in Chapter 3.) If you provide exceptional customer service and are knowledgeable about what your restaurant has to offer (from food to drinks) you will ensure a happy, loyal customer base that comes back again and again. This handbook teaches how to do just that - going the extra mile to provide the best service possible, even suggesting that you provide cameras for guests celebrating a special occasion and umbrellas should it be raining when they leave. It is this special attention to detail that makes this book excellent!
Throughout the book there are photographs, illustrations/figures and helpful forms as well as Internet links offering additional information on topics discussed. The last chapter is like a bonus section of especially useful forms, posters, information and diagrams for restaurants taken from a book entitled "The Encyclopedia of Restaurant Forms" (Atlantic Publishing) which sounds like a good companion book to this one.
If you are in the restaurant business or would like to learn more about what goes behind running a great restaurant (in terms of service) this book is for you. On an end note, part of the proceeds of the sale of this book go to The Humane Society of America, in memory of Bear, the book publisher's (Atlantic Publishing) beloved dog. It is always nice to know that by purchasing this book, you are also donating to a great cause and getting a noteworthy read in return.
