Have you ever noticed that your server doesn’t seem to write down your order anymore, even at fancy restaurants? This shift in restaurant etiquette has sparked curiosity, prompting questions about industry standards and the perceived impact on service quality. Is memorizing orders truly more sophisticated, or is there more to this trend than meets the eye?
According to Rick Camac, Executive Director of Industry Relations at the Institute of Culinary Education, there isn’t a universally accepted rule when it comes to writing down or memorizing orders. The crucial aspect, he emphasizes, is that servers accurately track not only the dishes but also the table and seat numbers. This suggests that jotting down orders in a systematic way might actually minimize the potential for mistakes.
Interestingly, a consensus seems to emerge within the industry: while pen and paper remain the more common approach overall, memorization is more prevalent in upscale establishments. Mary King, a former restaurant manager and current editor of The Restaurant HQ, explains that memorizing orders is often viewed as a mark of sophistication in fine dining, while casual restaurants tend to lean towards writing them down.
This preference for memory in fine dining, King suggests, is rooted in the restaurant’s desired control over the guest experience. Fine dining establishments aim to create a sense that the chef and staff are in charge of the entire experience. Taking down an order, she argues, reverses this dynamic, making the server appear to be taking orders from the customer, a dynamic that doesn’t align with the high-end experience they strive to provide.
Additionally, the streamlined, often less customizable menus in fine dining establishments further support the reliance on memorization. Servers don’t have to recall numerous modifications, as the chef adheres to a strict, pre-determined approach to each dish.
The Pros and Cons of Writing Down Orders
When it comes to writing down orders, there’s a clear benefit: it significantly reduces the chance of errors. King points out that written orders provide a record to refer to if there’s a miscommunication or mistake, reassuring guests that their order will be prepared correctly.
While accuracy is paramount, there’s also a psychological aspect to consider. Camac suggests that writing down orders might inadvertently decrease eye contact with guests, potentially diminishing the personal connection that servers aim to establish.
The Pros and Cons of Memorizing Orders
A 2020 study in the International Journal of Hospitality Management explored the effectiveness of servers memorizing orders through multiple experiments. While one experiment found no clear advantage to memorizing over writing, another revealed that accurately delivered memorized entrees led to higher perceptions of service quality and even marginally higher tips. However, the study also emphasized that inaccurate memorized orders significantly lowered service quality ratings and significantly reduced anticipated tips.
King highlights the potential for a more conversational and intimate experience when orders are memorized correctly. She suggests that it can create a connection between the guest and the restaurant, fostering anticipation for the dining experience.
The Role of Technology in Restaurant Orders
The rise of hand-held point-of-sale devices has introduced a third option for order taking, offering servers the convenience of inputting orders directly at the table. This eliminates the need for writing or relying solely on memory. King notes that while these devices are primarily utilized for processing payments, the added functionality of accepting orders has gained traction as a secondary benefit.
Ultimately, whether a restaurant chooses to write down, memorize, or utilize technology to take orders comes down to a careful balance of efficiency, customer experience, and the specific environment of the establishment. While the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the art of order taking in restaurants continues to evolve, adapting to changing trends and technology, all while aiming to create a positive and memorable dining experience for every guest.