Rule Number 1 - Don't Stop or Move Backwards

One of the things while working at high speed in a busy restaurant that can be very annoying is when you are walking behind another server with some empty plates or are carrying out some entrees to a table when all of a sudden that person you are following decides to halt immediately.

It happens more often than you can imagine. When you are at the dish pit balancing a bunch of dirty plates and the person in front of you decides to back up. Then you have to make a deft maneuver with your upper body and yell out a screech to alert that person.

One thing you can do is to alert anyone ahead of you that you are coming. A blurt of "Behind" can warn others you are on their heels. Also never back up at a table when you are clearing before looking around to check if the coast is clear.

When you are serving drinks always be aware of who is around you. If a co-worker is in front of you with their back turned , a gentle hand against them will let them know not to turn suddenly amd upset the tray of drinks.

I was guilty of this the other night when I actually let someone pass with a couple of drinks on their tray. When she went around behind me , the person to the side went in front of me as I moved forward at the same time , to which I automatically moved back. Yes moved back into the person I just let go first a second earlier. I was sort of sandwiched and my reflex when she went in front of me was to step back into the person with the tray of drinks.

The person who went in front said , never move backwards. Well yeah but when you went in front of me I felt like saying my automatic reflex was to stop and get out of your way. But alas I apologized for the mishap. I did move backwards.

Accidents can occur when things are busy at any time but you can avoid a lot of collisions and messes if you exercise caution at all times and be aware of who is around you and alerting others of your intentions. It just makes good sense and continues the good flow of service.

Anyone out there remember any big spills that occurred when performing delivery of food and beverage orders? I am sure it has happened to all of us at one time or another.