How should servers ensure they stay informed about new menu items?

Staying informed about new menu items is crucial for servers to provide excellent service and enhance the dining experience for guests. Attending staff meetings and regularly tasting new items allows servers to gain firsthand knowledge of the dishes. This approach helps them understand not only the ingredients and preparation methods but also the flavors and presentation of each item, enabling them to make informed recommendations to customers.

By engaging with the new menu items in a direct way, servers can articulate the qualities and features of each dish, answer questions with confidence, and convey enthusiasm, making their service more engaging and personalized for diners. This level of familiarity can significantly influence a guest's dining choices and overall satisfaction.

While reading the menu weekly can be beneficial, it does not provide the comprehensive understanding that tasting and discussing with the team does. Relying solely on kitchen staff for updates limits a server's knowledge and may lead to inconsistencies in information. Making assumptions based on previous menus does not account for changes and could lead to misinformation when serving customers. Regular interaction with the menu in a dynamic way is essential for effective service.