Bonus: Fine Dining in Fast Casual
Lesson 7 of 9

Reading the Table

+25 XP

Same script, different delivery. Match the 's energy.

Same script, different delivery. The words can be identical, the energy adjusts to the . Read who is at the table, then deliver.

Family with kidsEye contact with the kid first (parents melt). Bring an extra napkin. Suggest the . Slow your pace, kids ask questions.
Business lunchQuick, professional, low chatter. Drop the food, name the dish, get out of the way. quietly. Bring the check the moment they signal.
DateGive them space. Drop food cleanly. once. Do not hover. Stay behind eye contact, not in front of it.
Solo guestDrop a personal pick. Tell a short story (the founder ate this, the dish came from this place). They want connection more than the table of four does.
TouristTell the founding story. The 2009, the truck, the 200 guests at Aanvi's birthday. Tourists want a story to take home. Give them one.
RegularUse their name. Ask, the usual? They love being recognized. Do not over-talk, regulars know us already.
  • Phone face down: ready to engage. Phone face up: do not over-talk.
  • Leaning forward: tell them more, they want the story.
  • Leaning back: keep it short, drop the food, move on.
  • Looking around: they are deciding, slow down, recommend.
  • Looking at the door: they are leaving soon, get the check ready.
  • Smiling unprompted: they like you, this is when you ask for the Yelp review.
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