What would you do if you worked in a busy shift understaffed?
I used to work at a small bar that served food. I was working the Sunday shift, and it was usually slow. That is why we only worked with two people. My boss lives close by, and if the restaurant gets busy, we can call him, and he can help us.
It was one of the rare crazy Sundays. I was doing three people's jobs *(making drinks, answering the phone, hosting, running food, and taking care of tables).*The restaurant started filling up very quickly, and I could hear my heart rate rapidly!
My boss wasn't able to be there to help us! It was very stressful because some customers weren't happy with my poor service. The fact that I was the only person as a server and the other person was a service assistant. I had 14 tables at the same time. It took time to make a drink and deliver the food while the kitchen bell rang nonstop while I was making cocktails.
In the end, the rush ended without conflict. Eventually, the restaurant's pace slowed down. When I looked back that night, I didn't lose myself. I was calm, kind, and focused. Everybody got the right food and drinks with 20 minutes delayed. I was still providing service, and most people saw us as understaffed and working hard. #foodservices #foodservice #restaurant
This is awesome.
Omg I still have server dreams about days like this! Just staying focused, making sure that you are verbal with your customers, telling them what is going on. And eventually it has to end! I use to tell myself that whenever I was in the weeds 'it can't last forever!' ahha
The best person for a job in a fast paced area is one who does not lose focus or how to be kind. You showed all of that and more.
Nur, It feels like in the restaurant industry this issue with understaffing, overstaffing is always a problem. Like Cynthia said, things always come up. Prepare shortcuts to help with rushes; get water jugs ready, bread plates and setups on tables, etc...
Unfortunately things always come up. Roll up your sleeves and get it done. It will make you a stronger person
don't call yourself a restaurant worker if you cannot pull both yourself, your co-workers and your valued customers "out of the weeds". great post..
Definitely ask for a raise!
But will they expect you to do it all the time. Double edge sword! I would start looking for something else actually!
Really that’s everyday at the department store I work at. I’m the only one running 1/2 the upstairs of a massive store alone. I’m still expected to get credits, clean, put backs, etc,
Oh wow this post brought back some memories! I've certainly been in that same situation hundreds of times and I could fully relate to the stress you must have felt. Nice work pulling it off, it can be a great feeling just to survive a day like that! You did it and you'll be able to do it again next time! 💞