Everyone knows that consistency matters. The dining environment should always be clean and inviting for customers. Policies and procedures should be consistently followed by all members of the staff. Front of house staff should be consistently service-oriented, friendly, anticipating guest needs and demonstrate a sense of urgency. The back of house staff should be consistently preparing delicious food while following food handling guidelines and minimizing waste. Bartenders should be preparing great drinks correctly and consistently.
There are times though when the need for consistency becomes even more important. One scenario comes to mind and it probably happens all the time.
Two people seated at the same table order the same entree. When the meals are delivered, they don't look the same. They aren't the same size or portion and perhaps they don't even look like the same item. One plate might have a generous portion of fries, while the other has half. If the food is hot enough that it's steaming when it's brought to the table, both entrees should be steaming, not just one.
What is the likely initial reaction? Both of them will be surprised and look at each other.
What is the likely result? Only one of them will end up being happy. It means that as much as 50% of the customers at that table are disappointed.
Avoid doing that to your guests. Whether it's bar drinks, appetizers, entrees or desserts, the need for consistency is elevated when 2 (or more) people at the same table order the same thing. I'm just saying.
There are times though when the need for consistency becomes even more important. One scenario comes to mind and it probably happens all the time.
Two people seated at the same table order the same entree. When the meals are delivered, they don't look the same. They aren't the same size or portion and perhaps they don't even look like the same item. One plate might have a generous portion of fries, while the other has half. If the food is hot enough that it's steaming when it's brought to the table, both entrees should be steaming, not just one.
What is the likely initial reaction? Both of them will be surprised and look at each other.
What is the likely result? Only one of them will end up being happy. It means that as much as 50% of the customers at that table are disappointed.
Avoid doing that to your guests. Whether it's bar drinks, appetizers, entrees or desserts, the need for consistency is elevated when 2 (or more) people at the same table order the same thing. I'm just saying.
