Is Everything OK?

A manager or server sheepishly approaches the table after the meal has been served and asks Is Everything OK? Why ask that question? Does not that question presuppose that something might be amiss? A restaurateur should have no doubt about the meal that she presents to her guests. I admit a bias, that question gets my skin crawling, because there is no better time to create customer advocacy and a billion times a day that opportunity is wasted. The guest will tell you if everything is not ok. Focus on the positive, start a conversation.

A better approach is:

Hello my name is Alexandria and I am the proprietor?

Congratulations Jane on that new promotion!

When people smile it brightens up the restaurant, Thank you.

May I offer you another glass of wine?

The spices in the meat were just right tonight, what do you think?

The chef is proud of the Butternut Squash Ravioli.

The Merlot is perfect with that pasta.

Accentuate the positive, engage the guest and do not ask Is Everything OK?