OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Udemy logo

Be A Better Waiter - Give Better Service

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 57 ratings
see reviews
Joe Fedison

Whether you are just starting out as a Foodserver or Bartender, this course will give you the proven strategies necessary to increase your income.

Learn the skills that will increase service value:

  • Learn what makes a great customer experience.
  • Build a clientele that consistently requests you.
  • Use the 3 Steps to fixing any problem.
  • Discover the "Mindset" of highly tipped professionals.
Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Only 11 hours left!
24-Hour Flash Sale
Close your skills gaps with online courses and save big for a limited time.
Up to
85%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand how to deliver the service that customers really want.
  • Know how to handle problem situations efficiently and effectively.

Syllabus

Get to know the instructor and some interesting statistics about customer service.
Welcome
The Proof
You will have a guideline for what it takes to move yourself from a great to an extraordinary server.
Read more

Where everybody knows your name.

Includes cutting someone off who has drank too much.

It turns out, you and I probably greatly underestimated the psychological process behind mint-giving, as the way (and amount) in which mints were given was shown to increase tip amount by up to 23%.

After the quiz, I would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes and leave a review about this course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches strategies to increase income, which is a primary concern for those working in the service industry
Explores the mindset of highly tipped professionals, offering insights into successful service strategies
Examines techniques for building a clientele, which can lead to consistent requests and increased earnings
Covers how to handle problem situations, which is a core skill for maintaining customer satisfaction and preventing negative feedback
Includes insights that most corporate training programs don't touch on, potentially offering a unique perspective
Discusses the psychological process behind mint-giving, which may be a dated practice in the service industry

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical service skills and mindset

According to learners, this course is a highly practical guide for service professionals looking to increase their income by improving service quality. Students frequently highlighted the actionable strategies for handling challenging situations and creating a better customer experience. Many found the focus on the right "Mindset" to be particularly valuable and a key differentiator. While the course is concise, reviewers generally felt it delivered significant value, providing tools that are easy to implement immediately.
Gets straight to the point.
"The course is short and sweet, no filler, just useful information."
"I liked that the lessons were bite-sized and easy to fit into a busy schedule."
"Some topics felt a little brief, but it covers the essentials effectively."
Provides methods for problem-solving.
"The 3 Steps for turning around bad situations are simple yet very effective."
"I feel much more confident handling complaints after taking this course."
"Learning how to admit fault gracefully was a valuable lesson for problem resolution."
Emphasizes the psychological approach to service.
"The Mindset section really shifted my perspective on service and tipping."
"It's more than just skills; understanding the psychology is a game changer."
"Learning about the 'Mindset' of successful servers was incredibly insightful."
Designed to help earn more money.
"Following the tips, I noticed an improvement in my tips almost immediately."
"The course delivers on its promise to help you increase your income potential."
"Learning to build a clientele was a key takeaway for earning more."
Offers concrete steps to improve service.
"I appreciated the practical tips I could start using on my next shift."
"This course gave me real, usable strategies for dealing with tricky customers."
"The advice is straightforward and easy to put into practice right away to see results."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Be A Better Waiter - Give Better Service with these activities:
Review Basic Etiquette
Reviewing basic etiquette will help you provide a more polished and professional service, leading to better customer experiences.
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos on dining etiquette.
  • Practice proper table manners at home.
  • Reflect on how etiquette impacts customer perception.
Review 'Setting the Table' by Danny Meyer
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of hospitality and customer service principles.
View Setting the Table on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Setting the Table'.
  • Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
  • Reflect on how to apply these concepts in your work.
Practice Upselling Techniques
Practicing upselling techniques will help you become more comfortable and confident in suggesting additional items to customers, increasing your income.
Show steps
  • Role-play upselling scenarios with a friend.
  • Identify opportunities to upsell in your current role.
  • Track your success rate with upselling attempts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Customer Service Guide
Creating a customer service guide will solidify your understanding of the course material and provide a valuable resource for yourself and others.
Show steps
  • Outline the key elements of excellent service.
  • Write clear and concise explanations of each element.
  • Include examples and scenarios to illustrate each point.
  • Share your guide with colleagues and solicit feedback.
Review 'Hospitality Included' by Will Guidara
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of hospitality and customer service principles.
View Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book 'Hospitality Included'.
  • Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
  • Reflect on how to apply these concepts in your work.
Develop a Personal Service Improvement Plan
Developing a personal service improvement plan will help you identify areas for growth and track your progress in becoming a better waiter.
Show steps
  • Identify three specific areas for improvement.
  • Set measurable goals for each area.
  • Develop action steps to achieve your goals.
  • Track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Mentor a New Waiter
Mentoring a new waiter will reinforce your own understanding of the course material and help you develop leadership skills.
Show steps
  • Offer guidance and support to a new waiter.
  • Share your knowledge and experience.
  • Provide constructive feedback.
  • Answer questions and address concerns.

Career center

Learners who complete Be A Better Waiter - Give Better Service will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Server
A Server takes orders and delivers food and beverages to customers in a restaurant or other dining establishment. This course is directly correlated with the Server role. It provides specific strategies and concepts necessary to earn more money as a foodserver or bartender. Servers may learn to increase service value with strategies taught in this course. Some of these concepts are learning what makes a great customer experience, building a clientele that consistently requests you, using the 3 steps to fix any problem, and discovering the mindset of highly tipped professionals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Server
Bartender
A Bartender prepares and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to customers. Superior customer service skills are essential to success. This course provides specific strategies and concepts necessary to earn more money as a foodserver or bartender. Bartenders may learn to increase service value with strategies taught in this course. Some of these concepts are learning what makes a great customer experience, building a clientele that consistently requests you, using the 3 steps to fix any problem, and discovering the mindset of highly tipped professionals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Bartender
Head Waiter
A Head Waiter ensures smooth restaurant operations and exceptional customer experiences. This course helps cultivate the mindset needed to excel, covering strategies to provide excellent service. Understanding customer expectations, handling issues effectively, and building rapport are essential for a Head Waiter, and this course dives into these areas. By learning to understand people dynamics and deliver personalized experiences, the course helps aspiring Head Waiters create a loyal clientele and increase service value, which this role demands. The lessons on upselling and offering expert advice may also be useful for a Head Waiter.
See salaries and explore the career path for Head Waiter
Host or Hostess
A Host or Hostess is responsible for greeting guests, managing seating arrangements, and creating a welcoming atmosphere in a restaurant. This course may be helpful because it focuses on understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional service, which are essential for creating a positive first impression. The course's lessons on personal presentation and creating a connection with customers will help a Host or Hostess make guests feel valued and welcome. Also, the Host or Hostess may benefit from learning how to add humor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Host or Hostess
Restaurant Manager
A Restaurant Manager oversees all aspects of restaurant operations, including customer service, staff management, and profitability. This course provides valuable insights into creating exceptional customer experiences, an important aspect of this role. The course's focus on understanding customer needs, mastering problem-solving, and building a loyal clientele will help a Restaurant Manager improve service quality and boost revenue. Furthermore, the strategies for upselling expert advice and paying smart attention to customer preferences may lead to a more successful Restaurant Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Restaurant Manager
Sales Representative
A Sales Representative sells products or services to customers, building relationships and closing deals. Delivering excellent customer service is essential for success. This course may be useful, as it covers building a clientele, and upselling expert advice. In particular, the lessons on honesty, integrity and authenticity may be helpful for a Sales Representative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Representative
Restaurant Owner
A Restaurant Owner is responsible for all aspects of running a restaurant, from menu creation and staff management to marketing and customer service. This course covers key aspects of customer service, such as understanding customer needs, handling problem situations effectively, and building a clientele. The Restaurant Owner may find value in this course. The course's emphasis on creating a positive customer experience and increasing service value will help a Restaurant Owner improve operations and boost revenue.
See salaries and explore the career path for Restaurant Owner
Food and Beverage Director
The Food and Beverage Director is responsible for overseeing all food and beverage operations within a hotel, restaurant, or catering company. This course may be helpful as it covers strategies to provide excellent customer service and increase service value, important for this role. Understanding customer expectations and handling problems efficiently are essential for maintaining high standards, and this course delves into these areas. The lesson about creating a welcoming atmosphere may be useful for the Food and Beverage Director.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food and Beverage Director
Catering Manager
A Catering Manager oversees all aspects of catering events, from menu planning and food preparation to service and cleanup. Delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring client satisfaction are key responsibilities. This course provides valuable insights into understanding customer needs and creating a positive experience, which may be useful for a Catering Manager. The course's lessons on upselling and offering expert advice may also prove helpful for the Catering Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Catering Manager
Service Trainer
A Service Trainer develops and delivers training programs to enhance the service skills of staff in various industries. This course may be useful because it provides insights into effective service strategies and techniques, which are essential for a Service Trainer to impart. The focus on understanding customer needs, mastering problem-solving, and building a positive customer experience helps a Service Trainer equip their trainees with the tools they need to succeed. Lessons on presentation and authenticity will also be valuable for a Service Trainer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Service Trainer
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative provides support and assistance to customers, addressing their inquiries and resolving their issues. This course may be useful as it covers key aspects of customer service, such as understanding customer needs and handling problem situations effectively. The course's emphasis on problem-solving and turning around bad situations will help a Customer Service Representative provide excellent service and maintain customer satisfaction. The lessons on honesty, integrity and authenticity may also be good for a Customer Service Representative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
Customer Success Manager
A Customer Success Manager works with customers to ensure they are successful with a product or service. This course may be useful as it covers aspects of customer service, such as understanding customer needs and handling problem situations effectively. The course's emphasis on problem-solving and turning around bad situations will help a Customer Success Manager provide excellent service and maintain customer satisfaction. In particular, the lessons on honesty, integrity and authenticity may be helpful for a Customer Success Manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager
Concierge
A Concierge provides personalized assistance and information to guests, ensuring their needs are met and their experience is enhanced. This course may be useful as it focuses on understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional service, essential aspects of this role. The course's emphasis on building a connection with customers, offering expert advice, and paying attention to detail helps a Concierge create memorable experiences for guests. The Concierge may also learn a better approach to service from this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Concierge
Event Planner
An Event Planner coordinates and manages events, ensuring they run smoothly and meet the client's expectations. Understanding customer preferences and delivering exceptional service is crucial for success. This course may be useful as it emphasizes these skills, along with problem-solving and creating a positive experience for all attendees. As an Event Planner, learning how to add humor could be useful. In particular, the lessons on building a clientele and upselling may be helpful for the Event Planner.
See salaries and explore the career path for Event Planner
Hotel Front Desk Agent
A Hotel Front Desk Agent is the first point of contact for guests, providing check-in/check-out services, answering inquiries, and addressing concerns. Providing excellent customer service is paramount. This course may be useful as it focuses on understanding customer needs and handling problem situations effectively, skills that are directly applicable to this role. The Hotel Front Desk Agent may find the course helpful in understanding customer preferences. This course may also teach the Hotel Front Desk Agent how to better handle customers who have had too much to drink.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hotel Front Desk Agent

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Be A Better Waiter - Give Better Service.
Cover image
Setting the Table
Save
This book, written by renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer, explores the importance of hospitality in creating a successful dining experience. It emphasizes building relationships with customers and creating a positive work environment for staff. It provides valuable insights into the mindset and practices of successful service professionals, aligning well with the course's focus on delivering exceptional customer service and building a loyal clientele. offers a broader perspective on hospitality that complements the course's practical tips.
Setting the Table
Paperback
Check
Setting the Table
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Unreasonable Hospitality
Save
Details the author's experience in transforming Eleven Madison Park into a world-renowned restaurant through exceptional hospitality. It emphasizes going above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences for guests. It provides a real-world example of how to implement a customer-centric approach in a service-oriented business. This book is helpful in providing background and prerequisite knowledge.
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of...
Hardcover
$$
Customer Relations Bestselling 2 Books Collection -...
Hardcover
$$$
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of...
Perfect Paperback
$$
Customer Relations Series of Bestselling 2 Books...
Hardcover
$$$
Unreasonable Hospitality [Hardcover], The Power of...
Paperback
$$$
(中文) Unreasonable Hospitality：the Remarkable Power of...
Paperback
$$$
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of...
Kindle Edition
$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Be A Better Waiter - Give Better Service.
Generative AI with Vertex AI: Build a customer chatbot
Most relevant
Customer Service in the Age of Generative AI
Most relevant
AI and Public Health
Most relevant
Capstone: Preparing to work as a Cloud Support Associate
Most relevant
Function-Calling and Data Extraction with LLMs
Most relevant
Generative AI for Consultants
Most relevant
Human Cognitive Capacities & Limitations
Most relevant
Kotter's Change Framework: Accelerators 5-8
Most relevant
Agile Accelerator: Navigating Lean Startup, Agile, and...
Most relevant

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader
Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections
30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases
Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline
Certificate of completion included with purchase
Direct instructor Q&A and active student community
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
31 total mins
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Joe Fedison
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches strategies to increase income, which is a primary concern for those working in the service industry
Explores the mindset of highly tipped professionals, offering insights into successful service strategies
Examines techniques for building a clientele, which can lead to consistent requests and increased earnings
Covers how to handle problem situations, which is a core skill for maintaining customer satisfaction and preventing negative feedback
Includes insights that most corporate training programs don't touch on, potentially offering a unique perspective
Discusses the psychological process behind mint-giving, which may be a dated practice in the service industry
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Be A Better Waiter - Give Better Service.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser