STYLES OF SERVICE
Table service : the customer is served at a laid table. This type of service, which includes plated
service or silver service, is found in many types of restaurant, cafes and in banqueting.
•Waiter
o Silver / English
o Family
o Plate/American
o French
o Russian
o Gueridon
•Bar counter
Self-service: the customer is required to help him or herself from a buffet or counter. This type
of service can be found in cafeterias and canteens.
• Cafeteria
o Counter
o Free- flow
o Echelon
Assisted service: the customer is served part of the meal at a table and is required to obtain part
through self-service from some form of display or buffet. This type of service is found in carvery
type operations and may also be used for functions.
•Carvery
•Buffets
Single point service: the customer orders, pays and receives the food and beverage ,for instance
at a counter ,at a bar in licensed premises, in a fast food operation or at a vending machine.
Takeaway
Drive -thru
Fastfood
Vending
Kiosk
Foodcourt
Bar
Specialized service (or service in situ): the food and drinks is taken to where the customer is.
This includes tray service in hospitals or aircraft, trolley service, home delivery , lounge and
room service.
Tray
Trolley
Home Delivery
Lounge
Room
Drive – in
STYLES OF TABLE SERVICE
What is table service?
Table service is a style of serving food in a restaurant where the food is prepared and plated in
the kitchen and then brought to the table sequentially and served individually to each guest. This
type of service is vital in upscale restaurants and formal events where presentation and attention
to detail are highly valued.
In table service, the waiter takes orders, serves the food and drinks, and provides any necessary
assistance to the customers. This style of service is commonly used in fine dining establishments
where the emphasis is on creating a memorable and sophisticated dining experience.
Different types of table service
1. English Service
English service, also known as family service, involves placing food platters on the table for
guests to serve themselves. The server may assist in portioning out the dishes or refilling platters
as needed. The english style of service fosters a casual and relaxed dining atmosphere,
commonly used for family gatherings and informal dinner parties.
2. American Service
American service, or plated service, is the most common service style in modern restaurants. In
this style, food is plated in the kitchen, and the server brings the fully prepared plates to the
customers. This type of service is efficient and practical, making it suitable for a wide range of
dining establishments.
3. French Service
French service is a more formal style of table service, often found in upscale hotels and fine
dining restaurants. Servers present the food on a large platter or guéridon, taken back to the
sideboard, carved, portioned, and then served to the guests with service spoon and fork. This type
of service is highly interactive, creating an elegant and memorable dining experience.
4. Russian Service
Russian service, sometimes referred to as silver service, is an even more formal and elaborate
service style. Servers use silverware to transfer food from a platter to the guests’ plates,
demonstrating exceptional skill and precision. This style is often reserved for high-end events
and occasions, as it exudes an air of luxury and sophistication.
5. Silver Service
Silver service, while similar to Russian service, has its distinct characteristics. In this style,
servers use a serving spoon and fork to plate and serve food from platters directly onto guests’
plates. The food presentation is often elaborate, and the service style requires exceptional skill
and training.
6. Gueridon Service
Gueridon service is another interactive table service style, featuring the use of a mobile cart or
guéridon to prepare and serve food tableside. In this service, partially cooked food from the
kitchen is taken to the Gueridon Trolly for cooking it completely.
7. Snack Bar Service
Snack bar service is a more casual and informal style of service, typically found in fast-food
restaurants, cafes, and food courts. Customers order at a counter, and either wait for their food to
be prepared or collect it themselves. This type of service is quick and efficient, making it well-
suited for establishments with high customer turnover.
