Within how many seconds should you greet new guests after they are seated?

• A. Within 45 seconds.
• B. Within 30 seconds.
• C. Within 15 seconds.
• D. Within 60 seconds.

Answer: (B)

Promptly greeting guests after they’re seated signals attentiveness and hospitality. The standard timing is within about 30 seconds, which ensures guests feel welcomed and know a server is ready to help without feeling rushed or ignored. Greeting too quickly can seem robotic, while waiting longer than this can leave guests wondering if they’ll be helped at all. To achieve this, scan the dining area as you approach, make brief eye contact, and offer a warm welcome within 30 seconds, then proceed to take drink orders or answer questions as appropriate.