I am getting ready to start a job at olive garden, it is new in my town, and i am very nervous. I have no experience serving but the manager says no experience needed. I am so scared. Ive heard a lot of things about people being so mean, Has anyone here ever worked at an olive garden? can you tell me, how well the pay is, and if its hard, work, I mean i am a hard worker I just want it explained to me.! thanks a lot :!)

Some tips that get me a few extra bucks and crazy high sales:
-Try to be accomodating as possible... with EVERYONE! (this includes your busser, the bartender, the host and of course, the guest.) If you can get your tables turned fast enough, it means you can get more covers in your section. If you're nice to the busser, they'll help get you're tables cleaned faster. If you're nice to the host, they'll sit you with "accomodating" guests. If you're nice to the bartender, they'll have your drinks made faster. (When I hosted and a server was being rude to me, I made sure to sit them with the family full of screaming kids, the British business men who I knew would not tip well, or the huge group of senior tourists who all wanted separate checks.)

-Be willing to pick up a table when your fellow servers are in the weeds.

-Upsell like crazy! If a guest asks for something like a Bloody Mary, say to them, "Oh you want that with Grey Goose right?" NEVER mention a low end liquor (Learn which vodka, gin, tequila, rum, scotch & whiskey cost the most at your restaurant.) And nod your head at the same time. The sense approval makes people feel better and in turn will get you more money.

-When it comes to desserts, bring the dessert menu or dessert tray over when they are slowing down on their entreés (I randomly walk through my section with an elaborate dessert at the guests' eye level, to get the idea of a tasty treat in the guests head.) As you set the dessert menu down say, "I wanted to give everyone a chance to decide on what they wanted for dessert." Don't ask if they are interested in dessert. Usually if they see a picture (or better yet, the dessert plate) they're more than likely to buy, which means a higher bill, which means a higher tip. BUT... if they have children who may not be able to spell, say to the parents, "Would you be interested in having D-E-S-S-E-R-T?" (one time a kid busted me, but it was cool because it got him riled up.) If the parents don't want their kids to have dessert, they will be sooooo appreciative that you spelled it out and didn't get the thought in the kids heads, in turn giving you a better tip for being accomodating.

-Learn a couple games and jokes that you can share with kids. If you have a large group with kids, it'll gives the parents a chance to socialize. (I once had a guest slip me an extra $50 for keeping their kids entertained.)

Hope this helps. =)

you'll be ok!!!!! just calm down!!!!