Items To Always Keep in Your Apron!

As a restaurant server, your apron is more than just a piece of uniform—it’s your trusty sidekick, your mobile toolkit, and your secret weapon for providing exceptional service to your guests. Whether you’re navigating a bustling dining room during the lunch rush or gracefully balancing trays of cocktails at a swanky soirée, having the right items tucked away in your apron can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful shift. 

So, what essential items should you always keep in your restaurant server aprons? 

Let’s dive in.

Pen and Notepad

First and foremost, a reliable pen and notepad are indispensable tools for any restaurant server. Whether you’re jotting down orders, taking notes on special requests, or recording guest preferences, having these essentials close at hand ensures accuracy and efficiency in your service.

Wine Key or Corkscrew

For servers working in establishments that serve wine or other bottled beverages, a wine key or corkscrew is a must-have item. Being prepared to quickly and effortlessly open bottles for guests demonstrates professionalism and enhances the overall dining experience.

Guest Checks or Order Pads

Keeping a stack of guest checks or order pads in your apron allows you to efficiently record and organize orders throughout your shift. Whether you’re inputting orders into a POS system or handing off tickets to the kitchen, having a supply of these essential documents ensures seamless communication between front and back of house.

Pocket-sized Flashlight

In dimly lit dining areas or during evening service, a pocket-sized flashlight can be a lifesaver for reading menus, locating dropped items, or navigating dark corners of the restaurant. Compact and lightweight, a flashlight tucked into your apron pocket provides instant illumination whenever you need it most.

Mini First Aid Kit

While minor accidents are an unfortunate reality of restaurant service, being prepared to handle them can mitigate their impact on your shift. Consider keeping a small first aid kit in your apron stocked with essentials such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers to address minor injuries or discomforts quickly and discreetly.

Hand Sanitizer or Wet Wipes

In today’s health-conscious environment, maintaining proper hygiene is more important than ever. Having hand sanitizer or wet wipes readily available in your apron allows you to quickly and conveniently sanitize your hands between interactions with guests, ensuring a clean and sanitary dining experience.

Mints or Breath Fresheners

As a server, maintaining fresh breath is essential for making a positive impression on your guests. Keeping a supply of mints or breath fresheners in your apron ensures that you’re always ready to greet guests with confidence and professionalism, no matter how long your shift may be.

Stocking your restaurant server apron with these essential items ensures that you’re equipped to handle any situation that arises during your shift as a restaurant server. From taking orders to tending to guests’ needs, having the right tools at your fingertips sets the stage for delivering exceptional service and elevating the dining experience for all who walk through the doors of your establishment. So, next time you tie on your apron, remember to fill its pockets with these must-have items—you’ll be glad you did.