In the fast-paced world of bartending and serving, it’s easy to think of yourself as an “order taker,” just going through the motions and filling orders. But what if you could transform your role and double your sales in the process? The secret lies in mastering one crucial thing: product knowledge. Knowing your menu inside and out—whether it’s cocktails, wines, appetizers, or entrées—sets you up to give recommendations that delight your guests and boost your bottom line. This is the essence of “Learn More to Earn More.”
So, how do you get there, and what’s in it for you? Let’s break it down.
The Power of Knowing Your Stuff
When you know the products you’re offering—what pairs with what, the stories behind the drinks or dishes, how each item is made—you’re no longer just serving food or drinks. You’re curating experiences. You’re the guide your guests didn’t know they needed, and they’ll trust you when you suggest the perfect cocktail or the ideal wine pairing.
Imagine this: A guest asks, “What do you recommend?” Instead of fumbling or defaulting to a basic option, you can confidently suggest a specific wine that pairs beautifully with their meal, or the latest craft cocktail that hits all the right notes. You’ve instantly added value to their experience, and increased the likelihood they’ll spend more and come back for more.
Knowledge = Confidence = More Sales
Here’s a simple truth: the more you know, the more confident you are. And when you’re confident, it shows. Guests pick up on that energy. A knowledgeable bartender or server stands out because they have the ability to engage with guests, answer questions, and make suggestions that feel personalized. That confidence turns into trust, which turns into higher sales through upselling and pairing recommendations.
It’s not just about memorizing every ingredient—it’s about understanding the bigger picture. What flavors complement each other? What’s the story behind that limited-edition bourbon? How can you use your knowledge to enhance the guest experience?
Upsell Without Feeling Pushy
When you master your menu, upselling becomes effortless. Instead of pushing a guest to order something they may not want, you’re giving them options they didn’t know they had. For instance:
- “This steak would be amazing with a glass of our bold cabernet sauvignon. It really enhances the flavors.”
- “If you like gin, you’ll love our signature Negroni. It has a perfect balance of bitter and sweet.”
These suggestions feel natural because they’re grounded in your understanding of the menu. Guests appreciate the thoughtful recommendations, and you’ll start seeing the results on your check totals.
The Recipe for Doubling Your Sales: LM2EM
The idea is simple: Learn More to Earn More (LM2EM). If you can master the products you sell, you’re no longer just fulfilling an order—you’re creating an experience that’s tailored to the guest’s preferences. This leads to better tips, more repeat customers, and ultimately, doubling your sales.
Here’s how you can start:
Know Your Menu: Commit to learning everything about your menu. That means ingredients, flavor profiles, and what pairs best with each dish or drink. Ask your chef or manager for insights, and keep studying the products.
Stay Curious: The best bartenders and servers are always learning. Whether it’s the history of a cocktail, the origins of a wine, or the newest seasonal dish, staying curious keeps you ahead of the game.
Practice Your Recommendations: Practice makes perfect. Next time a guest asks for a suggestion, give them something thoughtful and personalized based on what they’re ordering.
Listen to Your Guests: Pay attention to what your guests like and don’t like. Use that info to guide your recommendations. It makes the experience more personal and memorable for them—and they’ll tip you more for it!
Real-World Proof: How Knowledge Impacts Sales
The numbers back it up. Restaurants and bars that invest in staff training report 15-30% increases in sales after their team boosts their product knowledge. Servers who recommend food and drink pairings based on their understanding of flavor profiles see their average check size grow by 30%.
This isn’t just theory—it’s proven. Bartenders and servers who take the time to learn more about what they’re selling consistently outperform their peers in both sales and guest satisfaction.
You Can Be the Expert
You don’t have to be a sommelier or a master mixologist to start using this strategy. By committing to learning about the menu, tasting new items, and asking questions, you’ll quickly become the go-to person for recommendations. That confidence will help you upsell with ease, boost your tips, and watch your sales grow.
When you walk into your shift, think of it this way: You’re not just there to take orders—you’re there to create memorable experiences. And that starts with knowing your products so well that every guest feels like they’ve been taken care of in a way they can’t get anywhere else.
So, let today be the day you start leveling up. Learn more about what you serve, and watch how quickly you start earning more. Perfect product knowledge is your ticket to better tips, happier guests, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve mastered your craft.