Do Bartenders Always Remember Regular Drink Orders?
Bartenders are often praised for their remarkable ability to remember regular drink orders. This skill is crucial for providing a personalized and efficient service to returning customers. In this article, we will explore the extent to which bartenders can remember drink orders, and how to ensure they do so effectively.
The Skill of Remembering Drink Orders
For many bar professionals, the ability to remember a regular customer's drink order is not a supernatural talent, but a skill that is honed over time. A bartender who can recall your drink order from a few months ago is likely someone who frequently interacts with the same customer base. However, this does not mean that every bartender has this ability. It depends on the frequency of interaction and the tipping habits of the customer.
Moreover, it's worth noting that professional bartenders generally do not keep written notes of drink orders. Hair stylists, for example, also do not keep notes during their appointments, which is contrary to what some people might think.
Remembering Drink Orders: Under What Conditions?
A bartender is more likely to remember a regular customer's order if the customer frequently visits the bar and orders the same drink consistently. In the United Kingdom, the term for a bartender is barman, barmaid, or bar staff, rather than 'bar tender'. This regularity helps in building a connection between the customer and the bartender, making the drink order recall a natural aspect of their interaction.
Even if a regular has a preferred drink, it is still beneficial for the bartender to ask, 'The usual today?' This keeps the customer engaged and ensures that every day brings a new or variant of their favorite drink. This also adds an element of surprise and personalization to the service.
How Bartenders Recall Drink Orders: Beyond Notes
Some bartenders do remember and name regular customers based on their favorite drinks. For example, a 'Martini Mike' or a 'Kendal Jackson Chick.' However, this does not mean that every bartender keeps a record of every drink order. During busy times, there is no time or incentive for a bartender to write down every order. Such an act would interfere with the efficiency required to serve multiple customers simultaneously.
During my time bartending at the Navy CPO Chief Petty Officer club on Treasure Island, California, over forty years ago, I made a conscious effort to remember the drink orders of my regulars. This practice was appreciated by the customers, and it built a bond of trust and respect between the bar staff and the patrons.
A Personal Experience
I spent two years tending bar at the Navy CPO Chief Petty Officer club. To this day, I can recall the drink orders of many of my regulars, as well as their faces and voices. Some names have faded, but the memories of their stories from the bar continue to resonate with me. As a young woman, I was fortunate to listen to many war stories and to be a 'fly on the wall' during these moments. Their service is truly appreciated, and it is a privilege to have been a part of their lives during those evenings.
Do Bartenders Remember Drink Orders Often? The answer lies in the frequency and consistency of the orders. With regular customers, the bartender is more likely to remember the order without needing notes. However, for a bartender, this skill is a valued asset that is honed through experience and regular interaction.
In conclusion, the skill of remembering drink orders is a valuable but not guaranteed ability. Regulars who order consistently and frequently can help bartenders develop this skill, leading to a more personalized and welcoming service for everyone.