Service 101 - The Basics of Service

Equip yourself with the fundamental skills, habits, knowledge and the language to become a professional server

$100.00

Enroll now

Cocktails & Spirits 101

Understand spirits, master cocktail basics, and speak the language of the bar - COMING SOON

$100.00

Enroll now

Essential Habits For a Safe & Hospitable Workplace

Anticipating guests and teammates, being proactive, acknowledging guests verbally or with eye contact, and saying things like “pardon my reach” or "behind!"are all essential habits for a safe and hospitable work environment.  

Speak Intelligently About Food and How Things are Prepared

Hearing a chef talk about a dish without knowing words like braised, pickled, or emulsified can be like listening to a foreign language. Knowing the basic cooking terms makes it easier to remember dishes and speak intelligently about them

Essential Skills for the Professional Server

Learn the detailed ritual of opening wine bottles for guests, how to carry multiple plates in one hand, and how to take charge in busy situations.  

Developed by Restaurant Owners, Operators, and Managers

The PreShyft team is a group of seasoned professionals with over half a century of combined experience across all roles, including servers, bartenders, managers, and owner/operators. This program was created to provide essential serving fundamentals that apply to every type of restaurant, from casual dining to upscale establishments. We believe every server should start their role equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge. While experience alone doesn’t guarantee the necessary skills and expertise, our certification provides the confidence that servers have mastered the basics—allowing restaurants to focus on training the elements specific to their establishment.

Great Service – Managing and Exceeding Guest Expectations

We’ll break down the fundamentals of exceptional service, covering everything from managing high-volume shifts and anticipating guests’ needs to enhancing value, upselling effectively, and optimizing table turn times when necessary. We'll also address essential practices that might seem like “common sense,” such as holding glassware by the base and clearing tables before presenting the check. But it’s not just about understanding what needs to be done — it’s about mastering how to do it effectively. And, of course, we’ll leave plenty of room for your restaurant’s unique style of service

Course Curriculum

16 Chapters · 275 Lessons

  1. 1

    Chapter 1: Introduction

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Vocabulary

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Vocabulary FOH

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Vocabulary BOH

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      The Server

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      The First Part

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      The Second Part

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      The Server - Hospitality

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      1.2 Meet the Team

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooks

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Prep Cooks

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Dishwashers

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Bartender

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Bar Back

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Busser / Back Server / S.A.

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Food Runner

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Expeditor

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Porter

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Sommelier

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Manager

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Chef

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Host

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary - Roles

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP Ch1

    25. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 1 Quiz

  2. 2

    Chapter 2: Workplace "Common Sense" - Universal Rules in the Workplace

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      In the Weeds

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Line

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      "Die"

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Sidework

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Roll-Ups

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      The Floor

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 2 - Universal Rules & Workplace "Common Sense"

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      2.2 Rules for the Team

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Greet Teammates on Arrival

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Be Present, Be On Time

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Help Your Teammates

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Your Guest is Your Responsibility Until They Leave

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Do Your Sidework

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Check Before Opening a New Product

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Clean Up After Yourself

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Take Your Job Seriously

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Story-time with Chef Bruce

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      2.3 Rules for Health & Safety

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Never Handle Glassware by the Rim

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Limit Cross-contamination

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Keep Your Fingers Out of the Food

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Staff Beverages Can Be a Health-Code Violation

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      No Fixing Hair or Touching Your Face

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      Always Use an Ice Scoop

    25. (Included in full purchase)

      Fifo

    26. (Included in full purchase)

      Announce Your Presence

    27. (Included in full purchase)

      Cleaning Up Spills

    28. (Included in full purchase)

      Clean Up After Yourself

    29. (Included in full purchase)

      Put Things Back in their Designated Area

    30. (Included in full purchase)

      2.4 Rules for Being On Stage

    31. (Included in full purchase)

      A Server's Appearance Shapes the Guests' Perception

    32. (Included in full purchase)

      Full Uniform - No Half Uniform

    33. (Included in full purchase)

      Always Have Good Hygiene

    34. (Included in full purchase)

      Fix Yourself Behind Closed Doors

    35. (Included in full purchase)

      No Gum Chewing

    36. (Included in full purchase)

      No Eating or Drinking

    37. (Included in full purchase)

      No Cell Phones

    38. (Included in full purchase)

      No Chit-chatting or Congregating

    39. (Included in full purchase)

      No Sitting

    40. (Included in full purchase)

      Keep Your Composure

    41. (Included in full purchase)

      2.5 Right of Way

    42. (Included in full purchase)

      Always Yield to Guests

    43. (Included in full purchase)

      Food & Beverages Have Priority

    44. (Included in full purchase)

      Hand Full of Dirty Plates or Glassware

    45. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP Ch 2

    46. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 2 Quiz

  3. 3

    Chapter 3 - Body Language - Appearance & Perception

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Carrying Two Plates in One Hand

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 3 Vocab - Ramekin

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 3 Body Language - Appearance & Perception

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Example Greeting #1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Example Greeting #2

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Example Greeting #3

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Example Breakdown

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      3.2 Habits for the Refined Server

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      No Stacking Dirty Plates on the Table

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Keep Trays Off of Tables

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Magic

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Avoid Approaching Tables When...

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Drinks Served Off of a Tray

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Limit the Number of Items You Carry

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Clear & Clean Tables Between Courses & Dropping Check

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Pre-Bus

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Beverages Before Food

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Reaching Over a Guest

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Refill at 1/4 Full

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      We

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Use a Ramekin to Deliver Sauces

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      It's Never a Bad Thing to Have Good Habits

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP Ch 3

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 3 Quiz

  4. 4

    Chapter 4 - Learn the Menu

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking Vocabulary w/ Chef Adam Palffy - Simmer/Stock/Reduce

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Butterfly

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 4 - Learn the Menu

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Side Note - Short Hand

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Break Down the Menu Into Sections

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Top Things to Memorize

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      4.2 Options & Accompaniments

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Steak Temps

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Butterfly

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      4.3 Allergens & Food Restrictions

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Allergens - Nuts

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Allergens - Shellfish

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Allergens - Dairy

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Other Allergens - Gluten

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Other Allergens - Alliums

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Dietary Restrictions - Pork

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Side Note - Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      4.4 Main Ingredients

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      4.5 Preparation of Ingredients

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP Ch 4

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 4 Quiz

  5. 5

    Chapter 5 Spiel

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking Vocabulary with Chef Adam Palffy - Brine Roast Braise

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Spiel

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Course

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Amuse Bouche

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      P.O.S. System

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Fire / Re-fire

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Clear

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Mark

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Family Style

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 5 Dining Style

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      5.2 Meal Courses

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      How Coursing is Done

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Firing

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Between Courses

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Casual vs. Upscale Coursing

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      5.3 Family Style

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      5.4 Mise En Place

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Clearing & Marking Between Courses

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      5.5 Identify the Style

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Clarifying the Style of Dining Expectation

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      Clarifying the Coursing Expectation

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      Making Decisions Easy for Guests

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      5.6 Between Courses - Do's & Don'ts

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP Ch 5

    25. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 5 Quiz

  6. 6

    Chapter 6 - Spiel

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking Vocabulary with Chef Adam Palffy - Grill Char Marinate

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Vocab - 86

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      6.1 Spiel

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      What a Spiel Does

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Example Spiel

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      A Good Spiel Should Include:

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Example Breakdown - Intro & Style of Dining

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Recommendations & 86

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Give Guidance

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      6.2 Be a Leader

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      1. Establish Yourself As an Expert

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      2. Guide the Guests

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      3. Pave the Way

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      4. Gently Nudge the Guest

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Spiel Overview

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      A Simple Guidance Spiel for a Simple Restaurant

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Example Spiel #2

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Manage Guests' Expectations to Exceed Guests' Expectations

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP Ch 6

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 6 Quiz

  7. 7

    Chapter 7 - Steps of Service

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking Vocabulary with Chef Adam Palffy - Poach Pickle Cure

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Vocab - Turn Time

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Drop

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      7.1 Steps of Service

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Greeting Your Guest

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Taking a Drink Order

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Delivering Drink Order

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      7.2 Taking an Order

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Being a Consultant

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      7.2.3 Getting the Details of the Order

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Manually Receiving & Relaying Orders

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Repeat the Order Back to the Guest

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      7.3 Setting a Table Up for the Order

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      7.4 Deliver the Order

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      7.5 Check Backs

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      7.6 Table Maintenance

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      7.7 Clear Table

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      7.8 Offer Dessert

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      7.9 Present Check

    20. (Included in full purchase)

      7.9.2 Process Payment

    21. (Included in full purchase)

      If a Guest is Paying with Cash

    22. (Included in full purchase)

      One Last Tip When Processing Payment

    23. (Included in full purchase)

      Thank Your Guest

    24. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP Ch 7

    25. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 7 Quiz

  8. 8

    Chapter 8 - Large Parties

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking Vocabulary with Chef Adam Palffy Puree Glaze Garnish Sear

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Vocab - The Pass

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 8 Large Parties

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Tips for Handling Large Parties

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      8.2. Give the Kitchen a Heads Up

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      8.3 Identify the Leader or Host of the Group

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      8.4 Identify the Dining Style then Make Your Game Plan (Seat #'s)

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Scenario 1

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Scenario 2

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Scenario 3

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      8.5 Be Their Guide

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Take Charge

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Organize your Order

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      8.6 Payment

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Splitting Payment on a POS

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Splitting Checks

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 8

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 8 Quiz

  9. 9

    Ch 9 Communicate, Be a Step Ahead, & Take Charge

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking Vocabulary with Chef Adam Palffy - Bake Blanch Caramelize

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 9 Communicate, Be a Step Ahead, & Take Charge

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Questions to Ask to Stay Ahead

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      9.2 Take Charge

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 9

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 9 Quiz

  10. 10

    Chapter 10 Anticipating Your Guests

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Wine Bottle Service - Tutorial

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 10 - Anticipating Your Guest

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Examples - Anticipating Your Guests

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Anticipation Requires Focus

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Communicate and Clarify

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 10

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 10 Quiz

  11. 11

    Chapter 11 - Selling

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking Vocabulary with Chef Adam Palffy - Broil Fry Zest

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 11 - Selling

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      11.1 Seize the Opportunities

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      11.2 Give the Option

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      11.3 Curate the Perfect Meal

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      11.4 Add Value

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      11.5 Take Your Time

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Sales Summary

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 11

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 11 Quiz

  12. 12

    Chapter 12 - Handling High Volume

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Cooking with Chef Adam Palffy Grate Emulsify Al Dente

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 12 - Handling High Volume

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      12.2 Remain Calm

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      12.3 Acknowledge Your Guests

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      12.4 Consolidate Your Work

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      12.5 Stay Organized

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Quadruple Sat!!!

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 12

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 12 Quiz

  13. 13

    Chapter 13 - Turning Tables

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      2-Top/3-Top/4-Top

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Pre-bus

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 13 - Turning Tables

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      13.2 Get the Order in As Soon As Possible

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Watch for Signs

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Sign 2

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Sign 3

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Sign 4

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      A Gentle Nudge

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      13.3 Present Limited Options

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Timing

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      13.4 Get the Full Order In At One Time

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      13.5 Keep Things Moving Along

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Pre-Bussing

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 13

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 13 Quiz

  14. 14

    Ch 14 Catching and Handling Problems

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      14.1 Catching and Handling Problems

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      14.2 Handling the Issue

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Acknowledgement, Apology, "Thank You for your Patience"

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Let 'em Know

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Comps

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Voids

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Discounts

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Getting the Check Worked On

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 14

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Chapter 14 Quiz

  15. 15

    Chapter 15 Guest Engagement & Hospitality

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Shift Stories w/ Chef Adam Palffy

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 15 Guest Engagement & Hospitality

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      15.2 Acknowledge or Greet Everyone

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      15.3 Always Be Kind and Respectful

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      15.4 Empathy - Be On Their Side

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      15.5 Never Challenge Your Guest

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 15

  16. 16

    Chapter 16 - Start Your New Job

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Ch 16 - Start Your New Job

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Get to Know the Table Numbers ASAP

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Find Where Everything Is

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Get To Know The POS

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Meet & Exceed Their Expectations

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      RECAP CH 16

Ready to Serve Excellence?

Join PreShyft Service 101 to unlock your potential and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

$100.00

Enroll Now