Basic training

Cheers, April, 2005

Training servers for increased success and profits was the topic of a discussion moderated by Tim Hanni, partner at WineQuest Solutions and a Master of Wine. Hanni, who received this year's Cheers Raising the Bar Award, said "training must be measurable and must align with your brand." He also stressed that, "It's all about the guests. Servers should not tell them to be passionate about something they just don't like." Colleen Brennan, beverage manager at O'Charley's, explained the strategies she has used, including using training videos on sharpening skills and how to create a drink. "Our servers are more interactive because of the video," she said.

Tony Abou-Ganim, consultant and last year's Cheers Raising the Bar Award winner, said bartenders need passion to do their jobs well. "You can teach someone how to make a Negroni, but not how to have passion making that Negroni," he said. He also underscored the importance of consistency and on educating bartenders on the foundation of making great cocktails.