Keep Your Head Up - Bartending Tips
One of the most valuable lessons that I learned from the intense bartender training at Mr. Lucky's in Phoenix, AZ was to keep my head up.
It sounds simple, but many don't get it's importance.
How many times have you approached a bar, only to see the bartender deeply engaged with a customer? There's nothing more frustrating than to have your money ready, knowing what you'd like to drink, and then be ignored by the bartender.
What do I mean by, 'keep your head up?'
If you're washing glasses, look up and around the bar for customers. If you're talking with a server or with a customer, look around for a needy patron. You don't have to stop what you're doing that second. Just make eye contact and acknowledge their need.
Another way to think about it is this: apply the 'golden rule' to your job. "Do unto others," is a phrase that will help you remember to stay alert. Just think about how you'd like to be treated at someone elses bar.
At Mr. Lucky's, they would tell us to, 'put your head on a swivel.' It worked. Every time I was 'behind the stick,' my head would constantly be moving back and forth. I took great pride in making sure that if something was happening at 'my bar,' I knew about it.
This practice will also help you with keeping your bar clean. You'll notice a full ash tray or an empty glass before your customers do.
Keep your head up, stay alert, and watch your tips soar!
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