A business lunch can be a great way to make connections and grow your career. But it’s essential to know the rules of restaurant etiquette before you sit down.
This article will cover everything you need to know about eating at a lunch restaurant. From the service model to the menu items, we have you covered.
Choose Your Seats Carefully
If you’re dining at a restaurant with a host, waiting until they indicate where you should sit is essential. In the case of a business lunch, the host will decide where you should be placed based on your relationship with the other guests at the table and whether or not it is appropriate to discuss business issues during the meal.
It is important to note that you should never occupy an empty seat at the table. This is a major faux pas and should be avoided at all costs. Paying attention to how you place your napkin when leaving the table is also essential. It should be placed on a chair or to the left of your plate instead of on top.
Read the Menu Carefully
While it may seem like an obvious tip, reading the menu carefully can help you choose a healthier meal. Look for words such as fried, buttered, au gratin, or crispy that can indicate high-fat options. Instead, browse for broiled, grilled, baked, poached, roasted, or steamed dishes with lower calories and fat. You can share an entree or get a to-go box at the start of lunch to avoid overeating.
The world of dining is an obstacle course wrapped in a labyrinth, full of pitfalls and gray areas. Luckily, Eater’s Life Coach series is here to help.
Ask Questions
The best lunch restaurant in Salt Lake City should be able to ask their customers questions that will help them improve. For example, they can ask customers how far they traveled to visit the restaurant and if they would recommend it to others. They can also ask whether they find the facility accessible and clean.
It’s okay to ask your interviewer questions, but don’t make a scene. Avoid asking questions that are too personal, such as what your favorite hobbies are or if you have kids. This is a business lunch, not a therapy session. Also, don’t be rude to the wait staff or show up late. Both of these blunders will reflect poorly on you. Instead, try to keep the conversation light and upbeat. This will be easier if you prepare a list of conversation starters beforehand.
Be Polite
Using proper etiquette at business meals shows that you are a polished professional.
For example, don’t eat with both hands using a fork and knife; leave one hand free to hold your napkin or beverage. Also, be careful not to knock items off the table or spill things like water or wine. This can make the wait staff work much harder than necessary to clean up after you and can create an unpleasant experience for everyone involved.
It is best to avoid ordering messy dishes, such as spaghetti, ribs, or lobster. Also, remember to taste the food before seasoning it; many chefs pride themselves on perfectly seasoned dishes, so be careful not to overdo it. Lastly, don’t reach across the table to grab items such as Bricks Corner Pizza, bread, or salt and pepper; instead, ask someone else to pass these to you.
Take Your Time
Being on time for a business lunch is essential, as arriving late conveys that you must be more reliable. It is also necessary to take the time to study the menu beforehand and make a decision to avoid having to rush your order.
Always eat slowly, and chew your food thoroughly before speaking. Use utensils (bread plate on the left, water glass on the right) and only pass items if requested.
Never talk over others at the table, and try to avoid polarizing topics like politics and religion. If you must discuss these subjects, keep the conversation short and move on quickly to another topic. Be sure to thank your host for the lunch and follow up with a handwritten note later.
