What should you do if an item is out of stock?

When an item is out of stock, suggesting an alternative dish is the most effective approach to customer service. This action demonstrates attentiveness to the customer's needs while simultaneously ensuring that they still have a satisfying dining experience. By offering an alternative, you give the customer choices and keep the flow of the meal going, which can help maintain their overall satisfaction with the service.

Communicating the unavailability of an item and providing options helps to manage customer expectations. It allows you to steer them towards something that is available and can ensure that their dining experience remains positive. This proactive approach minimizes disappointment and keeps the customer engaged.

Informing customers at the table about the stock issue is also necessary, but without offering alternatives, it may leave the customer feeling frustrated or without options. Waiting for an item to be restocked could lead to inconvenience for the customer, as it may not align with their immediate dining desires. Ignoring the request is unacceptable in a service environment, as it demonstrates negligence and can negatively affect the dining experience. Therefore, suggesting alternatives is a key part of effective service when an item is unavailable.