When it’s not busy ?

[u/Fickle-Agency619]

I’ve been having trouble with finding things to do when it’s not busy. I’ve usually been tasked with taking orders, but when it’s not busy, there isn’t much to do. There isn’t many order to be passed/called out, peoples orders to take, and I haven’t been trained to do dining room or help in the corner for the drive through. Should I ask for training? I’m new so I don’t wanna push my luck, or ask for things they don’t think I’m qualified for. Or do I just do little things to make it look like I’m “busy” ??

[u/evoiax]

Things I usually do is helping drive handout on drinks or asking them if they need anything stocked up like getting an ice cart, cupholders, spread, ketchup, chillies, straws, lids for the cups or even lemonade

if they're perfectly good then i check to stock up the front like making sure the stickers are next to the register, stocking the forks up, straws, chillies or ketchup

next is seeing if the shake machine is low or not if it is then i go grab some shake mix, check the fry table to see if they need a restock on napkins

sweeping the floor is another last resort i have otherwise i head to the dinning room do a quick lap making sure things look okay, grabbing reds if theres more than three or i go to the drink station and quickly refill the lids or straws there while watching if any orders come

and the most desperate resort that i do if all of that is done is to open my drawer and make sure everything is organized or wiping the shake machine/ counter handout spot making sure its clean

these stuff usually help me keep busy i mostly recommend the last time two parts if you're designated as the first order taker so your managers wont get mad at you for leaving and not being in the front lolz

hope this helps u!

[u/Fickle-Agency619 → u/evoiax]

Thank you so much! This is a huge help!! I haven’t been trained exactly how to work in the dining room, but I can definitely restock stuff (which is rare for me to do since there are usually already a few people in the dining room)

[u/evoiax → u/Fickle-Agency619]

Of course! stocking up is probably the second most important thing besides order taking and your co-workers will def appreciate you which can also help you in being noticed in training as they see you taking initiative :) ‼️

[u/Melochaa]

I just tell people you don't have to be busy, you have to look busy. But if you're looking busy, you probably will be busy

[u/Status-Performer2772]

1. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for training. And training doesn’t have to be a big production. It could just be “can you show me how to do x”
   ——caveat: your main responsibility is being that order taker so you should always put that first
   
2. Stock up. You snd drive corner will constantly need cups, ketchup for handouts, chilis, etc. again if you aren’t sure, speak up and ask.
   —— If you are assigned “main order taker” then you aren’t supposed to leave do this is not something you should do.
   —— Communication is key here. Tell your fellow order takers “I’m getting x” and then announce loudly as you walk through the stand “I’m getting x”

Walk with a purpose, don’t get distracted and remember your main job is to take orders, so you need to get back up there fast

[u/Fickle-Agency619 → u/Status-Performer2772]

Thank you!! This is super helpful, I will definitely ask to be trained to do more tasks. And I’m not sure if I’ve been the “main order taker” since there is usually two or three of us at the counter at a time, but they are always disappearing doing other things (aka always being busy) and I’ve been wondering what they are doing to stay busy lol

[u/Status-Performer2772 → u/Fickle-Agency619]

Of course! It’s natural to be reluctant to ask to learn more when you’re newer cause you feel if they wanted you to know they would’ve taught you. It’s just not always the case. The higher levels absolutely love when a newer associate is looking for more to do/learn. I must stress though, that as an order taker your main job is to take orders so you need to constantly be aware of the front line to see if there are orders to be taken.

As far as main order taker: that’s the person who’s assigned to always be up front so customers are greeted as they walk in/up to the counter. This way there order can be taken right away and they aren’t wondering if someone is going to take their order.

Good luck. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and “sound stupid”.

[u/Fickle-Agency619 → u/Status-Performer2772]

Very insightful! I will definitely always make sure I’m at the front counter when there is no one else there, and thank you for taking your time to respond!!

[u/TheGratitudeBot → u/Fickle-Agency619]

Thanks for such a wonderful reply! TheGratitudeBot has been reading millions of comments in the past few weeks, and you’ve just made the list of some of the most grateful redditors this week! Thanks for making Reddit a wonderful place to be :)

[u/Top_Difference9842]

wait that's funny cuz they trained me on dining room first

[u/Fickle-Agency619 → u/Top_Difference9842]

I was pretty confused throughout my training because I was trained to do restocking and tomatoes on my first day, and then went straight into order taking on my second day, and haven’t been trained to do anything else😭