Restaurant Lingo – Glossary of 99+ Terms, Jargon and Slang 

restaurant lingo
Restaurant Lingo

You will undoubtedly need to sharpen your restaurant lingo if you are a novice in the profession or an experienced veteran wishing to be more active. Many restaurants use terminology like the ones mentioned below regularly. Although specific terms are more prevalent, you should still learn what they imply to avoid embarrassing yourself in front of your workers.

What Is Restaurant Lingo? Restaurant lingo is a form of american spoken slang most commonly used by cooks and chefs at diners and diner-style restaurants, and is commonly understood only by those working in the industry. 

There are so many of them and it will be beneficial to brush up on the lingo and demonstrate to your coworkers that you are knowledgeable, whether you are a manager who just started their first job as a line cook at a restaurant or a new line cook who has no idea what firing a dish means.

Table of Contents

When Did Restaurant Lingo Originate 

The lingo’s genesis is uncertain; there is speculation that servers may have begun using it as early as the 1870s and 1880s. Most of the names are humorous and off-handed, and some are even a little risqué or vulgar, yet they serve as useful cognitive tools for short-order chefs and crew.

Why Was Restaurant Lingo Used

Anyone who has previously worked in a restaurant knows that specific terms are used there. When the restaurant lingo is used it will improve worker communication and increase the productivity of your business. As a result, guests will have a better experience.  

100+ Restaurant Lingo Terms Explained 

This comprehensive list of the vocabulary words and phrases used in the kitchen and front of the house will help you understand the confusing array of lingo.  

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With a Number 

5 Out

It is typically used when a dish is delayed and needs to be given precedence over other, more freshly ordered meals. When a chef calls out this instruction, a server running plates between tables at opposite ends of the dining room must move as quickly as possible to avoid keeping the diner waiting. 

86

This means to stop selling an item because it is out of stock  

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “A” 

A La Carte

refers to choosing certain things from a set meal, giving guests more freedom to personalize their dining experience. This can be demonstrated by selecting the grilled haddock from the fish platter without having to consume every other fish or crustacean that is offered on it. 

A La Mode

When you pile something on top of another, you are eating a la mode. A pie or dessert with thick cream or vanilla ice cream put on top is a famous illustration. By giving customers more alternatives for customizing the menu and enabling them to eat their desserts with a scoop of something delectable, you may make your restaurant “à la mode” in two different ways. This phrase also means “stylish” or “current.” 

Adam and Eve on a Raft 

When two eggs, scrambled or poached, are ordered on toast, it is referred to as “Adam and Eve on a raft.” It has its humorous cancellation code- this one is guaranteed to perplex any non-US restaurant owners. Still, it earns extra points for being an intriguing and unique metaphor.  

All Day

The quantity of goods that must be delivered out from the kitchen in its entirety is referred to as “All Day.” The phrase is typically used after a lengthy sentence. All day, I require 7  scrambled eggs, 5 bowls of soup of the day, 4 cups of coffee, and 7 pancakes with syrup on the side.  

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “B” 

Brigade System 

A brigade system is designed to divide cooking into parts; one lady grills all the meat, another man prepares all the veggies, and a third person prepares all the sauces. A brigade kitchen is similar to a fast food restaurant in that your dinner is likely the result of a dozen people working together, each of whom prepared and put together a different component under the supervision of white-hatted leaders. 

Bubble Dancer 

The dishwasher is a derogatory term for one of the kitchen staff’s most essential and underappreciated members. 

Buried 

This metaphor is a bit confusing and doesn’t imply what you think it means. Although the idea of anything being covered in weeds conjures up images of things that have been abandoned and left for nature to recover, the actual meaning of this phrase is “hectic.” The metaphorical weeds in this example symbolize a backlog of diners during a busy shift, much like duties can bury one if they have a weighty burden. 

Back of House (B.O.H)

Almost everything you don’t want the customers to view is contained in this region. However, the back-of-house includes the restaurant’s common areas, kitchen, locker rooms, broom cabinets, prep area, and storage rooms. 

They are a strict no-go area for patrons, and this is not a justification for you to neglect cleaning it up. Ensure these places are tidy and maintained clean to avoid contamination, if for no other reason than health and welfare. 

Bartender

This is a restaurant worker who mixes and pours drinks including beer, wine, and liquor for customers. Many other names are used to designate those who work behind the bar, including bar keep, bar man, barchef, mixologist, and bar maid. 

Bev Nap

These  little paper napkins are used in place of coasters. Although they are typically used to place underneath a drink, clients can also use them to wipe hands or tables. 

Blue Plate Special

This dish alludes to a common, low-priced item on the menus of many restaurants. 

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “C”

Cambro 

This means a sizable plastic pan for both perishable and non-perishable food storage. (The moniker, often referred to as a Lexan, comes from the business that manufactures the containers.)

Campers 

A restaurant’s least preferred type of patron is a camper. The phrase describes someone who has already completed their meal but refuses to get up from the table. Campers are to blame for the increased wait times in a packed restaurant with a backlog.

Can’t cook their way out of a paper bag 

Somebody who is a terrible cook but won’t admit it.

Chef de Partie 

This is referred to as a chef who is typically just starting in their profession and may fill a variety of chef duties, known more frequently as a line cook. Once a Chef de Partie is promoted, their next position is typically that of a Sous Chef.

Commis 

A commis is a beginning chef enrolled in a restaurant apprenticeship that entails more than chopping onions and taking out the garbage. 

To get there, he aims to learn as much as he can about how a kitchen operates in as short a time as possible. 

They will be given the task of shadowing the chef de partie of a restaurant, the station chef in charge of particular parts of food preparation and be fully knowledgeable about all aspects of preparation and cooking in that sector.

Comp 

This is the compound word for “compensate,” this is one term you don’t want to become too familiar with because it indicates giving anything away for free. There are several possible justifications for this, some of which are more compelling than others. 

Cover  

One meal or one customer served at a restaurant is referred to as a “cover” in this context. The phrase “cover” typically refers to a guest served within a specific time.

Credits 

This is the sum that the supplier must reimburse a restaurant for an item that was improperly chosen, damaged, or expired.

Cremate it or Kill it 

For example, when you hear a sentence like, “Table five wants his burger cremated,” it means “to almost burn something or to be exceedingly overcooked; extra well done.”

Cryovaced 

This is typically used with meat products. After a bag has been cryovaced to eliminate any extra oxygen, it is heat sealed to create an airtight seal. However, many dry commodities are packaged in this fashion to preserve freshness.

Check Back

This is when  a server checks on the customer’s meal; and drops off the check at the same time instead of making two trips. 

Chef

A person who has received professional training in the cooking process and serving of the dish. While most professional chefs will concentrate on one particular cuisine, it is not unusual  for a chef to be skilled in several.

Chef’s Table

Getting publicly called to the chef’s table is the peak of any restaurant experience, even if it means having a girlfriend who works behind the bar to fetch you an extra shot of vodka in your cocktail. 

This unique table, set apart from the other diners and ideally located within the kitchen, allows friends of the chef or other high-profile guests to see their food being prepared, cooked, and served.

 An extra benefit is that wait staff usually pay more attention to patrons at the chef’s table. The sommelier will frequently recommend the best wine to pair with their chosen meal.

Cooked to Order

A meal that is prepared following the special requests of the customer. Nothing has been prepared in advance. Frequently, this is done to make amends with a disappointed customer whose meal was incomplete.

Cut

This lingo needs no lengthy explanation as it simply means a beef slice.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “D”

Dead Plate

A meal that cannot be served to diners is known as a dead plate. Inadequate presentation, the wrong temperature, or using inappropriate ingredients are just a few examples of the causes of this.

Deuce 

This means a little table with only two seats. 

Dine and Dash

This is when a customer runs out without paying for their meal. 

Douse It

This term is used when a consumer asks that more sauce be added to their meal.

Drop

Drop refers to commencing the preparation of the side dish that goes with the main course, such as cheese balls or French fries for a burger. For example,” a chef would order a coworker” to drop the onion rings into the fryer as they begin to prepare the bun and salad after nearly finishing cooking a burger patty.

Drop the Check

Delivering the bill to the customer is known as “dropping the check”; 

Dupe

The information that the front-of-house crew relays to the kitchen so that the chefs are aware of what to cook for the clients. Most modern restaurants will use a POS system that will print to a kitchen printer or a KDS (Kitchen Display System).  

Double 

This simply means working two consecutive shifts.

Double/Triple Sat 

A waiter is in the weeds if they are overworked or have several tables to attend to. It might be caused by being double- or triple-seated, by a sizable gathering at one of their tables, or just by the sheer number of tables in their section.

Drop the Cheque  

After the meal, the server does this to give the customer their check. For example, “There’s no urgency though; I’ll be right back to drop the check with you.

Drop Food/Order 

This remark is typically spoken by waiters and waitresses when they begin preparing a customer’s dinner or as they bring the customer’s order to the table. For example, “I just dropped the beverages on table 4.”

Dying/Dead Plate 

A dish that cannot in any way be served to diners is known as a dead plate. Inadequate presentation, the wrong temperature, spending too long to serve the food, or using inappropriate ingredients are just a few examples of the causes of this.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “E”

Early Bird Special

An early bird special is typically held pretty earlier than regular dinner hours. It is targeted mainly at older couples and travelers who want to save money. It is often offered as a buffet.

Eighty-six, 86 

Eighty-six, often known as 86, is an abbreviation for American English used to denote that something is no longer accessible, typically from a restaurant or bar, or to describe someone or something that is not permitted on the property.

Expeditor, Expo 

The expo, short for “expeditor,” is an intermediary between the kitchen and the eating area. Ensuring that each meal has any last touches it needs and is prepared to be brought to the table is the responsibility of the expeditor.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “F”

Family Meal

Often known as a staff lunch, is a meal the restaurant provides for its staff, typically outside peak periods. These dinners may occasionally be cooked with leftover or discarded items, and a chef frequently uses these meals as a chance to test out new dishes.

Fire

This phrase is what the head chef will say to signal to the rest of the kitchen that it is time to begin preparing or cooking a dish. For example, “Go ahead and fire those pizzas for the table.”

Flash 

This is when a chef “flashes” a piece of uncooked meat in the oven to heat it just enough to finish cooking it.

Foodie 

The term “foodie” defines an individual who is enthusiastic about cooking or simply eating in different restaurants.

Free Lunch

Restaurants may often offer a complimentary lunch as a marketing tactic to draw people and boost sales. Restaurant operators hope that consumers will order more than one beverage or stay regular long-term clients by offering a complimentary meal with the offer of a beverage.

Front of House (FOH)

As a patron, you immediately interact with a restaurant or bar at the front of the house (FOH). Here, moments are created. The FOH includes a restaurant’s waiting areas, tables, chairs, booths, bars, and other public areas.

Food cost 

When this is said, it means how much money operators make (or lose) on what they sell is based on the cost of food as a proportion of revenues. 

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “G”

Garde Manger

Foods including chilled soups, fruit, greens, cakes and pastries, oysters, and even cold snacks are under the control of the chef known as the Garde-Manger. If the restaurant doesn’t have a separate charcuterie, managing roasted meats and cheeses may also be part of duties.

Ghost Restaurant

Ghost kitchens are commercially rented cooking areas with all the facilities and supplies required to prepare and serve food. Still, they are utterly void of any eating area. Especially in the epidemic, ghost kitchens have emerged as one of the year’s most popular trends in the hospitality business.

Gueridon Service

This phrase typically relates to meal preparation and cooking at the table. 

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “H” 

Happy Hour

To increase business during less busy times, restaurants often offer happy hours. Happy hour specials typically include 2-1 beverages, free appetizers, bargains, or maybe even a complimentary dinner.

Hockey Puck

This phrase refers to a burger patty that has been so terribly overdone that it resembles the little black disc used in ice hockey games.  

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “I” 

In the Weeds 

The phrase “in the weeds” refers to a server utterly behind schedule in a restaurant. According to an internet lexicon of restaurant terminology: “a slang phrase used when someone can’t catch up or is close to or beyond their capacity to handle a scenario.  

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “J”  

Jeopardy / Wheel of Fortune Crowd 

This simply relates to clients who arrive early for dinner. For example, The Danger throng at table 4 is anxious to pay their bill.

Jumpin 

This is referring to something as “jumpin” or a “happening” venue, or simply “a site where there is a whole lot of activity taking place, with so many people jammed inside that it looks as though the entire building itself has leaped off the ground,” is an odd piece of culinary slang.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “K” 

Kid’s Meal 

This meal explicitly prepared with kids in mind is known as a kid’s dinner. They typically contain an amusing toy or other kid-friendly item.

Kill it 

Kill it refers to cooking anything extremely thoroughly in restaurant slang. Overcooking a steak or a chicken breast is referred to as “killing” it. For instance, be sure to kill the meat thoroughly.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “L” 

Line Cook

Line cooks are the employees who are responsible for  preparing meals following the restaurant’s recipes. 

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “M” 

Main Course 

The meals that make up a restaurant’s main course are listed in that portion of the menu, and it typically comes after the appetizer. It can also be said that the main course is the main course of a multi-part meal that is the starred dish.

Maitre d

A Maitre d is an individual who receives customers, assigns their seats, accepts bookings, and ensures the visitor has an enjoyable experience. They are typically only found in high-end restaurants.

Meat and Three

A menu, typically offered in the Southern USA,   where  customers can select one meat and three side dishes for a discounted price. 

Menu

The items on a restaurant’s menu are all the things that are available to patrons. This often has details and images of each meal to motivate individuals to purchase.

Mise en Place

This phrase, which in French means setting everything in place, is frequently used when kitchen employees must adhere to a particular method before they can begin preparing the meal.

Monkey Dish

This small bowl with a flat bottom is known as a monkey dish, monkey bowl, or monkey plate and has several purposes. Most restaurants, diners, cafeterias, and bistros worldwide employ monkey dishes, which come in various hues and designs.

Mispick 

A mispick refers to a purchase made by a seller with a label that does not correspond to the product within.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “N” 

No Call/No Show 

No-calls/shows occur when a customer makes a booking for a table but does not arrive without informing you in advance. The hospitality business is severely hampered by restaurants refusing to seat customers who have already arrived and are hungry.

Nuke it 

This means preparing a meal in a microwave. The name “Nuke” is a contraction of the word “nuclear.” This idiom was developed as a result of the microwave’s strength. It is a term you ideally won’t hear too frequently in the kitchen as it’s vastly preferable to use ovens and gas stove tops rather than microwaves for the majority of your meal preparations.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “O” 

Omakase

Omakase, which translates from a Japanese phrase that means “leave it up to you,” is a technique in which patrons rely on their cooks to make recommendations. Turning the method of selecting particular items from the menu.

On the Fly

The term denotes that an order has to be placed immediately at restaurants, cafes, banquet halls, and other locations where food is prepared. This frequently occurs when a dish that has already been served is inedible, when a waiter makes a mistake or is tardy, or when a guest must leave immediately.

Online Food Delivery  

Purchasing foodstuffs or meals for delivery online rather than over the phone is known as online food ordering.

On a Rail or On the Fly 

On a rail or on the fly means stuff that is urgently required, for example, yesterday. “I need the salads from table 2 on a rail!” Or, “Give me a tender that’s well done…on the fly.”

Overhead 

Any expenses of a restaurant on top of  food costs.  This may include rent,  labor, utilities, POS charges, credit card fees etc.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “P” 

Paddy Well 

This phrase is widely used in Irish bars and restaurants to describe cooking until there is little chance of life left.

Party 

This phrase can be interpreted literally to indicate a real celebration party. Still, in restaurant lingo, the word “party” is used to refer to a gathering of diners, much as how a group of fish will be referred to as a “school” or a group of crows as a “murder.”

Pittsburgh Rare 

When you hear of Pittsburgh rare, it simply means a steak roasted to a very high temperature very quickly and is burned on the exterior but still rare or raw on the inside. Depending on personal preference, the level of rarity and the quantity of burning on the exterior can change. 

Pump it out 

The phrase ‘pump it out’ simply means carrying out the cooking preparations swiftly. 

Push

This can also be termed “Upselling.” Upselling is a method of “pushing” an item with the extra advantage of making clients feel pleased by how educated your employees appear to be about intriguing and uncommon menu items and how well they were able to sell them. In this case, everyone benefits.

Pick Up

Picking up applies to the transfer of duty from one server to another. It has nothing to do with inviting your customers out on a date. What happens in this situation is when one of your employees takes a break, you might ask them to speak with their fellow server and describe the situation at the tables they are responsible for.

Push It

This means wanting to sell a specific product and actively attempting to eliminate stock for a specific item.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “Q

Quote

Waiting time for a table.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “R”

Redneck

Redneck means the non-tipping audience, sometimes known as a cheapskate or someone who does not fit the rural stereotype. 

Runner

A food runner is a server whose primary responsibility is transporting orders from the kitchen to the guests’ tables. A new hire in training could occasionally perform a few shifts as a food runner to become used to the tasks. If the dining room unexpectedly fills up, the expo may act as a food runner.

Rollup

Rollups are the cutlery that would be used to eat the food items wrapped into and rolled up within the napkin. Then, in anticipation of the visitor’s arrival, this box is placed on the table or atop the dish.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “S” 

Sacked 

To get sacked, or to “get the sack,” simply means you’re being dismissed or, in a harsh tone, fired. Unless you’re fortunate, you won’t immediately encounter this sentence. There are many more euphemistic ways your supervisor may desire to frame this. For example, we’re letting you go. 

Saucier 

This simply means any line cook who is in charge of sautéing anything.

Server 

A waiter or waitress assigned to a specific table or party of diners for the duration of a service delivery time is referred to as a server. This idiom is widely popular in the United States.

Shelf life 

The shelf life of an ingredient, which refers to how long it may remain unopened before losing its usability, is undoubtedly crucial when managing a restaurant.

Sidework 

This is a situation in which the FOH employees are kept busy with tasks that are necessary for the restaurant to run properly.  Tasks such as  replenishing towels,  condiments,  and wiping and cleaning silverware.

Shoe 

This is a lazy chef or cook—someone with poor cooking skills. The phrase can also be referred to as a person who produces shoddy, low-quality food by cutting corners. They don’t really try, even though they might not be a horrible cook.

Shoe Chef 

A shoe chef, often known as a sous-chef, is a chef who serves as “the second in command in a kitchen; the person ranking next after the head chef.” As a result, the sous-chef is in charge of a lot in the kitchen and has a good chance of being promoted to master chef.

Shorting 

This is a dishonest practice by some suppliers to bill a restaurant for more goods than they actually get.

Sizzle Platter 

These metal plates are circular and used for baking one or two portions of veggies or proteins. There is a stack of these at almost every position in the line in many kitchens of restaurants.

Skate 

This is a situation in which a server leaves work without performing any extra labor.

Slammed 

This means when a server or the cook is occupied, more like “in the weeds.” perhaps, not quite as out of control as “in the weeds,”

Sommelier 

This is a skilled and experienced wine professional. A sommelier often works at a high-end or fine dining restaurant. Sommeliers are in charge of all parts of the wine service, from developing the restaurant’s wine list to providing floor service to customers.

Sous Chef 

This is the 2nd chef  in a commercial kitchen. The standard restaurant kitchen is designed, so restaurants are unaware of the head chef’s absence. The sous-chef often oversees the cooking process, the head chef serving as the administrator and creative force.

Starch 

This is a substitute for veggies; starch refers to sides like  grains, potatoes, and noodles.

Station 

A station is a location allocated for preparing a specific kind of cuisine. A restaurant kitchen runs more efficiently with the use of stations. The menu of a restaurant determines the number of stations at that firm. 

Stiffed 

This is when a patron walks out of the restaurant without giving the server, or bartender a gratuity. 

Stiffs 

This is when a customer departs after making payment but without leaving a tip.

Serving Cart

A serving cart is a small cart called a service cart that is used to help move dishes to a table. Even displaying some things uses a serving cart occasionally. A waiter or waitress is referred to as a server.

Signature Dish

This is a meal that distinguishes a particular chef or restaurant and is called a trademark dish. A perfect scenario would be distinct and allow a knowledgeable foodie to identify the chef from a blind taste.

SOS 

SOS could refer to any creamed meat served on bread (shingle). During World War II, the anonymous term—often shortened as “S.O.S”—became an everyday language among American soldiers. It makes references to the dish “cream chipped beef on toast,” which has been a staple of Army cookbooks for more than a century.

Stretch It 

This refers to when a restaurant runs out of a particular ingredient and does all its power to “stretch” what’s left to last them the entire evening.

Still Moving or Still Mooing 

In a restaurant or diner, the phrase “still moving or still mooing” could be referred to as “Served rare.” This means a rare steak that might still be alive.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “T” 

Table Turn 

Table turns are the total times a particular table has gone through the whole meal process during a shift, starting with seating and ending with payment.

Tare  

This means calculating the price for a correct weight of a container that a product is delivered in should be deducted from the overall weight of the product.

Tender 

This means meals that have been properly cooked, making it a delicate food that is easy to cut and consume.

The Man, the Boogie Man 

The man, the boogie man, is referred to as the inspector of health. He is called the boogie man because he is despised by some and is portrayed by them as bad or nasty to frighten others away from their views or activities.

Top 

Top refers to the size of an eating group. An eight-top, for instance, is an eight-person dinner party, and a three-top is a three person group.

Toss 

Certain sellers employ this dishonest technique to make a box appear filled with goods.

Totes 

Totes are fish delivery containers that are typically made of plastic. Usually rectangular, though occasionally square or circular. Kitchen staff hoard crates as they make great airtight storage containers for just about everything after being cleaned and sterilized.

Tourne 

Tourne refers to veggies with a shape similar to a small, somewhat tapered cork, but with seven evenly sized facets as opposed to being sleek. They are typically cooked, broiled, or grilled.

Turn & Burn 

This means quickly rotating a table as a result of the restaurant being busy. It will experience an extensive waiting list.

Tron 

Tron simply means slang from the 1980s for a waiter or waitress.

Two second rule 

This is the interval between a food item falling to the ground and being picked up, sautéed, and placed on a plate, usually followed by a regretful glance to see if anyone else noticed it.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “U”

Upsell 

This technique of convincing or affecting a customer’s buying decision at a restaurant involves luring them with more expensive or higher margin add-ons and goods.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “V”

Value meal 

A value meal is a selection of products from a restaurant that is packaged and sold as a whole for a meager price. This is typically done to raise the number of goods ordered, which raises income for the restaurant.

Veg 

This simply means any side dish that includes vegetables.

V.I.P

An extremely significant client who receives particular consideration since they may be well-known. Reviewers of food fit that description. Usually followed by lots of Comps.

Restaurant Lingo Beginning With “W”

Waitron  

Waitron is a restaurant or bar’s waiting staff or serving staff that attends to patrons and serves them food and drinks as needed. 

Walk-in 

Two things can be referred to as walk-ins at a restaurant. a walk-in freezer used to store perishables like meat. A diner who shows up at your restaurant unannounced and is seeking a table

Walked 

The phrase “dine and dash,” which describes a consumer who departs without payment, is somewhat similar. You may also use it to describe an employee who quit in the middle of the workday.

Window 

This means a shelf that is usually heated and connected to the kitchen where food is prepared before being served to the table.

Well drinks 

Simply described, “well drinks” are mixed drinks produced with the least expensive house liquors available from behind the bar, catering to patrons who aren’t overly concerned with the quality of the booze they’re ordering when it’s going to be covered in lemonade or some other sweet syrup.

FAQS

What Is Top in Restaurant Lingo?

Top in restaurant lingo means “8 top at table 20.” at dinner party’s size. It refers to how many visitors a table might accommodate; the number of seats at a table.

What Does 87 Mean in a Restaurant?

From one establishment to the next, the code could change. In a restaurant, 87 means “we’ve run out of that item on the menu.” 

What Does 68 Mean in Restaurant Terms?

Sixty-eight, often known as 68, which can be called 86 is an abbreviation for American English that is used to denote that something is no longer accessible, typically from a restaurant or bar, or to describe someone or something that is not permitted on the property. 

What Is Family in Restaurant Lingo?

Outside of the busiest times, a restaurant will provide its personnel with a family or staff dinner. As a benefit of my job, the restaurant offers dinner at no cost. Usually, the dinner is served all at once to the personnel, who are all considered equal and like “family.” 

What Does 86 Mean in a Restaurant?

Restaurants typically utilize the number 86 when an item cannot be given to clients because it is either out of stock or unavailable. This frequently occurs, particularly with periodic, limited-edition, or unique things. Additionally, it might indicate that a product has expired and needs to be replaced. 

What Does Sos Mean in a Restaurant?

S.O.S. in a restaurant means a Creamy Hamburger Gravy, a classic dish. This traditional, straightforward, and delicious dish brings to mind military cookery! It’s a pretty straightforward dish with no effort at all.

What Does Lbd Mean in Restaurants?

LBD stands for lunch business decline, and it indicates that you arrive at 9 a.m. You can enter anytime it slows down, but it might remain crowded until lunchtime, which is at four o’clock. 

Why Do Chefs Say Fire?

When the chef says “Fire,” it means the chef is signaling to the rest of the kitchen that it is time to begin preparing or cooking a dish. For example, “Go ahead and cook those pizzas for the table.”

What Does Ace Mean in a Restaurant?

An excellent adjective is “ace.” You’re describing something as good when you say it. For instance, imagine you were asked if a specific restaurant is worthwhile to visit. You would remark, “That restaurant is ace!” if you like it. 

What Does Ga Mean on a Menu?

This means gluten-free menu items and Cross-contact with other gluten-containing foods are conceivable. Although it is our goal to satisfy our visitors’ dietary requirements, we cannot guarantee that these products adhere to the “gluten-free” criteria. 

Why Do Chefs Talk All Day?

The phrase “all day” is used in chef lingo to denote the whole amount of orders required. A cook will scream out the orders as tickets are received, and they will be heard all day. 

Why Do Waiters Say Corner?

When rounding a corner (typically in or near the kitchen), servers frequently shout this to warn anyone who may be approaching them but can’t see them. It helps prevent any mishaps or crashes, particularly when individuals are carrying plates, mugs, or other objects containing food. 

Why Do Chefs Say, Heard?

A cook who shouts “heard” is indicating that they have heard an update from an exhibition representative or another cook. It’s better to say this while directing attention back to yourself: “Heard! 

What Is an 8 Top in a Restaurant?

An 8 top in a restaurant means a table with eight seats, which refers to a table (often two tables pushed together) where the hostess has just seated eight guests. For example, “You have an 8 Top. 

What Does RO Mean in Restaurants?

R.O in the restaurant business means “Requested Off” in the work schedule. This is taken in a situation whereby an employee needs to attend to an important matter or be present at a particular event. 

What Is Bussing at a Restaurant?

Bussing at a restaurant is an entry-level position in the restaurant industry, which is usually referred to as a “busboy” or “busgirl.” Buses collaborate with the kitchen and waiters to keep the tables tidy and prepared for the incoming clients. Collecting dishes, cups, towels, and dirty silverware from tables could be another duty for a busser.

What Is the Speed of Service in a Restaurant?

In quick-service restaurants, the standard for gauging customer satisfaction is the speed of service or speed with service. However, faster is not always better. While speed is vital, it doesn’t matter much if the food is made incorrectly or lacks certain ingredients.

What Is an SOS Sandwich?

SOS, commonly referred to as Creamy Hamburger Gravy, is a classic dish. This traditional, straightforward, and delicious dish brings to mind military cookery! It’s a pretty straightforward dish with no effort at all.

Why Is It Called a 2 Top?

The host often uses this phrase to alert the waiter that new guests have been seated at their table. A 2-top holds two people, a 4-top holds four, and so on. You can fit this many guests at a table.

Conclusion

A competent staff that can communicate with one another is equally important as the products on the menu in a restaurant because there are so many things to keep track of and maintain in order.

After all, the food won’t just appear in front of the person who ordered it by itself. It’s essential to learn and master these restaurant languages. To save time and energy and concentrate on the matter rather than discussing everything in great detail, every industry has its unique collection of code words and shorthand communications.

Jeff Smith is a Restaurant Consultant with over 20 years of hospitality experience ranging from server to owner and general manager.  He focuses on Restaurant POS technology as well as restaurant marketing.  Make sure to check out our world famous restaurant resources page for a comprehensive offering of hand picked resources and tools to help your business.  You can also check out some of our other restaurant business articles.   

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