Server shares how she tricks customers after forgetting to put their orders in

A Montreal server revealed how she tricked customers when she forgot to enter their orders. Her confession has prompted fellow food service workers to share their own tricks for covering up forgotten orders.

On Oct. 3, a woman (@deedlepoppers) shared her tip in a viral TikTok that has amassed over 341,000 views as of Tuesday. 

What was the server's trick for forgetting orders?

“When I used to be a waitress, I would always forget my customers' orders, so I would just go ask them how they wanted their steak cooked,” she wrote in the video's text overlay. 

“And they would reply, ‘I ordered the tacos,' and then I would just say, ‘Yes, that's true,' and then walk away,” she continued. 

Servers in the comments chimed in with similar tricks they did when in similar situations. 

“Tell em the ticket got cut and recite the one order u remember,” wrote one user.

“My work bestie has the most horrible handwriting, and if she can't figure out what she wrote, I go to her table and say, ‘I spilled a drink all over my coworker's notepad, what was your order again?'” added another. “lmao works every time.”

Additionally, many commenters added that point-of-sale systems like Toast have greatly improved their experience. “I wouldn't be a server if Toast didn't exist,” added one individual.

Have point-of-sale systems made taking orders easier?

Today, many servers use a combination of handwritten notes and digital ordering systems, rather than relying purely on pen and paper. Restaurant point-of-sale systems let servers enter orders electronically, send them directly to the kitchen, and track payments. 

These systems can reduce the need to memorize orders or decipher messy handwriting. That said, restaurants often choose different workflows depending on their size, service style, and available technology.

One popular option is Toast, a restaurant technology company that provides point-of-sale software and hardware. Servers can use Toast terminals or handheld devices to enter orders, assign items to individual seats, and send tickets directly to the kitchen. 

Restaurants are increasingly investing in these systems because they can improve efficiency, accuracy, and the customer experience. The National Restaurant Association's 2024 Restaurant Technology Landscape Report found that 48% of restaurant operators planned to invest in point-of-sale systems that year. Additionally, 76% said technology gave their businesses a competitive edge.

Digital ordering can also help servers manage complicated orders, dietary requests, and separate checks without relying entirely on memory. There are also handheld devices that allow servers to enter orders and process payments tableside.

That said, this technology doesn't eliminate every ordering mistake. Servers must enter the correct items, send orders properly, and communicate changes to the kitchen.

Subplot reached out to @deedlepoppers for comment via TikTok direct message and the TikTok comment section.

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