How should a server approach food allergies when taking orders?

Asking customers about allergies discreetly is crucial for ensuring their safety and satisfaction. Food allergies can lead to severe reactions, so it’s important for servers to proactively engage customers in a respectful manner regarding their dietary restrictions. By discreetly inquiring about allergies, servers demonstrate a commitment to customer care while also ensuring they can make informed choices about their meals. This approach allows customers to feel comfortable sharing their needs without drawing unnecessary attention to themselves.

Assuming all customers can eat anything can lead to dangerous situations, especially if a customer has a severe allergy. Providing a list of all menu items may not be helpful if it doesn’t highlight which items contain common allergens or if customers do not specifically ask for it. Preparing food without considering allergies poses a significant risk, as it could result in cross-contamination and serious health consequences for customers with allergies. Thus, the most responsible and effective method is to ask about allergies in a discreet manner.