Meeting Dress Rehearsal

Visit the restaurant a day or two before the meeting. Have a good look at the room. Is it too large? Too noisy? Look for a table in a good position and reserve it if possible. Familiarize yourself with the menu and the house specialties. Introduce yourself to the maître d’ or manager. Set up a corporate account or allow the manager to take a credit card imprint. Let the manager know that you may be ordering wine, depending upon the preference of your guests. Let him or her know what your price range is and ask for recommendations. Tip the maître d’ when you leave, usually $10 or $20, depending upon the level of the restaurant. Make the reservation in your name and your company’s name. You want to emphasize that your event is a business meal. Make it quite clear that this meeting is important, that you are willing to pay for (and expect) top service, and that you—and possibly your associates—will be returning if all goes well.