The host looked me dead in the eye.
“You good with a 10-top?”
I nodded. But inside? **My soul quietly exited the building.** Look — I love a good challenge. But ten people? At once? On a Saturday night? It’s like volunteering to juggle knives while being insulted in multiple accents. Still, I grabbed my notepad, plastered on my “I’ve got this” face 😎, and walked straight into the lion’s den.
First Impressions: Mild Chaos
The table was a corporate crew. You could tell by the khakis, company lanyards, and the very specific “We all kind of hate each other but also need LinkedIn connections” energy. One person was already tipsy. Two were glued to their phones. One guy asked, “Do you have anything keto that’s also vegan?” (Sir, that’s water.) Another waved me over before I said hello to ask, “What are your drink specials?” I smiled and said the only thing that came to mind:
“Survival. Served neat.” They laughed. Ice: broken.
Strategy Over Panic
Here’s how I didn’t get swallowed whole:
**I broke them into mini-groups.** Took drink orders in sections – 3 or 4 people at a time. Less chaos, more control. ***I memorized one thing per person.** “Blue shirt wants extra lemons.” “Glasses guy wants his burger rare.” “The loud one is a vodka soda refiller.” These little anchors helped me keep the flow and made each person feel seen. .**I narrated my confidence.**>”I’ve got all ten of you. No worries – this is my warm-up round.” People LOVE being part of a smooth system. It calms their brains. The Moment I Won Them Halfway through the meal, they started asking about desserts. Instead of listing them robot-style, I said: “Alright, I’ll tell you what I’d order if I just crushed a long workday with ten colleagues and was trying to pretend I still liked them….” I pitched the skillet cookie with ice cream. They ordered “three. The Final Move I dropped the check with flair. “No rush, but if anyone’s fighting over who pays, I do offer conflict resolution services- starting at 20% gratuity.” They laughed again. It was like they forgot how chaotic they were 90 minutes ago. The Damage (In a Good Way) -Check: $387 – Tip: **$90** -Vibe: Victorious They walked out happy, full, and slightly drunk which, honestly, is the hospitality triple crown.
What You Can Steal From This
**Divide and conquer.** Don’t treat a 10-top like one unit. Break it up mentally. – **Find your anchors.** One key detail per person helps you stay sharp and personal. **Confidence is a performance.** Narrate it. Breathe it. Deliver like you’re a magician with a tray.
Final Thought
And when you prep
10-tops aren’t nightmares. They’re *boss fights.* right, keep your cool, and sprinkle in just enough charm?
You don’t just survive. **You walk out a legend.**
