During service, a dish is out of stock. After apologizing, what is the recommended next step?

• A. Confirm with the guest after delivery to see if it’s correct.
• B. Ask the guest to rewrite the order.
• C. Double-check each beverage order on the ticket and confirm with the guest before delivery.
• D. Deliver and hope for the best.

Answer: (C)

When a dish is out of stock, the best next step after apologizing is to quickly review the remaining items on the guest’s ticket—especially the beverage orders—and confirm them with the guest before delivery. This keeps the order accurate, prevents mistakes like missing drinks or incorrect items, and gives the guest a chance to approve substitutions if needed. It also helps maintain service flow, catching potential errors while you still have the guest’s attention, rather than risking dissatisfaction after you’ve moved on. Delivering and hoping for the best or asking the guest to rewrite the order aren’t proactive; this verification step ensures a smooth dining experience.