Source
r/Serverlife•
three28

Carrying large trays!

Hello fellow servers! I need advice. I have been serving for a few months. At my first serving job, we had trays, but not the LARGE trays. I’m currently working somewhere else where they have the large trays that can carry up to five entrees. These trays have been so difficult for me since they are extremely heavy (for me). Does anyone have any advice on a good and safe way to carry these without dropping it and also grabbing the stand at the same time???

Posted Sep 23, 2021, 4:22 PM UTC

3333
katehq•

Take deep breaths. Balance. Use your shoulder (watch your hair) and your other hand... take your time. Never overload yourself. Never hesitate to take multiple trips- better than spilling and creating a scene and making the kitchen re-fire. Also... don't be afraid to ask for a follow.

39
KindaKrayz222•

I'm under 5 ft tall but have pretty good upper body strength because of carrying large trays. You learn how to balance it pretty well and at my height going through a narrow area I used two hands on either side and puts a tray right over my head a couple inches. LOL

19
three28OP•

The tall people at work have no issues and execute it so flawlessly. I stand at a hot 5’4. It’s not crazy short but I honestly feel BURIED under that tray lollll. I’ll take your advice.

8
Krankhaus1221•

I’m 4’11 and the size of a child. I carried tray on my left shoulder and tray stand with my right hand

5
spudzhugs•

I kind of stick my elbow into my waist for support and then I make sure there is not too much pressure on my wrist. Open your hand up so your finger tips are carrying the tray not your whole hand. And always ask for help if you can’t do it. I sometimes ask for a follow and only put a few plates on the tray.

11
three28OP•

That’s been the hardest is the wrist. It gets so ready to give out before I even make it to the table. My arm starts shaking a little and then I freak out. I guess with time my arms will get stronger? Hopefully

8
DownDal•

Keep your elbow against you side bent at 90 degrees.

Also, go put the stand out before you bring the tray. Use that time to clear stuff from the table.

9
three28OP•

I didn’t think about putting the stand out first! Genius.

5
dogstracted•

They definitely will!

1
badcatmomma•

I wrecked my shoulder from having to carry huge trays overhead. Yes, fully extended arm with heavy food on top. So glad i retired!

7
nerdiotic-pervert•

Carrabbas?

2
badcatmomma•

Oh no, local joint in Iowa!

3
Enofile•

Make sure the tray weight is over your shoulder! I am not a big or strong person but at one time I could carry 12 entrees. It's all about balancing the tray and lifting with your legs.

5
3cats0kids•

When I worked for Texas Roadhouse they made us walk around the restaurant with a tray of plates (without food on them) during training. Maybe doing this some would boost your confidence. I have no upper body strength but was able to carry heavy, full trays. Also - if the tray is super heavy, have a coworker grab the stand for you.

5
duderancherooni•

It’s already been said but, use your shoulder and one hand to carry most of the weight then stabilize with your free hand.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a follow or take multiple trips! Also if you know your food is coming up, you can definitely set up your tray stand (if you use one) before you run the food so you don’t have to do the awkward shoulder-to-hip transfer with a giant tray.

Also just remember, you get better at it!

3
j00lie•

In banquets we’re expected to carry ten meals on a tray… at first I said helllll no. I started with four at a time and worked my way up till I was comfortable. You have to build your muscle up. And doing squats helps.

3
nouser327•

The way i do it is i kinda fold my arm and tuck the tray in my inner elbow for support and with my other hand i grab the stand with my other hand. I went to the gym a lot when i first started to get some upper nody strength and after that i was golden

2
three28OP•

I go to the gym regularly and do arms but I think I’m going to have to go more often lol. Hopefully after a while I’ll build up the strength I need. Fingers crossed to no dropped trays! lol

1
Mydogis_sodumb•

It’ll come. I don’t workout but I’m a dad so I have lots of hand and upper body strength. Still didn’t matter when I came back to serving. But over time you get comfortable and discover what you’re able to carry safely and comfortably. After a couple years I can now comfortably carry 2 loaded down trays and present it all by myself.

2
rambored89•

The biggest piece of advice that helped me when balancing anything is to keep 3 points of contact.

2
[deleted]•

Don’t feel bad. I’m a bartender and am always amazed at the gallimaufry of glassware servers/bussers, etc can cram onto a tray and carry.

2
truisluv•

I balanced it on one shoulder with my hand and carried the jack with my other hand.

2
nerdiotic-pervert•

Pop it up on your shoulder and keep the elbow tucked in against your body.

2
Mr_Biggums•

I just balance it against my shoulder, hand in the center and I use my fingertips mainly

2
billnihilism69•

They let me take one home to practice with!

2
three28OP•

I’m definitely going to ask and see if they’ll let me do this!

1
SoxPatsWhalersCelts•

Center of gravity my friend! Make sure the tray is aligned so that when you pick it up with your weaker arm (your non-writing arm) the middle is center mass. From there you should be able to carry anything.

2
loveleeladysp•

I served tables on Catalina Island. I hadn't had much experience with the large trays either and was nervous about them. In the beginning, on my off time, I would go to the beach at night with a tray, a stand, some plates, a pitcher for water, and some plastic martini glasses. I would use sand to add weight to the dishes and water to mimic the dreaded martini top heaviness. I would walk around on the sand forcing myself to keep my toes up, and pay attention to my posture. This added strength and improved my balance but mostly it gave me the confidence necessary to be a good server.

2
JadedBones•

Hey! Just got a job at the island, didn’t expect to see this post so it’s a nice surprise! At my restaurants we carry plates by hand so I’m a little nervous about carrying large trays…and in the sand! Thanks for your tips :) did you have food runners or would you bring out the food as well?

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
not_thriving117•

It’s all about balance and using your shoulder. For really heavy trays I would have someone follow with the stand. Setting it on the stand is always the hardest part, but you just have to do it with confidence. I had to do this at a Mexican place with heavy skillets of fajita trays inches from my face. I learned to make sure I was busy if I saw more than one fajita on a tray. It made it so heavy

2
Ginger12832•

Anchor your arm against your body to support the weight, you do have to bend your back a little to do this but it’s always worked for me

2
hugostiglitzxxx•

JUST DO IT

1