How Long is Orientation at Applebee‘s? The Complete Insider‘s Guide

Starting a new job is always an exciting and nervous time! I‘m sure you have a lot of questions running through your mind about what to expect on your first day of orientation and training at Applebee‘s. Not to worry, I‘ve got you covered.

As an industry expert with over 15 years of experience, I‘ve helped train countless servers, cooks and hosts for success at restaurants like Applebee‘s. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to totally ace your orientation and training.

Get ready to learn:

• Exactly what happens on your first day
• Key training and orientation tips
• How the tipping system works
• Uniform and dress code details
• And much more!

Let‘s get started. I‘m here to ensure you feel completely prepared and ready to shine at Applebee‘s!

Step 1: Arriving for Orientation

Your orientation day will likely start bright and early. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled orientation time to fill out any new hire paperwork. I recommend bringing:

• Forms of ID like your driver‘s license or passport
• Bank information for direct deposit
• Your social security card
• Pens, paper, and a folder to keep everything organized

Try to minimize what you bring so you have your hands free for any tours or activities. The paperwork can take 30-45 minutes, so come prepared!

After paperwork, you‘ll join the main orientation group. This is when the fun begins!

Step 2: Meeting the Applebee‘s Team

The first part of orientation involves introductions and learning about the values that make Applebee‘s special:

• You‘ll meet managers and trainers who will guide you at the restaurant
• Orientation leaders will share Applebee‘s origins and Keys to Excellence
• It‘s a great chance to start putting names to faces

This overview gets you immediately immersed in the Applebee‘s culture. You‘ll gain insight into how Applebee‘s became the household name it is today.

Fun Fact: The first Applebee‘s opened in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980. There are now over 1,800 locations worldwide!

Step 3: Learning Policies and Procedures

I know rules aren‘t the most exciting part of a new job, but reviewing Applebee‘s policies is critical. Pay close attention because:

• You‘ll be expected to follow all standards for quality and safety
• Understanding workplace rules avoids issues down the road
• It shows you‘re committed to the Applebee‘s team

Some key policies include:

Attendance: Requirements for punctuality, calling in sick, trading shifts, etc. Not showing up on time can get you fired fast!

Food Safety: Proper cooking, storage, sanitation, prep, and cleanup procedures.

Workplace Conduct: Harassment, discrimination, violence, and illegal activity are strictly prohibited.

Dress Code: Specifics on acceptable attire, shoes, jewelry, grooming, and personal hygiene. Looking polished is part of the job!

Device Usage: Cell phone, camera, and social media rules are very important to follow. Don‘t snap restaurant pics!

Paying close attention shows you take the rules seriously. Taking notes is a great idea too. This info will be critical once training begins.

Step 4: Touring the Restaurant

One of my favorite parts of orientation is the restaurant tour! This gives you the lay of the land before real training starts.

You‘ll visit:

• Dining Areas: Get familiar with the server stations, bar, and table layouts. Notice lighting, music, and decor details that make the ambience special.

• Kitchen: Observe the cook line, prep stations, dishwashing area, walk-in refrigerators and freezers. Appreciate how much coordination happens behind the scenes!

• Outside Areas: See the entrance and exterior patio spaces. Look for the host stand, waiting area, parking, and signage too.

• Offices: Visit manager offices, inventory rooms, employee areas like the breakroom, and points of entry/exit.

Tours are a great chance to ask questions about day-to-day operations. Don‘t be shy! There‘s so much to learn about how a restaurant runs.

Step 5: Completing Paperwork

With so many employees, restaurants have a lot of required paperwork. Here are some forms you‘ll likely fill out:

• Contact Information: Provide your legal name, address, phone, email, and emergency contact details.

• Tax Forms: IRS Form W-4 and state withholding forms need to be completed so taxes can be properly deducted from your paychecks.

• Employment Eligibility: Form I-9 verifies your legal right to work in the United States. Have your social security card and ID ready.

• Direct Deposit: Supply your bank account information to get paychecks electronically deposited. Much easier than cashing paper checks!

• Benefits: Choose health insurance plans and optional benefits like 401(k) retirement accounts.

Don‘t stress about the paperwork pile – managers will explain each form and answer any questions. Having your social security card, ID, and bank details makes things much smoother.

The paperwork can take up to 2 hours to fully complete. It‘s essential for getting you on the payroll!

Step 6: Coverage Expectations and Schedules

With so many shifts that need coverage, scheduling is incredibly important for restaurants. During orientation, a manager will explain:

• Availability: The days and times you are available for shifts based on your needs.

• Required Shifts: Any non-negotiable shifts like Friday or Saturday nights when it‘s busiest.

• Shift Lengths: Standard shifts tend to be 4-6 hours for part-time staff and 8 hours for full-time.

• Shift Trading: How to properly request someone cover your scheduled shift.

• Schedule Changes: Procedures for requesting different shifts, days off, or increased hours.

Having reliable staff is so critical for a smooth restaurant operation. Be very clear and upfront about the hours you can reliably work. This helps management create schedules efficiently.

After paperwork is complete, you‘ll receive a tentative schedule for your first week. Specific hours and shifts are subject to change, but this gives you an idea of when training will take place.

Step 7: Getting Your Uniform

No orientation is complete without a trip to get sized for uniforms! Applebee‘s provides shirts, hats, aprons, and name tags with the company logo.

Having a uniform ready for your first shift is ideal, but give at least 24 hours for custom embroidery. You‘ll also need to wear acceptable pants, shorts, or skirts along with proper footwear.

Here are some uniform basics:

• Men receive two short-sleeve shirts and women get two sleeved tops.

• Hats are optional for hosts and servers, and required for cooks. Select a baseball cap or visor.

• Fully adjustable aprons are provided to keep uniforms tidy.

• Name tags feature your name and job title. Wear it every shift!

Along with uniforms, grooming standards will be explained. Hair, makeup, facial hair, tattoos, accessories, and more all impact your look. A polished appearance is part of the job.

Look forward to receiving your personalized uniforms – they make you feel part of the team right away!

Step 8: Orientation Wrap Up and Questions

At the end of orientation, you‘ll likely feel overwhelmed with all the new information. That‘s totally normal!

Before you leave, managers will:

• Review key details of what was covered

• Provide contacts for follow up questions

• Give information about when and where to arrive on your first training shift

• Answer any other questions you may have

Don‘t be shy about speaking up! Ask about anything you‘re unsure of before training starts. The goal is to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared for your new role.

With paperwork done, uniforms ordered, and questions answered – orientation is a wrap. Time to get some rest because your training shifts are just around the corner.

Applebee‘s Training Guide

The real work begins once orientation finishes and actual restaurant training starts. To help you ace this crucial phase, here‘s an overview of the extensive training program and tips to succeed:

Server Training Essentials

Waiting tables requires mastering a surprising number of skills. Here‘s what Applebee‘s servers can expect:

• Menu Knowledge: Servers memorize the entire menu including food descriptions, ingredients, and pricing. Flashcards help! Being an expert makes recommendations easier.

• Drink Training: Hands-on guidance for making cocktails, mixed drinks, beer, wine, coffee, and sodas properly and safely.

• Order Taking: Extensive practice for accurately entering orders into the POS system and computers. One small mistake can totally mess up an order!

• Food Running: Shadow experienced servers to learn proper delivery procedures. You‘ll soon be a pro at juggling multiple plates and checking orders.

• Tableside Service: Step-by-step instruction for tasks like setting and clearing tables, serving courses, crumbing, and interacting with guests. Every restaurant has its own unique system.

• Guest Engagement: Servers use role playing to polish hospitality skills and learn how to read guests. The ability to personalize service based on cues and preferences takes time to develop.

As you can see, server training is in-depth! Between hands-on practice and shadowing, expect it to take 2-3 weeks before you feel comfortable handling all server duties. Don‘t let that overwhelm you. Lean on fellow servers for guidance and use shift meals to study the menu. With commitment and patience, you‘ll get the hang of it!

Pro Tip: Avoid feeling flustered or rushed during busy shifts. Customers can always tell – take a deep breath and focus on one table at a time. Speed comes with experience!

Cook Training Basics

Working in a bustling kitchen takes serious skill. Cooks can expect the following training:

• Station Training: Work at every station like pantry, fryer, grill, and prep to become familiar with all kitchen areas. It takes time to learn the nuances of each.

• Recipe Instruction: Applebee‘s recipes are top secret, but you‘ll get in-depth guidance on how to follow each step and ingredient precisely. Pay close attention – consistency is key.

• Cooking Methods: Master various techniques like sautéing, broiling, braising, and frying. Proper temperature control and frequent stirring or flipping prevents burning.

• Food Prep: From knife skills to portioning and sanitizing, you‘ll become an expert at prepping ingredients quickly while preventing contamination and waste.

• Order Reading: Learn how to read tickets, understand mods and allergies, and prepare multiple orders simultaneously. Communication with servers is critical!

• Quality Control: Managers will ensure you can identify and consistently meet standards for temperature, doneness, sizing, garnish, and presentation.

Whew, cooking involves even more training than waiting tables! Don‘t let that scare you. You‘ll be amazed at the skills you develop after just a few short weeks. Keep an open mind, ask questions, and always strive for improvement.

Pro Tip: Double-check orders for any special requests or modifications. It‘s better to clarify questions before food goes out than have it sent back!

Host and Hostess Training Tips

While hosts don‘t take orders or cook food, they play an equally vital role. Here‘s an overview of their training:

• Greeting: Hosts will practice warm and sincere greetings, both in person and over the phone. Families first waiting for a table will remember a friendly welcome!

• Wait Lists: Hands-on training for wait list systems and technology, including alerting the kitchen of large parties. Efficiency is key when the list grows.

• Seating: Learn proper rotation for filling tables as they open up. This maximizes server sections and ensures customers aren‘t waiting longer than necessary.

• Phones: Extensive practice for booking reservations, estimating wait times, and providing top-notch phone service. Even tones and voices can de-escalate frustrated callers.

• Large Parties: Step-by-step guidance for organizing the seating chart when a 20 top or other giant group arrives. It takes finesse!

• Other Duties: Hosts keep busy with side work like updating displays, straightening menus, and even rolling silverware when possible. Offering a hand shows initiative.

Remember, hosts are the first and last impression customers have of a restaurant. While it can get hectic, keep your cool when managing crowds and you‘ll do fantastic!

Pro Tip: Avoid saying a table will be ready in "just a few minutes" unless you‘re 100% sure. Customers get very annoyed waiting longer than promised!

Applebee‘s Orientation Dress Code

I‘m sure you‘re wondering – what should I wear to orientation at Applebee‘s?

Since this is your potential future workplace, skip the jeans and t-shirts. Instead, aim for neat, polished business casual attire.

Recommended Attire:

For Men:

• Ironed slacks or khakis

• Button down or collared polo shirt

• Optional tie or blazer

• Leather belt and dress shoes

For Women:

• Slacks, skirt, or dress

• Professional blouse, sweater, or nice top

• Flats, low heels, dress sandals, or loafers

• Minimal accessories and jewelry

• Neutral hosiery if wearing a dress or skirt

What to Avoid:

• Jeans or shorts

• Graphic tees or tank tops

• Sandals, sneakers, or flip flops

• Visible tattoos or piercings

• Strong perfumes or colognes

Making a polished first impression shows you take the opportunity seriously. Keep clothes clean pressed, hair neatly styled, and facial hair well-groomed.

The orientation dress code is more formal than the everyday work uniform, but looking your best gets things started on the right foot!

Applebee‘s Tipping and Pay Insights

I‘m sure you‘re curious how much money you can make working at Applebee‘s. Here‘s an overview of average pay and how tipping works:

• Servers earn a reduced hourly wage between $2.13-$5.00/hr since they receive tips. This is known as the tip credit wage. Their income comes mostly from tips, which are typically 18-20% of the bill. On average, Applebee‘s servers make $11-$15/hr after tips. Servers share a portion of their tips (called a tip out) with other front of house staff like bartenders and hosts.

• Cooks make more hourly since they don‘t receive tips. Average Applebee‘s cook pay is $12-$15/hr. Top kitchen performers who demonstrates skill and leadership potential may be offered higher wages or salaried sous chef roles.

• Hosts/Hostesses get an hourly wage similar to cooks and earn $12-$14/hr on average. Tips are not expected but some guests may offer an occasional tip if service was exceptional.

Keep in mind pay varies based on your location, experience level, and work performance. Part time staff also receive fewer benefits than full time roles.

Working in restaurants requires dedication, passion, and a positive attitude. But the potential to earn better through pay raises and increased tips over time makes it rewarding!

Final Orientation Tips and Tricks

Orientation and training can feel intimidating, but don‘t stress! Here are my top tips to help you shine on day one:

• Arrive early. Give yourself extra time for paperwork and getting settled.

• Dress professionally. Look sharp and well groomed.

• Bring supplies. Have your social, ID, bank details, pens, and notebook ready.

• Pay attention. Focus and take notes – this info is crucial.

• Ask questions. Better to get answers now before starting work.

• Build connections. Introduce yourself and interact with the team.

• Study menus. Memorize food and drinks in your free time.

• Be patient. Don‘t expect to be perfect on day one. Mistakes happen to everyone.

• Have fun! Training is even more challenging than orientation, but you‘ve got this.

Stick with it, work hard, and constantly improve. Before you know it, you‘ll be a total pro!

I hope this guide covered everything you need to totally rock your orientation and training at Applebee‘s. Let me know if you have any other questions! Good luck – you‘re going to do amazing.