Turning Tables

Hospitality fuels local economies, with dining out being a favorite activity of millions of Americans. Many people spend their early careers working in hospitality, and while some leave it off their résumé once they move on to new careers, the skills learned in hospitality can have a lasting impact. Based on years of interviews with servers and bartenders across America, Turning Tables connects lessons from food service to professional success. The attributes that make a great server—organization, multitasking, upselling, and maintaining a positive attitude—translate directly to roles in sales, customer service, and leadership. This insightful resource reveals how the work done behind the scenes to bring delicious, hot meals to diner’s tables neatly aligns with what it takes to be a top seller, customer service representative, or supervisor. The ability to deliver under pressure, think on one’s feet, and exceed expectations is as valuable in the office as it is behind the bar or in the kitchen. Whether hospitality is someone’s forever career, they’re looking to make a switch, or they’re responsible for hiring and managing a team, Turning Tables provides practical lessons to elevate any career. From nurses to real estate agents to Capitol Hill staffers, countless professionals got their start in food service—and their success is rooted in the skills they learned there. With a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant life, Turning Tables shows how to apply hospitality-driven principles to thrive in business and beyond.