[Nadia]

I agree with you wholeheartedly, a good server should not refer to their customers as "guys", it's not professional and unneccesary, even if it is a group of male guests. "How is everything?" is enough, there's no need to add on "guys". "Folks" is a bit more appropriate if you must. You are not the only ones that find this term totally offensive. There really is no need for it. I use folks or everybody, but I have to say, sometimes "guys" does slip out here and there by accident! This post definately has made me more concious of myself when I'm speaking to our customers.

A good server has good manners from the start. After a while you begin to get a feel for your customers and know what they want. Some people are very down-to-earth, while others want to be pampered. A good server should have/be a lot of things, but the number one thing is manners.