How should a guest be greeted to create a positive first impression?

• A. Greet within 5 seconds with a friendly smile and eye contact, such as, "Welcome to Raising Cane's!"
• B. Greet within 20 seconds with a formal tone.
• C. Ignore until they speak.
• D. Greet after the order is taken.

Answer: (B)

A strong first impression hinges on acknowledging the guest promptly with a respectful, professional tone. Greeting within twenty seconds shows you see them quickly and are ready to assist, which helps set a positive, efficient mood for the interaction. A formal tone communicates consistency and respect, aligning with Cane’s brand standards and making guests feel valued from the moment they arrive. This combination—timely recognition and a courteous, professional voice—helps guests feel welcome and prepared for a smooth service experience, even during busy times.

While a very fast greeting with a warm smile is nice, aiming for a twenty-second window is a practical balance between being quick and giving a genuine, controlled introduction. Ignoring a guest until they speak misses the chance to start the interaction on a positive note, and greeting after taking the order delays establishing connection and can feel impersonal.