What is the recommended time frame for greeting a guest at the door?

The recommended time frame for greeting a guest at the door is 30 seconds, as it ensures a balance between promptness and attentiveness. Greeting guests promptly when they arrive sets a positive tone for their experience and makes them feel welcomed. A swift response within this time frame also demonstrates the server's commitment to hospitality and attentiveness.

While shorter times such as 15 seconds or longer times like 1 minute or 3 minutes could seem appropriate, they may not provide the best guest experience. A 15-second greeting could be too rushed and might not allow for proper engagement. On the other hand, waiting 1 to 3 minutes could leave guests feeling ignored or undervalued, which can negatively impact their overall impression of the service. Therefore, a 30-second window is the ideal timeframe to present a welcoming and attentive demeanor to guests upon their arrival.