Business dinners can be tricky. You want to make a good impression on your colleagues, but you also don’t want to come across as stuffy or unprofessional. This article will discuss 21 etiquette rules that will help you navigate your next business dinner at The Chocolate Bar!
Private Dining Space Rental At The Chocolate Bar
The Chocolate Martini Bar is located on the outskirts of Savannah, Georgia. We have a private indoor dining area that you may hire for business dinners or more intimate gatherings. The fee for the private dining room is $250 and this is a Non-Refundable Deposit (Applied toward bill).
The maximum number of people that can be accommodated in the facility at any one time is 15 individuals.
Depending on their order, each diner’s dining check may be split. And the table that has been reserved is non-refundable after 15 minutes.
Patio Dining: Max capacity 35 guest.
- Parties of 15 people and under are $250.
- Parties of 16-25 people are $500.
- Parties with over 25 people and Private reservation of the patio is $750.
All private dining deposits are non-refundable (Applied toward bill).
21 Etiquette Rules for Your Next Business Dinner
1. The Host Should Always Be In Charge
When you’re the host of a business dinner, it’s your responsibility to make sure everything goes smoothly. This means making sure everyone is comfortable and that no one feels left out. You should also be in charge of setting the tone for the evening and ensuring that all conversations are respectful.
2. Stick To Business Talk
One of the main purposes of a business dinner is to build relationships with your colleagues. However, it would be best if you still stuck to business talk during the meal. This means avoiding topics like politics or religion, which can be controversial and make people uncomfortable. Instead, focus on work-related topics that everyone can easily chat about.
3. Don’t Hog The Conversation
It’s important to be a good listener during business dinners. This means not talking too much and letting others have their turn to speak. Remember, you want to make a good impression on your colleagues, so let them do most of the talking!
4. Always Thank The Host
When the dinner is over, the guest should always thank the host for their hospitality. This is a basic rule of etiquette that should never be forgotten!
5. The Guest Shouldn’t Arrive Late or Leave Early
It’s important to arrive on time for business dinners and leave after dessert has been served. If you’re running late, let the host know as soon as possible. And if you need to leave early, be sure to apologize and thank the host for their time.
6. Know The Utensils’ Proper Locations
When you’re sitting down to a business dinner, there are a few things you should know about utensils. The fork goes on the left side of the plate, and the knife and spoon go on the right. If you’re not sure what to do with a particular utensil, just wait until someone else uses it and mimic their actions.
Remember:
- The fork is used to eat food held in hand (like pizza or tacos), while the knife and spoon are used for foods served on a plate.
- If you’re finished with a utensil, place it back on the table next to your plate. Please don’t leave it in your dish!
- Never use your hands to eat food that is being served on a plate. Always use your fork!
7. The Napkin Should Be Placed In The Lap
When you’re seated at a business dinner, the napkin should be placed in your lap. Don’t place it on the table or tuck it into your shirt – just let it rest comfortably in your lap.
8. The Glasses Should Be Filled Before Eating
It’s considered bad manners to start eating before everyone’s glasses have been filled. So if you’re the host, make sure to fill everyone’s glass before serving yourself. And if you’re a guest, wait until everyone has been served before filling up your own glass.
9. Always Say “Please” And “Thank You” To The Wait Staff
When you’re at a business dinner, it’s important to show proper etiquette to the waitstaff. This means saying “please” and “thank you” when they bring food or drinks and making sure to thank them when the meal is over.
10. Don’t Talk With Your Mouth Full
It’s considered bad manners to talk with your mouth full, so try to chew slowly and avoid talking until you’ve swallowed. This will make it easier for everyone at the table to understand what you’re saying!
11. Avoid Distracting Behaviors
There are a few things you should avoid doing at business dinners, as they can be distracting to others. This includes playing with your hair, fidgeting in your seat, and tapping your foot. If you need to do something with your hands, try placing them in your lap or on the table.
12. Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol
It’s important to limit yourself to one or two drinks during business dinners, as alcohol can impair your judgment. If you drink too much, you might say something that will cause problems between you and your colleagues later on.
13. Always Break Bread With Your Hands![]()
When bread is served, it should be broken with your hands and not cut with a knife. This is because bread is considered a “finger food” and should be eaten as such.
14. Turn Off Or Silence Electronic Devices
This should go without saying, but always make sure to turn off or silence your electronic devices before a business dinner. This includes your phone, tablet, and laptop. Not only is it rude to have these devices out during the meal, but they can also be distracting to others.
15. Elbows Shouldn’t Be Placed On The Table
One of the most basic rules of etiquette is to keep your elbows off the table. This rule is especially important during business dinners, as it can be seen as disrespectful to others. If you need to rest your arms, try placing them in your lap or on the armrests of your chair.
16. Always Book In Advance
When you’re planning a business dinner, it’s important to book in advance. This will ensure that you get the best possible table at The Chocolate Bar, and it will also give you time to make any special requests.
17. Make Sure Everyone Is Seated Before Ordering
Once you’ve arrived at The Chocolate Bar, ensure everyone is seated before ordering. This includes waitstaff and guests who have arrived late. Once everyone is seated, the host should be the one to order first.
18. Don’t Order For Others Unless Asked To
When you’re at a business dinner, don’t try to order for others. This includes ordering food that they “should” eat or drinks that they “should” drink.
19. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If you’re not sure what to order or how to behave, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The wait staff at The Chocolate Bar will be happy to assist you, and they’ll appreciate your effort to learn proper etiquette.
20. Don’t Forget To Tip!
Last but not least, don’t forget to tip! This is especially important if you’re dining at a nicer restaurant. A general rule of thumb is to leave a 20% tip, but you can adjust this based on the quality of service.
21. End The Dinner On A Good Note
The best way to end a business dinner is with a few words of thanks. Thank the host for their hospitality, and let them know that you enjoyed the meal. This will leave a good impression on everyone at the table!
The Chocolate Martini Bar Menu
The Chocolate Bar offers a variety of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Below is a sampling of some delicious items we have on our current menu. If you have any specific dietary needs or requirements, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Appetizers: Artichoke Spinach Dip, Sweet Potato Fries, Calamari, and Fried Ravioli.
Pasta: Cajun chicken & shrimp, Chocolate Bar Festa, Fettuccine Alfredo.
Wood-fired pizza: Roquette Pizza, Margherita pizza, Smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza.
Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Brûlée, New York Style Cheesecake with fresh fruit. Triple dark chocolate cheese cake, Chocolate Brownie Explosion.
Burgers: Bacon Jam Burger, Black, and blue jays, Chocolate Bar Classic Burger.
Note: The Chocolate Bar offers a full bar as well as amazing seasonal craft cocktails.
Visit The Chocolate Martini Bar!
The Chocolate Martini Bar is the perfect place to have your business dinner. We have a wide selection of food and drink options, and we can accommodate any dietary needs.
Address: We are located at 1 N. Godley Station BLVD, Pooler, GA 31322.
Our reservations do take priority At The Chocolate Bar . We strongly suggest you contact us and make a reservation prior to your arrival. You can do that by clicking on “Book Now” on the website! Stop in to enjoy all our unique flavors or order for pickup at (912) 348-2100.
