Final answer:
In the context of a hospitality business, servers are typically expected to greet customers within 2 to 5 minutes of being seated. This standard ensures prompt service and customer satisfaction during peak times.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described indicates this is a question related to business practices, specifically the hospitality industry and customer service within a restaurant setting. Assuming the context is about the timeframe within which a server should greet customers, industry standards typically state that servers should greet customers within a short period of time of being seated, often suggested to be 2 to 5 minutes. This is to ensure prompt and welcoming service, meeting customer expectations, and managing flow during peak times such as between classes.
For instance, in the given scenario, where friends were rejoining at the counter and took over five minutes to find a table, the expectation would be for the server to greet them shortly after they are seated, acknowledging their presence and indicating service will be provided soon. Taking into account the additional given information, the business can expect customers at different intervals, with an average arrival time of one customer every two minutes.
From a business operations perspective, understating customer arrival rates and service benchmarks is critical. It allows for efficient staff scheduling, assurance of prompt service, and maintaining customer satisfaction.