How to Properly Handle Dining Arrivals at a Business Lunch

When attending a business lunch, it's essential to maintain a professional and courteous demeanor, especially when faced with the situation where your food arrives before your dining companions. Proper etiquette can ensure that your lunch is a success and leaves a positive impression. Let's explore the appropriate steps to take in such scenarios.

Waiting to Start Eating

Wait to Start Eating: Unless the food is likely to get cold or is something that requires immediate attention, it's generally polite to wait until your companions' food arrives before you begin eating.

Engaging in Conversation

Engage in Conversation: Utilize the time before your food arrives to engage your dining companions in conversation. This maintains a pleasant atmosphere and demonstrates your consideration for their experience.

Checking on Their Order

Check on Their Order: If your companions' food arrives tardily, you might politely inquire if they want to check with the server about their order. This shows that you are attentive and considerate of their needs.

Be Mindful of Timing

Be Mindful of Timing: If your food is getting cold and your companions' food is still delayed, it's acceptable to take a few bites while keeping the conversation going. However, ensuring that the food is still enjoyable is crucial.

Sharing Your Food

Consider Sharing: If appropriate, you might offer to share a bite of your food with your companion while they wait for their order. This gesture can help foster a friendly and collaborative environment.

In US Contexts

In the United States, it is acceptable though not the most gracious to start eating and return to work, particularly if you are in a social dining setting with friends or family or during a job interview. However, until your companions become a mentor to you, it's not your place to judge their upbringing.

Handling Variations in Eating Paced

Slow Eaters: Individuals who are slow eaters, such as myself, might order first to ensure they have their food on the table first. However, the typical etiquette is to wait until everyone has their food before commencement of eating.

In the scenario where someone is willing to start eating without you, the polite approach is to wait. Taking just one bite and waiting for the rest of the group to catch up is an acceptable compromise. It would be impolite to finish your meal while others are still eating, which could lead to awkwardness and negative impressions.

Maintaining a friendly and considerate demeanor is key in a business lunch setting. Proper etiquette not only enhances the dining experience but also contributes to a positive professional image. Whether you are the first to order or wait for everyone to have their food, ensure that you handle the situation with grace and courtesy.