If a dish is not on the menu but you can make it with available ingredients, what should you say?

If a dish is not on the menu but you can make it with available ingredients, what should you say?

• A. Say we cannot accommodate
• B. Tell them it's impossible
• C. Suggest they change their mind
• D. Apologize for the confusion... (correct)

Answer: (D)

When a guest requests a dish not on the menu but you can make it, respond with courtesy and clarity by apologizing for any confusion. This sets a positive, accommodating tone and shows you value their request. It also opens the door to actually preparing the dish, while you check details like ingredients, pricing, and timing. Saying you can’t accommodate or that it’s impossible creates unnecessary friction, and suggesting they change their mind can feel dismissive. An apologetic, can-do approach keeps the guest experience smooth and maintains trust, making it more likely you’ll fulfill the order successfully.

When a guest requests a dish not on the menu but you can make it, respond with courtesy and clarity by apologizing for any confusion. This sets a positive, accommodating tone and shows you value their request. It also opens the door to actually preparing the dish, while you check details like ingredients, pricing, and timing. Saying you can’t accommodate or that it’s impossible creates unnecessary friction, and suggesting they change their mind can feel dismissive. An apologetic, can-do approach keeps the guest experience smooth and maintains trust, making it more likely you’ll fulfill the order successfully.