Take the first beverage order within 2 minutes of greeting.
Past 3 minutes, guests start reaching for phones. Past 5 minutes, they start regretting the choice of venue. Hesitation kills check averages and table-turn rhythm.
If a table needs more time, say "I'll come back in 2 minutes" and come back in 2 minutes. Don't disappear.
See the Corrective Action Framework.