From “Hola” -"Hello" to Sales Hero: 10+ Upselling Hacks for Stellar Service & a 5* Memorable Experience.

Cambridge Dictionary: icebreaker (noun)

UK  /ˈaɪsˌbreɪ.kər/ 

US  /ˈaɪsˌbreɪ.kɚ/

“a game or joke that makes people who do not know each other feel more relaxed together”

Icebreaker Barcelona (IB Worldwide SL)
isn't only about helping you or your
staff speak 5-star Spanglish!

IB cares about creating unforgettable memories and experiences for your clients.

Icebreaker interviewed over 50 tourists and locals in Barcelona and the majority are quick to say the service in bars, restaurants, and hotels is well below average. Especially compared to other cities like Malaga mentioned in the interview below.

IB’s consultation, e-book, and 30 minute optional language classes (includes role playing)
empower your staff to break the ice with genuine connections, transforming your bar, restaurant, or hotel into a place where guests feel like their needs are truly acknowledged, respected, and valued.

Better service = more sales.

IB increase your sales at least 20%
per table and hour!

Get your personalized IB E-Book.

Turn Every Interaction into a High-Five Moment:

Our approach goes beyond a simple upsell script. We equip your staff with the skills to build rapport and identify guest preferences.

Here's how Icebreaker creates 10+ natural upsell opportunities within each interaction:

• Warm Welcome, Big Smiles:

  • From the moment guests arrive, Icebreaker training fosters genuine greetings that set the tone for a positive experience.

    • “Hello and welcome! It's a beautiful evening, isn’t it?”

    • “Would you like to check out our lovely terrace?”

• Beverage Matchmaking:

  • Instead of a robotic drink order, IB’s training encourages staff to suggest pairings that complement chosen dishes, or menu del dia’s, or recommend seasonal or the chef’s specialties that pique curiosity.

    • “Looking at the steak you ordered, our full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon would be a perfect match.”

    • “We also have a refreshing mango iced tea on special today if you'd prefer something lighter.”

• The Art of Appetizer Recommendations:

  • Icebreaker equips your waiters and camareros to go beyond the menu, we want to share your history, and your why. The reason why you exist. Your staff is your how.

  • Your staff will be able to suggest shareable plates that complement entrées, highlight exclusive chef's specials, or subtly propose upgrading portion sizes.

  • Knowing your customer’s needs or preferences, you can offer the right bang for their buck.

    • “Our calamari is a great starter to share, and it pairs nicely with both your seafood and pasta dishes.”

    • “We also have a limited-time offer on our crispy shrimp tacos – two for the price of one!”

• Main Course Magic:

  • Our training fosters genuine interest in guest preferences. Waitstaff can suggest side dishes that elevate the entrée experience, or introduce premium options for a touch of luxury.

  • What’s your bestseller?

    • "For the salmon, our roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy accompaniment.”

    • “We also offer a jumbo tiger prawn upgrade that pairs beautifully with the dish if you're feeling extra hungry today."

• Beyond the Plate:

  • Icebreaker doesn't stop at the main course. Staff can inquire about dietary needs and offer freshly ground pepper or additional sauces to personalize the experience.

    • "Noticing you haven't touched the bread yet, do you have any dietary restrictions?”

    • “We also have a variety of hot sauces on hand if you'd like to add a little extra kick to your meal."

More confident staff = better customer service.

• Create Unique Upselling Opportunities:

  • Icebreaker upselling isn't pushy; it's about adding value. Our training emphasizes:

• Focus on Benefits:

  • Recommendations highlight how add-ons enhance the guest's experience.

• Genuine Enthusiasm:

  • Staffers are confident and passionate about suggesting menu items that they truly believe in.

• Reading Guest Cues:

  • Body language is key.

    • We train staff to recognize when a guest is open to suggestions and when to simply offer stellar service.

• Personalization is Key:

  • IB’s recommendations are tailored to your guest’s preferences and your menu options.

Beyond the Bill:

Icebreaker doesn't end with the check. We’ll help you create an experience so memorable that your clients will tell their friends and family about how awesome the food, the people, and the place was.

Our training encourages your staff to:

• Mention Upcoming Events:

  • Spark excitement for future visits by mentioning special events or promotions.

    • "We have a fantastic jazz night next Friday, and reservations are recommended if you're interested!"

• Loyalty with a Smile:

  • Introduce loyalty programs or gift certificate options in a friendly and informative way.

    • "Did you know we have a loyalty program that rewards frequent diners with discounts and special offers? You can sign up easily through our app."

Icebreaker isn't just about making your business more money; it's about crafting unforgettable experiences that keep guests coming back for more.

It's the human touch that transforms hospitality from service to everlasting memories.

¡Camareros AKA waiters! STOP waiting to learn Spanglish. KNOW these phrases if you work in a bar, hotel, or restaurant.

Today, tourists only care about a good experience, their first interaction wherever they travel, sets the tempo for the trip.

People often forget a holiday vacation, begins with a casual airport beer.

Una cerveza por favor
¡que vamos a España!

Their only worries when they arrive are:
what to do, see, and eat today?

To be, or not to be?
To spend here, or to spend there?

A welcoming and confident waiter can transform a hesitant customer into a raving fanatic, boosting not just their own recommendations, but the restaurant's story and traditions they tasted from the plate of the day.

Here's where Icebreaker steps in. By empowering waiters with clear communication skills, we help them unlock hidden sales potential.

Imagine waiters who can confidently recommend dishes, wine, cocktails, navigate dietary restrictions, and create a genuine connection based on trust with each guest.

Suddenly, ordering becomes an adventure, not a dreadful chore, and customers are more likely to splurge on that extra tapa or delectable dessert.

IB Language Plan for Hospitality equips waiters to be the secret weapon of any bar, or restaurant, turning conversations into conversions and boosting sales one friendly interaction at a time.

Turn first-time customers into regulars.
Download our FREE E-Book

Unlock Sales in 60 Seconds:
Mastering First Impressions

Click here to unlock your restaurant's secret weapon!

Greetings (Saludos):

• ¡Hola! ¿En qué puedo ayudarles hoy?

  • Hi! How can I help you today?

• Hola / buenos días / buenas tardes / buenas noches

  • Hello / good morning / good afternoon / good evening

• Por aquí, por favor

  • Right this way, please.

1. Making a Reservation (Hacer una reserva):

   • Hacer una reserva

     • To make a reservation

   • Déjeme ver si tenemos una mesa disponible

     • Let me check if we have a table available

2. Taking Orders (Tomar pedidos):

   • ¿Puedo ayudarle (señor/señora)?

     • (Can I help you (sir/mam)?

   • ¿Cómo puedo ayudarle?

     • How can I help you?)

   • ¿Ha decidido?

     • Have you decided?

     • Have you made up your mind yet?

   • ¿Le están atendiendo?

   • Are you being served?

   • Did someone already take your order?

   • ¿Les gustaría ver la carta?

     • Would you like to see the menu?

     • Would you like to check out the menu?

3. Drinks (Bebidas):

   • ¿Qué les puedo traer de beber?

     • What can I bring you to drink?

   • ¿Qué le gustaría beber?

     • What would you like to drink?

     • What would you like to start with?

   • Agua con gas o sin gas?

     • Still or sparkling?

   • Una pinta de cerveza

     • A pint of beer

   • Media pinta

     • Half a pint

   • Carta de vinos

     • Wine list

   • Un vaso de vino blanco

     • a glass of white wine

   • vino tinto

     • red wine

   • rosado

     • rosé

   • vino de la casa

     • house wine

4. Appetizers and Courses (Aperitivos y platos):

   • ¿Tal vez le gustaría tomar un aperitivo?

     • Maybe you would like to have an appetizer?

   • Entrantes

     • Starters

   • Plato principal

     • Main course

   • Postres

     • Desserts

5. Placing an Order (Pedir):

   • ¿Desea pedir algo?

     • Do you wish to order (something)?

     • Are you ready to order()?

   • Estamos listos para pedir.

     • We are ready to order.

6. Cooking Preferences (Preferencias de cocción):

   • Bien hecho

     • Well done

   • medio

     • medium

   • poco hecha

     • rare

7. Different Types of Meals (Tipos de comidas):

   • Plato combinado

     • Main course

   • menú de tres platos

     • Three-course meal

   • Menú degustación

     • Tasting menu

   • Menú especial del chef

     • Chef's special

8. Making Changes to an Order (Cambiar un plato):

   • ¿Podría tener x en lugar de x?

     • Could I have x instead of x?

9. Checking if the Customer Needs Anything Else (Verificar si el cliente necesita algo más):

   • ¿Han terminado de comer? ¿Les puedo traer algo más?

     • Have you finished eating? Can I bring you anything else?

   • ¿Necesita algo más?

     • Do you need anything else?

10. Asking for the Bill (Pedir la cuenta):

    • ¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?

      • Can you bring me the bill, please?

    • ¿Me podría decir cuánto es?

      • Could you tell me how much it is?

      • Can you tell me how much it was?

    • ¿Me da la cuenta por favor?

      • Can you give me the check please?

      • Can we have the bill?

    • ¿Me puede traer la cuenta?

      • Can we get the bill, please?

11. Payment (Pago):

    • Pagar en effective

      • To pay in cash

      • with cash

    • Pagar con tarjeta

      • To pay by card

    • ¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito?

      • Do you accept credit cards?

12. Expressing Gratitude and Farewell (Agradecimiento y despedida):

    • ¡Que aproveche! Gracias por venir.

      • Enjoy your meal! Thank you for coming.

    • Gracias por venir

      • Thanks for coming

    • ¡Nos vemos pronto!

      • See you again soon!

Your waiters should be ambassadors for your restaurant. They should be the voice and message that speaks for the food your clients will be eating.

Download IB User Experience V1 E-Book for FREE
and watch satisfied guests become your biggest fans!

If you’re looking to improve your communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) contact IB for a personalized book for your business, team, or daily work.

Have you tried Botifarras in Barcelona? Talk Like a Local, Eat Like a King!

Tourists love to explore local cuisine, but language can be a barrier. Icebreaker, Barcelona's friendly language school, wants to help! We offer one FREE introductory English, Spanish, and German classes with our native teachers, designed to build confidence and key phrases specifically for the food & beverage industry like restaurants and bars.

If you’re working in the F&B sector and hospitality, then fantastic! After the course you will be able to create a relaxed environment by greeting guests warmly, recommending your hidden menu gems, and boost your restaurant revenue – all while creating a memorable experience for your customers.

Tourists, Skip the Tourist Traps!

Ditch the overpriced mystery meals on La Rambla or by the port in Barcelona!

Invest in a deeper connection with Barcelona's delicious food scene with IB.

Join our free group chat or just enroll in private or group Spanish lessons – Icebreaker offers options for all learning styles and budgets.

Imagine ordering "Gambas al Ajillo" (garlic shrimp) with confidence, or understanding the daily specials from friendly waiters.

Unwrap Barcelona's True Flavor: ICEBREAKER TAPA TOUR

Want to dive straight into the culinary world? Join Icebreaker's Tapas Tour!

Led by passionate locals, you'll explore hidden gems and sample authentic tapas paired with delicious local beers.

It's a feast for your senses, and all communication anxieties melt away with our friendly guides by your side.

Everyone Wins!

By learning a little, everyone benefits! But How?

• Chefs and Waiters: Dynamic lessons that boost overall confidence, better sales strategy, and more enjoyable working experience.

• Restaurant Owners: Creating memorable experiences through food and increasing revenue.

• Tourists: A deeper appreciation for local cuisine, memorable experiences, and avoiding overpriced meals.

Let’s put your DuoLingo lessons to the test! Get ready to savor a more rewarding Barcelona experience, one delicious bite and friendly conversation at a time!

Email us to book your Icebreaker class or tour!

33 Cool Ways to Describe Your Style in English

Notice these examples use different grammar concepts to create catchy, trendy, and fun sounding ways to describe yourself.

My favorite is alliteration, for example: My groups is full of crazy cool cats.

Sure, that’s easy to remember, and it also sounds cool…

Even though I don’t like cats! But I can tell the group is fun to be around.

Check out these examples below:

"I'm a bookworm."

“I’m a night owl.”

"I'm a thrill-seeker."

"I'm a couch potato."

"I'm a gym rat."

"I'm a tech geek."

"I'm a beach bum."

"I'm a shopaholic."

"I'm a workaholic."

"I'm a music junkie."

"I'm a nature lover."

"I'm a crazy coffee bean."

"I'm a fitness fashionista."

"I'm a DIY danger."

"I'm a movie marathoner."

"I'm a travel story teller."

"I'm a pet parent."

"I'm a health freak."

"I'm a party animal."

"I'm a photo popper."

"I'm a language library."

"I'm a fitness fanatic."

"I'm a cooking aficionado."

"I'm a wanderlust warrior."

"I'm a plant parent."

"I'm a car enthusiast."

"I'm a big time baller."

"I'm a vintage car collector."

"I'm a home decor guru."

"I'm a movie marathoner."

"I'm a comedy connoisseur."

“I’m a social butterfly.”

“I’m a total foodie.”

How will the AINA project save the Catalan language?

The AINA project, in collaboration with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, aims to ensure the digital survival of the Catalan language.

It will create linguistic resources for AI-driven applications in Catalan, preventing the language's extinction in the digital age.

With a budget of €13.5M, financed by NextGenerationEU funds, AINA will develop language and speech models, enabling natural interaction in Catalan.

The project's first phase involves a massive corpus of Catalan text, while subsequent stages include neural networks to generate language models.

AINA aligns with Catalonia's digital strategy, prioritizing the language's presence in AI interfaces.

The project, named after linguist Aina Moll, combines language and technology to secure Catalan's place in the digital realm.