Even from the back of the house, I've always been amazed by the systems and methodologies used to keep the dining room organized and efficient. One of those systems -subtle communication between servers- has just been outlined in the New York Times.
In addition to service gestures, EMP utilizes an efficient right of way system in the dining room. Staff must always walk clockwise around the room and always keep right. At all restaurant intersections, EMP staff yield to others in the following order: first to guests or someone leading a guest, then hot food, cold food, empty plates, then lastly empty handed staff. No wonder it always looks like a well choreographed performance.