Cheesecake Factory Server in North Carolina Reveals Psychological Trick He Uses To Boost Tips and Become No. 1 in Sales
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A Cheesecake Factory employee says he’s been the No. 1 server in sales at his restaurant for years — and he’s finally revealing the psychological trick that helps him remember every order and walk away with bigger tips.
In a TikTok video that’s gaining attention from servers and psychology enthusiasts alike, restaurant worker Wesley Twiggs (@wesleytwiggs) explained that his success comes not from luck or speed — but from a clever memory technique that uses storytelling to retain large, complex orders without writing anything down.
“I’ve been working at the Cheesecake Factory for four years now,” Twiggs said. “And I want to tell you something you can start doing today that will result in higher tips. I am No. 1 in sales where I work, and I have been for a while.”
The Story Method That Made Him a Top Server
Twiggs described how he uses mental imagery and association to memorize even the most complicated table orders.
For example, he recalled a table of 12 guests, each ordering a different type of cheesecake. “Starting from the left all around, they got Godiva, Red Velvet, Oreo, Strawberry, White Chocolate, Pumpkin, Oreo, Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry, Tuxedo, S’mores, and Salted Caramel,” he said.
Instead of jotting them down, Twiggs visualized a detailed story to keep the sequence locked in his memory.
“I think of God (Godiva) dressed in velvet (Red Velvet), rolling an Oreo into a strawberry field,” he said. “In that field is Snow White (White Chocolate) singing into a pumpkin. Out of the pumpkin flies an Oreo and lands on the antler of a moose (Chocolate Mousse). The moose eats a strawberry that gets on his tuxedo. Then he roasts marshmallows (S’mores) and sprinkles salt (Salted Caramel) on top.”
Twiggs said that by transforming orders into a narrative chain, he never forgets a detail — even during his busiest shifts.
Why It Works: The Psychology Behind Associative Memory
Experts call Twiggs’ technique an example of associative memory, a psychological process that links words, objects, or ideas to create stronger recall.
According to Verywell Mind, associative memory helps individuals “remember relationships between concepts using visual and verbal information.” Twiggs’ approach — known as the story method — is one of the most effective variations because it connects every element through vivid imagery.
While studies are mixed on whether mnemonic devices like this directly improve tip amounts, psychologists agree that such practices strengthen brain synapses, leading to better recall and faster mental organization.
Viewers Share Their Experiences
Twiggs’ video quickly resonated with servers, students, and professionals who use similar techniques in their own fields.
“This is how I used to study for tests,” one viewer wrote.
Another added, “I passed all my college exams using this method — and still remember everything I learned!”
A third commenter said, “I memorize using association, too! It’s helped me remember names and ace my medical boards.”
The post has since drawn over 5,000 views, with many users praising Twiggs for sharing a “practical and brilliant” tip that anyone working in customer service could benefit from.
@wesleytwiggs How to remember restaurant orders@The Cheesecake Factory #cheesecakefactory #serverlife #memory #cheesecake #fyp
Lessons for Service Industry Workers
Twiggs recommends that servers study their menus thoroughly and develop their own personalized mental associations.
“You should take the menu home and come up with preset images for a lot of different items,” he said. “You just associate, create a story — that’s all there is to it.”
While it might not replace charm and good customer service, this kind of mental training, Twiggs argues, allows servers to stay calm, confident, and attentive — all qualities that often lead to higher customer satisfaction and better tips.
Twiggs’ creative use of memory psychology shows that success in the service industry isn’t just about speed or personality — it’s also about mastering the mind.
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