Server

Roles and responsibilities

1. Greeting and Seating Guests

• Welcoming Guests: Greet guests promptly as they arrive at the restaurant or dining area, offering a warm and friendly welcome. Ensure they feel comfortable and are seated in a timely manner.
• Seating Guests: Escort guests to their assigned tables, assist with seating, and present menus. In some cases, servers may also help with seating arrangements for larger groups or special requests.
• Answering Initial Questions: Provide guests with information about the menu, specials, or any available promotions. Answer questions about ingredients, preparation methods, or dietary restrictions.

2. Taking Orders

• Order Taking: Accurately take food and drink orders from guests. Ensure that orders are precise, including any special requests or dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free, allergy concerns).
• Suggesting and Upselling: Recommend menu items, specials, or drinks based on customer preferences. Upsell higher-margin items like appetizers, desserts, or premium drinks to increase sales.
• Confirming Orders: Repeat the orders back to guests to confirm accuracy and ensure that everything is correct before sending the order to the kitchen or bar.

3. Delivering Food and Beverages

• Food and Drink Delivery: Deliver food and beverages to the table in an organized and timely manner, ensuring that orders are accurate and complete. Ensure that all necessary condiments, utensils, and napkins are provided.
• Serving Alcoholic Beverages: In establishments that serve alcohol, servers may also be responsible for checking IDs and ensuring that alcohol is served responsibly.
• Handling Multiple Tables: Manage multiple tables efficiently, ensuring that all guests are attended to and their needs are met promptly.

4. Maintaining Guest Satisfaction

• Checking In with Guests: After food is served, check in with guests to ensure they are satisfied with their meals and drinks, and address any concerns or additional requests.
• Resolving Issues: Address and resolve any customer complaints or issues, whether it’s related to the food, service, or environment. Escalate matters to the manager if necessary, but always strive to handle issues diplomatically and professionally.
• Refilling Drinks: Continuously monitor guests’ needs, offering refills for drinks, or suggesting additional items like dessert or coffee once the main meal is finished.

5. Cleaning and Table Maintenance

• Table Maintenance: Ensure that the table is kept clean throughout the meal, clearing empty plates, glasses, and silverware as guests finish their courses.
• Clearing and Resetting Tables: After guests leave, promptly clear the table, clean it, and reset it for the next set of guests, ensuring that all necessary items (napkins, utensils, glassware) are in place.
• Handling Trash and Disposables: Properly dispose of waste and ensure that trash bins or waste areas are emptied and maintained throughout the shift.

6. Payment and Billing

• Processing Payments: Present the bill to guests at the end of the meal, process payments (cash, credit cards, or digital payments), and handle any tips or gratuities. Some servers may also be responsible for handling customer receipts and change.
• Finalizing the Experience: Thank guests as they leave, inviting them to return. Ensure that they have a positive experience that encourages repeat visits.

Desired candidate profile

• Customer Service Skills: The ability to interact with guests in a friendly, professional, and engaging manner. Providing excellent service is the foundation of the role.
• Multitasking: Servers often juggle multiple tasks at once, such as taking orders, delivering food, and checking on customers. Being able to prioritize and stay organized is crucial.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring that orders are accurate, special requests are noted, and customer preferences are remembered.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly with guests, kitchen staff, and team members to ensure smooth service.
• Physical Stamina: The role requires long hours on your feet, sometimes walking or standing for long periods, carrying trays of food and drinks, and sometimes handling heavy lifting.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly and efficiently handle customer complaints or issues, ensuring that any problems are resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Patience and Empathy: Patience is essential, especially when dealing with difficult customers or high-stress situations. Empathy helps servers connect with guests and provide personalized service.
• Time Management: The ability to manage time effectively, especially during busy periods or rush hours, ensuring that all tables are attended to promptly and efficiently.
• Teamwork: Collaboration with other staff, such as cooks, bartenders, and other servers, to ensure a seamless dining experience for the customer.