Restaurant Server

A Restaurant Server acts as the first point of contact between a restaurant and its patrons, which makes it vital to hire candidates with excellent customer service knowledge and impeccable communication skills.

Restaurant Servers welcome Guests, help them find seats and make sure they are comfortable. They take and deliver orders, suggest dishes, answer questions and provide a satisfactory customer experience. Restaurant Servers must have an in-depth knowledge of the food and drink menu of their establishment, so look for applicants with great memorization or note-taking skills. They keep the dining and cooking sections neat and pleasant to meet client expectations and adhere to health and safety regulations.

Restaurant Server duties and responsibilities 

This section of your Restaurant Server job description highlights the functions the candidate will perform in your organization when hired. Here are some examples of a Restaurant Server’s typical responsibilities:

• Welcoming and sitting diners comfortably in the dining section
• Taking customers' food and drink orders
• Collaborating with the kitchen and bar staff for prompt and correct delivery of orders
• Memorizing the menu and recommend appetizers, meals and drinks from restaurant wine stock
• Delivering a memorable dining experience by resolving all customer issues promptly
• Assisting with the tidying of tables, clearing leftovers and keeping the dining area neat and pleasant
• Setting tables and rearranging the dining area to accommodate larger groups and prepare the restaurant for special events
• Ensuring cooking utensils and kitchen area are cleaned after closing to comply with state regulations 

Restaurant Server skills and qualifications 

A Restaurant Server’s qualifications should include their academic achievements, work experience, customer service skills and conflict resolution skills. Here are some examples of the key Restaurant Server skills and qualifications you may want to include in your Restaurant Server job description:

• High school diploma or associate degree in culinary studies or food and hospitality management
• Prior experience in a food-serving establishment 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• In-depth knowledge of winery and different types of cuisines
• Highly developed interpersonal skills
• Basic bookkeeping knowledge 
• Working knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems
• High level of stamina to work to work on feet for extended periods
• Ability to work well under intense time pressure
• Dedication to on-time arrival for shifts
• Ability to Read, Write, and Speak English
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and carry trays, plates and smallwares
• Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends, and holidays
• Ability to safely transport food or beverages to a table of three in a single trip
• Polite and hospitable attitude