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Restaurant Server Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Restaurant Server, or Food Server, is responsible for providing excellent customer service and dining experience for customers at a restaurant. They seat customers, take food and drink orders, and deliver food to the customer.

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Restaurant Server duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Restaurant Server, it’s important to specify the main functions of the role within your company. Some of the most important duties and responsibilities required to excel as a Restaurant Server include:

  • Greeting customers upon arrival at the restaurant
  • Providing excellent customer service during their dining experience
  • Providing suggestions for food or drink choices to diners
  • Taking feedback from diners
  • Cleaning tables and preparing spaces for future diners
  • Carrying drinks and food from the kitchen or bar area to the tables
  • Memorizing the food menu and wine list as well as any nightly specials
  • Setting tables throughout the shift
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Restaurant Server Job Description Examples:

What does a Restaurant Server do?

A Restaurant Server acts as the main point of contact for a customer when dining at a restaurant. The server is responsible for making sure that the customer enjoys their experience. This helps promote customer loyalty. A Restaurant Server is also expected to maintain appropriate standards for the establishment where they work.

Restaurant server skills and qualifications

A successful Restaurant Server candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for the duties of this job. Some of these include:

  • Ability to provide excellent customer service to all diners
  • Knowledge of food and wine pairings in fine dining restaurants
  • Ability to use point-of-sale systems
  • Ability to multitask and to cater to multiple groups at one time
  • Ability to dissolve conflict, take criticism, and solve problems
  • Knowledge of basic math equations, particularly addition and subtraction
  • Ability to learn quickly on the job
  • Knowledge of basic administration skills and tasks such as scheduling and filing

Restaurant Server experience requirements

Generally, prior work experience as a Restaurant Server is not necessary. In some cases, candidates with two to three years of experience may be preferred. You may also opt to hire a candidate who has experience working in a similar type of establishment.

Restaurant Server education and training requirements

Applicants to a Restaurant Server role usually do not need any particular education or training to perform the duties of the role. It is common to provide on-the-job training. Some provinces, such as Ontario, require anyone serving alcohol to obtain a Smart Serve certificate. For Restaurant Servers working in an upscale or fine dining restaurant, additional vocational programs or certifications may be required. In Saskatchewan and British Columbia, apprenticeship programs dedicated to the food and beverage industry are available. These programs also have certification available, but it’s not mandatory for job applicants to complete certification.

Restaurant Server salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Restaurant Server is $13.94 per hour. The salary can vary depending on many factors including experience, location, or the company that is hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Restaurant Server isn’t quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include:

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Restaurant Server job description FAQs

What should you look for in a Restaurant Server resume?

When reviewing resumes for a Restaurant Server role, it’s important to look closely at prior experience. Make sure the applicant has obtained any required certification. It may be important to consider candidates who have soft skills listed on their resume. It might also be a good idea to check if the candidate has had other previous customer service or sales experience.

What makes a good Restaurant Server job description?

Being as descriptive as possible about the specifics of the position will help to find the right job applicant. If the applicant is to work in a niche environment, such as a fine dining restaurant, be sure to list it. The description can also state the number of expected shifts or work hours in a week. It should also include information such as if the job requires a uniform and whether the establishment would provide it.

How can you make your Restaurant Server job description stand out?

To make a job description stand out, highlight any added benefits that come with the role such as free parking, food discounts, generous vacation policies, or wellness benefits. The description should also confirm that the job complies with any government-mandated benefits. Keep in mind experienced applicants may also look for any mention of job advancement.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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