Job Description of a Restaurant Crew
The employees who take and fulfill customers' orders at eating establishments are called the restaurant crew. These people include waiters and waitresses, food preparers, cashiers and cleanup help. In a fast-food restaurant, crew members have to be jacks-of-all-trades by performing all of those tasks. Regardless of the style of restaurant, the crew typically takes directions from the manager, assistant manager or shift leader. These employees must be courteous, reliable and comfortable being on their feet.
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Wait Staff
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Waiters and waitresses must be familiar with menu items, including daily specials and events. Wait staff members have to quickly learn and explain new foods so they can answer patrons' questions about the tastiness and preparation of the restaurant's cuisine. They also must know policies on substituting one item for another or handling special requests. A waiter or waitress can expect to ask for proof of age from diners who order alcoholic beverages.
Kitchen Help
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Cooks and food preparers work together in making appetizing dishes for patrons. This means measuring, peeling, chopping and blending meats, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables and other ingredients. They replenish salad bars and stir sauces. The cooks may have special job titles and responsibilities such as baker or stir fry or sauce chef. A senior-level chef coordinates the kitchen workers and oversees the size of portions, updates to menus and inventory of raw ingredients and supplies.
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Cashiers
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A restaurant cashier processes customers' transactions with cash, credit and debit cards, coupons and gift certificates. Counting money is important because a cashier will ring up tabs, give change to diners and balance her register at the end of her shift. She also takes reservations and carry-out orders over the telephone. The cashier might sell candies and cigarettes at the cash register and is expected to ask for identification from diners when selling nicotine products.
Cleanup
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The busing staff sets and later clears tables during and after a customer's meal. A busboy brings breads and butter as requested and helps the wait staff carry and serve foods. The hired dishwashers ensure that the kitchen staff have enough clean pots, pans, utensils and plates. The cleanup helpers scrub floors, haul trash to the garbage cans and scour the kitchen.
Fast Food
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Crew members at a fast-food location wear multiple hats during a typical shift. They must take customers' orders, prepare foods, package menu items and operate cash registers. These employees also have to handle raw ingredients during food preparation, receive and store inventory, and be familiar with opening and closing procedures. Fast-food crews have to be proficient at servicing customers in the dining area as well as at the drive-through windows.
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References
- Photo Credit waiter setting table in restaurant image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
