Food Server Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Food Server, is responsible for taking orders from restaurant patrons and delivering their food to them. Their duties include explaining the menu to their customers, communicating with kitchen staff and balancing dishes as they bring them to the appropriate table.

Food Server duties and responsibilities

Food Servers collaborate with Cooks, Chefs, Restaurant Managers and other foodservice staff to provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive reputation for the organization. Food Server responsibilities include:

• Greeting and seating customers

• Taking food and beverage orders and accurately entering them into the ordering system

• Making menu item recommendations

• Communicating any food allergy or special nutrition needs to kitchen staff

• Ensuring all orders are filled quickly and accurately and that food is high quality

• Providing attentive service to diners, like refilling drinks as needed and checking their needs during meals

• Promptly addressing any customer service issues and referring to management if and when necessary

• Performing some cleaning duties, such as at the service station, around the kitchen and in the dining area

Food Server skills and qualifications

Food Servers use a combination of soft skills to help customers and support other restaurant staff, including:

• Excellent customer service, including patience and a friendly demeanor

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Great active listening skills

• Ability and willingness to collaborate

• Knowledge of foodservice regulations and proper food handling procedures

• Capability to learn quickly and memorize menu details

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

• Willing to work flexible work schedules that include nights and weekends

• Physically able to be on their feet for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds unassisted