Food Expeditor at Watercolor

Job Summary

A restaurant expo, or expeditor, serves as an intermediate between customers and the kitchen staff. The expo position is a significant role, given that customer satisfaction depends heavily on how good he or she is at the job. This is a position that requires the individual to be both an independent decision-maker and a team player simultaneously.

Primary Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Food expeditors communicate orders and information between the front of house and back of house, making sure that food is cooked in the right order, quickly, and presented to the customer as beautifully as possible.
• Ensure orders are being cooked in a timely fashion, so that all orders for a table are ready at the same time and make sure that once the food is cooked, runners run food to the table while it’s warm and ready.
• Explain special orders to the cooks, and tell servers when the kitchen is out of a particular menu item.
• In charge of the final presentation of the plate, making sure it is dressed and garnished.
• Ensure that orders get to their table as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Communicate with the culinary team on all orders; once they are ready they inspect the dish to confirm that it complies with restaurant food quality standards.
• Notifies runners to serve the orders to the appropriate tables/seat numbers.
• Responsible to ensure a fast and smooth flow of work between the front of house and back of house.
• All other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Sufficient education and literacy needed to identify and read product labels and to communicate with guests about job-related needs.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and communicate in basic English preferred.
• CPR Training (can be obtained after employment).
• Must be at least 18 years old (to serve alcohol).
• Previous customer service experience preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Detail oriented and thorough.
• Ability to remain discreet and respect the privacy of guests.
• Ability to perform consistent work to the highest of standards.
• Ability to interact with guests in a pleasant friendly way.
• Great communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to get along with a variety of personality types, since the job requires working with restaurant employees and customers.
• Willingness to help and a warm and friendly personality are also a definite plus.
• Experience in a fast-paced restaurant environment is also essential.

Physical Demands

• Expeditors work in high-stress environments where they must maintain a fast pace on a daily basis. Mistakes can cost in customer dissatisfaction.
• Expeditors must professionally handle a variety of behaviours to ensure smooth process flow and a pleasant environment for the customer.
• Expediters may be required to stand for long hours and are exposed to hot kitchen environments on a daily basis.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs.
• Must be able to carry trays of food or drinks.
• Must be able to stay on feet for entire shift.
• Frequent walking, bending, stooping.

Working Conditions

• Indoor and/or outdoor.
• Possible exposure to extreme heat or cold depending on season.
• Exposure to slippery floors and surfaces.