Café Server Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling hospitality industry, the role of café servers has never been more crucial.

As the café culture continues to bloom, the demand for personable, efficient, and knowledgeable servers keeps growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a café server?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A café owner or manager looking for the perfect hire,
• Or simply curious about the dynamic world of café service,

You’ve found the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable café server job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Café Server Duties and Responsibilities

Café Servers perform a variety of tasks related to providing excellent customer service, preparing and serving food and drinks, and maintaining cleanliness within the café.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Greeting customers as they enter the café
• Taking and confirming customers’ orders, ensuring any dietary restrictions or preferences are accommodated
• Preparing and serving beverages, including coffee and tea
• Serving food to customers at their tables or at the counter
• Processing payments and providing change as necessary
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the café, including the dining area, counters, and kitchen
• Restocking display cases, refrigerators, and other supplies as needed
• Providing excellent customer service, addressing customer concerns or complaints promptly and professionally
• Assisting with the preparation of food and beverages if needed
• Adhering to health and safety regulations to ensure the well-being of customers and staff

 

Café Server Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for an engaging, courteous Café Server who is passionate about food and beverage preparation and education.

The Café Server will greet customers, answer their questions, take orders and accept payments, and prepare and serve food and drinks.

Café Server responsibilities include presenting menu, understanding dietary needs, handling food and beverage orders, making recommendations, and maintaining a clean work area.

Our ideal candidate is courteous, responsive, and has a positive approach to customer service.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet customers as they enter
• Give customers drink menus and answer their questions regarding ingredients
• Take orders while paying attention to details (e.g. preferences of coffee blend, dairy and sugar ratios)
• Prepare beverages following recipes
• Serve beverages and prepared food, like cookies, pastries and muffins
• Keep the bar area clean
• Maintain stock of clean mugs and plates
• Check if brewing equipment operates properly and report any maintenance needs
• Comply with health and safety regulations
• Communicate customer feedback to managers and recommend new menu items

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Barista, Waiter or Waitress
• Knowledge of sanitation regulations
• Flexibility to work various shifts
• Basic math skills
• Ability to gauge customers’ preferences
• Excellent communication skills
• High school diploma; relevant training is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Employee discount
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Café Server
• Work Environment: Café environment with extended periods of standing and interaction with the public.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Café Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $12 to $15 per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Café Server Do?

Café Servers typically work in coffee shops, cafes, and some restaurants.

They are primarily responsible for ensuring that customers have a satisfying dining experience.

They greet customers as they arrive, guide them to their seats, and provide them with menus.

Café servers are knowledgeable about the menu, able to answer any questions, and make recommendations based on customer preferences.

A significant part of a café server’s job is to take orders accurately and communicate them to the kitchen staff or barista.

They also serve dishes and drinks to the customers once they’re ready.

Café servers are also in charge of managing transactions, either by taking cash payments or processing credit card transactions.

They are responsible for checking customer identification when serving alcoholic beverages, adhering to state and federal laws.

They constantly monitor their tables and make sure that customers are satisfied with their meals.

This may involve resolving any customer complaints, removing empty dishes, refilling beverages, and offering dessert or additional servings.

Additionally, café servers may help with other tasks such as restocking supplies, cleaning tables, and setting up for the next customers.

Good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle fast-paced environments are essential qualities for this role.

 

Café Server Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Café Server should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Excellent customer service skills to interact with customers, take orders, and serve food and drinks in a friendly and professional manner
• Good communication skills to understand customer orders, pass information to kitchen staff accurately, and answer any inquiries about the menu
• Knowledge of food and beverage items, including the ability to describe items on the menu, suggest dishes, and inform customers about daily specials
• Time management skills to handle multiple tables and tasks at once, ensuring prompt service for all customers
• Physical stamina and agility to stand for long hours, move quickly, and carry trays of dishes
• Basic math skills for handling cash transactions and calculating customer bills accurately
• Cleanliness and organization skills to maintain a neat and sanitary dining area
• Problem-solving skills to deal with challenging customers or resolve complaints to ensure customer satisfaction

 

Café Server Experience Requirements

Café Servers typically start with little to no experience and learn on the job, as many establishments are willing to hire and train those who exhibit strong interpersonal skills and a passion for customer service.

However, having prior experience in the food service industry can be beneficial and give applicants an edge.

This might include roles such as busser, host/hostess, or even roles in fast food establishments.

Café Servers with 1-2 years of experience have usually honed their multitasking abilities, their ability to work under pressure, and their knowledge of food safety and preparation.

These servers are well equipped to handle the demands of a busy café environment.

Those with more than 3 years of experience likely have developed their customer service skills to a higher level, and may also have experience in specialty drink preparation, such as creating latte art or mixing cocktails, depending on the café’s offerings.

Café Servers with more than 5 years of experience in the industry often have experience in a supervisory role, and may be ready for a managerial position or to train and supervise new servers.

These servers also likely have an extensive knowledge of coffee beans, brewing methods, and other café-specific knowledge that can be leveraged in higher-level positions.

 

Café Server Education and Training Requirements

While there is typically no formal education requirement for a Café Server, some employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Most Café Servers receive training on the job, where they learn how to operate equipment like espresso machines, how to prepare certain foods and beverages, and how to interact effectively with customers.

Employers often look for candidates with previous customer service experience, as the job requires good people skills, patience, and the ability to handle difficult situations calmly and effectively.

While not a requirement, having a food handler’s certification can be a plus, as it demonstrates knowledge of food safety standards.

This certification can often be obtained through a short-term course.

For servers who want to advance in the food service industry, pursuing additional education in hospitality or restaurant management may be beneficial.

Some may also choose to get certified as a sommelier if the café serves a variety of wines.

As with any job, ongoing training and willingness to learn new skills are key to success and growth in the role of a Café Server.

 

Café Server Salary Expectations

A Café Server earns an average wage of $11.06 (USD) per hour.

However, this can fluctuate based on factors such as the server’s experience level, location of the café, and the specific policies of the employing café.

Tips, which can be a significant part of a café server’s income, are also highly variable.

 

Café Server Job Description FAQs

What skills does a café server need?

Café servers should have excellent communication and customer service skills.

They should be able to handle orders quickly and accurately, have a good memory for faces and orders, and be able to work well in a team.

They should also have a basic understanding of food safety and hygiene.

 

Do café servers need a degree?

Most café server positions do not require a degree, but having a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.

Some cafés may prefer servers with a certificate in food safety or previous experience in the food service industry.

 

What should you look for in a café server’s resume?

Look for previous experience in the food service industry, especially in a café or similar environment.

Check for any certifications in food safety or handling.

Good references from previous employers, demonstrating reliability and excellent customer service, are also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good café server?

A good café server is friendly, approachable, and attentive.

They should be able to handle stress well, especially during busy periods, and remain organized.

They should also be fast learners, able to quickly remember menu items and customer orders.

A passion for coffee and food can also be a plus, as this can enhance the customer’s experience.

 

What are the daily duties of a café server?

A café server’s daily duties typically include taking customer orders, serving food and drinks, clearing tables, and ensuring the café is clean and well-stocked.

They might also assist in opening or closing the café, and in some cases, they may prepare drinks or simple food items.

They should always be ready to provide excellent customer service, answering any questions about the menu and providing recommendations when asked.

 

Is it difficult to hire café servers?

The difficulty in hiring café servers can depend on various factors such as location and competition.

In areas with many cafés, finding experienced servers might be easier.

However, it’s also essential to consider the personality and attitude of potential hires, as these aspects greatly impact customer service.

Offering a competitive wage, a positive work environment, and opportunities for advancement can help attract quality applicants.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s look at what it truly means to be a café server.

But guess what?

It’s not just about making coffee.

It’s about brewing the perfect customer experience, one cup at a time.

With our invaluable café server job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step into this exciting role.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating meticulous job listings or perfecting your resume to shine.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee is part of a larger experience.

Let’s brew that experience. Together.

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