Café Waitstaff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of the food and beverage industry, the role of café waitstaff is more significant than ever.

The pace of the café scene moves swiftly, and with each shift, the demand for skilled individuals who can serve, assist, and ensure an excellent customer experience grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a café waitstaff?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A café manager crafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the daily operations of café waitstaff,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Café Waitstaff Duties and Responsibilities

Café Waitstaff are primarily responsible for providing excellent customer service and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for all customers.

They interact directly with customers, take orders, serve food and beverages, and maintain the cleanliness of the café.

The specific duties and responsibilities of Café Waitstaff include:

• Greet and seat customers in a friendly and timely manner
• Provide menu information and make recommendations upon request
• Take and serve food and drink orders accurately and efficiently
• Answer customer questions about food ingredients and preparation
• Ensure all food and drinks are served at the correct temperature and in a timely manner
• Monitor the tables and note the cleanliness and availability of condiments
• Clear tables and prepare them for the next customers
• Resolve customer complaints or refer them to the café manager
• Process customer payments accurately
• Maintain a clean and tidy working area at all times
• Restock service areas and inform management of any inventory shortages

 

Café Waitstaff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a professional and customer-focused café waitstaff to join our team.

The café waitstaff will be responsible for ensuring that all our customers have an enjoyable dining experience by providing quality customer service.

Responsibilities include taking orders, serving food and drinks, and maintaining cleanliness in the café.

The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills, a friendly disposition, and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet and escort customers to their tables
• Present menu and provide detailed information when asked
• Prepare tables by setting up linens, silverware, and glasses
• Take accurate food and drinks orders and relay them to kitchen staff and baristas
• Serve food and drink orders
• Check dishes and kitchenware for cleanliness and presentation and report any problems
• Arrange table settings and maintain a tidy dining area
• Deliver checks and collect bill payments
• Follow all relevant health department regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a café waitstaff, server, or waiter/waitress
• Hands-on experience with cash register and ordering information system
• Basic math skills
• Attentiveness and patience for customers
• Excellent presentation skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment
• Active listening and effective communication skills
• High school diploma; food safety training is a plus

 

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Flexible Schedule
• Employee Discount
• Opportunities for Advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Café Waitstaff
• Work Environment: Fast-paced café setting. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods. Some lifting and carrying of heavy trays may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Café Manager or Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $11.00 minimum to $15.00 maximum per hour plus tips
• 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 Waitstaff Do?

Café Waitstaff, also known as servers, play a crucial role in the food service industry, typically working in cafés or coffee shops.

Their primary duty involves greeting customers warmly upon arrival, guiding them to their tables and providing them with menus.

They take customer orders accurately, relay these to the kitchen staff, and serve food and beverages in a timely manner.

Café waitstaff are knowledgeable about the menu and café specials, answering any queries customers may have about ingredients or food preparation techniques.

They also check on customers regularly to ensure their satisfaction with their meals, rectify any issues, and provide additional items as requested.

At the end of the meal, they are responsible for delivering the bill, processing payment, and ensuring the table is cleared and cleaned for the next customers.

Aside from customer service, café waitstaff may also assist with café tasks like restocking supplies, setting tables, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining area.

They work closely with kitchen staff and café management to ensure a seamless service and a positive dining experience for all customers.

 

Café Waitstaff Qualifications and Skills

A competent café waitstaff should have the skills and qualifications that match your job description, such as:

• Customer service skills to handle the customers’ orders, inquiries, and complaints in a friendly and professional manner.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with customers, understand their needs, and relay important information to other staff members.
• Time management skills to take and deliver orders promptly, balance multiple tasks, and work efficiently during busy times.
• Attention to detail to accurately take orders, handle payments, and keep the cafe area clean and tidy.
• Teamwork skills to work cooperatively with kitchen staff and other waitstaff to ensure a smooth service for customers.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, move quickly, and carry heavy trays.
• Basic math skills for handling cash transactions and calculating bills.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and hygienic practices to ensure the wellbeing of customers.

 

Café Waitstaff Experience Requirements

Entry-level café waitstaff may require little to no experience, as many cafes provide on-the-job training.

Experience in customer service or a part-time role in the hospitality industry would be beneficial.

Waitstaff with 1 to 2 years of experience usually have gained essential skills, such as serving food and beverages, operating the cash register, and providing exceptional customer service.

They may have also developed their multitasking ability and learned how to handle busy service periods.

Café waitstaff with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of café operations and have improved their interpersonal skills.

They may have also received training in food safety and hygiene protocols.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have considerable customer service skills and cafe operational knowledge.

They may have taken on leadership roles such as training new staff members or managing shifts, making them suitable for supervisory or managerial positions within the café.

 

Café Waitstaff Education and Training Requirements

The role of Café Waitstaff does not typically require formal education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, having a certificate in hospitality, customer service or a related field can be advantageous.

New hires often receive on-the-job training from experienced staff or managers, where they learn the procedures of the specific café, including order taking, food preparation and presentation, customer service protocols, and cash handling.

In some regions, Café Waitstaff may be required to hold a food handler’s card or a similar certification, which involves completing a course on safe food handling and passing an exam.

Although not required, some Café Waitstaff choose to attend workshops or courses on customer service, food and beverage knowledge, and other relevant topics to enhance their skills and improve their performance.

Having a certification or advanced training in these areas may improve job prospects and potential for advancement in the hospitality industry.

Experience in the service industry is often highly valued, as are good interpersonal skills and a friendly demeanor.

 

Café Waitstaff Salary Expectations

The average wage for Café Waitstaff is around $11.00 (USD) per hour, excluding tips.

However, the total earnings can significantly vary depending on the location, hours worked, the establishment’s tipping policy, and the individual’s level of experience and skills in providing exceptional customer service.

 

Café Waitstaff Job Description FAQs

What skills does a café waitstaff need?

Café waitstaff should possess excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and politely with customers.

They should also have good physical stamina as the job often involves standing and walking for long periods.

Knowledge of food and beverage is important, along with the ability to handle cash transactions.

Finally, time management skills are key as they need to effectively juggle multiple orders at once.

 

Do café waitstaff need any specific qualifications?

While no specific qualifications are required for café waitstaff, experience in a similar role is often preferred by employers.

Some cafes might require their staff to complete food safety training or hold a relevant food handler’s permit.

Additionally, for waitstaff serving alcohol, they may be required to hold a responsible service of alcohol (RSA) certificate.

 

What should you look for in a café waitstaff resume?

Look for previous experience in hospitality or customer service roles, as these indicate that the candidate is likely to have the skills needed for the role.

Any qualifications in food safety or the service of alcohol can also be a plus.

References from previous employers can provide valuable insights into the candidate’s work ethic and performance.

 

What qualities make a good café waitstaff?

Good café waitstaff are friendly, patient, and have excellent customer service skills.

They work quickly and efficiently under pressure, maintaining a positive attitude even during busy times.

Attention to detail is also important, as they need to accurately take orders and handle cash transactions.

Finally, a good café waitstaff has a genuine passion for food and coffee, which can help to enhance the customer experience.

 

What are the daily duties of a café waitstaff?

On a typical day, café waitstaff greet customers, take orders, serve food and beverages, and process payments.

They may also be responsible for setting up tables, cleaning dining areas, restocking service stations, and assisting with food preparation.

In some cafes, waitstaff may also be involved in taking reservations or packing takeaway orders.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve served up a fresh look into the bustling life of a café waitstaff.

And guess what?

It’s not just about pouring coffee.

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

With our tailor-made café waitstaff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the café scene.

But why stop there?

Stir things up even more with our job description generator. It’s your secret ingredient to crafting precise job listings or perfecting your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every cup of coffee is a part of a larger café culture.

Let’s brew that future. Together.

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