Food Counter Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of food services, the demand for Food Counter Attendants is constantly growing.

As culinary trends evolve and customer expectations rise, there is an increasing need for skilled individuals who can manage, enhance, and maintain the quality of our food service operations.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Food Counter Attendant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the backstage operations of food services,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Food Counter Attendant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Food Counter Attendant Duties and Responsibilities

Food Counter Attendants perform an array of tasks related to food preparation, customer service, and maintaining cleanliness of the food serving areas.

They work directly with customers to provide them with quality service and food.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Greeting customers and taking their orders accurately
• Preparing and serving food to customers, such as sandwiches, salads, and beverages
• Operating cash registers and handling cash transactions
• Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the food counter area
• Restocking food supplies and inventory as needed
• Answering customer inquiries about the menu, ingredients, and pricing
• Ensuring that all food and beverages are served in compliance with health and safety regulations
• Assisting in the preparation of food and beverage items, including chopping ingredients, making sandwiches, and brewing coffee or tea
• Handling customer complaints and feedback in a professional and courteous manner
• Helping with other kitchen duties as needed, such as dishwashing and cleaning.

 

Food Counter Attendant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Food Counter Attendant to join our team.

The Food Counter Attendant’s responsibilities include greeting customers, taking orders, answering questions about the menu, processing payments, and maintaining a clean and well-stocked work area.

Our ideal candidate is customer service-oriented, can handle high-stress situations, and possesses excellent communication skills.

Prior food service experience is beneficial, but not required.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and present menus
• Take and serve orders
• Answer questions about menu items and specials
• Process payments
• Clean and restock work and dining areas
• Prepare a variety of foods according to customers’ orders or supervisors’ instructions
• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly
• Comply with health and safety regulations
• Provide excellent customer service.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Previous food service or customer service experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Ability to handle high-stress situations
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Knowledge of food safety procedures

 

Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Flexible schedule
• Meal discounts
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for advancement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Food Counter Attendant
• Work Environment: Fast-paced food service environment. The position involves constant interaction with customers and a high volume of work during peak periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Shift Manager or Restaurant Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $8.00 minimum to $14.00 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or 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 Food Counter Attendant Do?

Food Counter Attendants, also known as Food Service Workers or Fast Food Workers, typically work in fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, food courts or cafeterias.

Their main responsibility is to prepare and serve food and beverages to customers.

This includes taking orders, using cash registers for billing, assembling orders and delivering them to the customers.

Food Counter Attendants also ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of their working area.

They are responsible for cleaning kitchen equipment, utensils, and counters.

Additionally, they may be tasked with restocking food items and ingredients as necessary.

Depending on the establishment, they may also prepare simple dishes and beverages, such as sandwiches, salads, coffee, and tea.

Food Counter Attendants interact directly with customers, so it’s important for them to provide excellent customer service.

This includes handling customer complaints and queries in a polite and professional manner.

Their role is critical in maintaining the smooth operation of food service locations and ensuring customer satisfaction.

They might be required to work in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak meal times.

 

Food Counter Attendant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Food Counter Attendant should possess skills and qualifications that adhere to the demands of the role, these include:

• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with customers in a friendly and courteous manner, ensuring a positive dining experience.
• Excellent communication skills to understand customer orders, answer their queries about menu items, and effectively communicate these orders to kitchen staff.
• Basic arithmetic skills to accurately process transactions, provide change, and manage cash register.
• Good physical stamina that allows them to stand for long periods, move around quickly, and handle the fast-paced nature of the job.
• Food safety knowledge to adhere to hygiene and safety regulations, ensuring a clean and safe environment for food preparation and service.
• Attention to detail to ensure orders are correctly prepared and served to the customers.
• Customer service skills to handle customer complaints and issues professionally and efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with kitchen staff and other counter attendants, ensuring seamless operations.

 

Food Counter Attendant Experience Requirements

Food Counter Attendants typically begin with an entry-level position that does not require prior experience, making it a popular choice for students or first-time job seekers.

On-the-job training is usually provided to familiarize new hires with the establishment’s protocols, equipment, and food handling standards.

However, some employers may prefer candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience in a similar role such as a fast food worker, barista, or server to ensure familiarity with food handling, safety procedures, and customer service.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often demonstrate skills and knowledge in customer service, cash handling, food preparation, and cleanliness.

They may have acquired these skills in previous roles such as a cashier, kitchen assistant, or in another food service role.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the industry have generally shown a level of reliability and leadership potential.

They may be ready to take on supervisory roles in the food service area, managing other attendants, or coordinating tasks in the kitchen.

 

Food Counter Attendant Education and Training Requirements

Food Counter Attendants typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent, though some employers hire candidates who have not completed high school.

On-the-job training is common in this role, with experienced staff teaching new hires how to properly handle food, work with customers, and adhere to health and safety regulations.

This training period typically lasts a few weeks.

While not often required, food safety certification can be beneficial in this role.

This can be obtained through a short course that covers topics like foodborne illnesses, proper food handling, and sanitation practices.

Basic math and customer service skills are also important in this role.

Many Food Counter Attendants also benefit from knowledge of a second language, as they frequently interact with a diverse customer base.

There are also opportunities for advancement in this role, often through additional training or experience.

For example, a Food Counter Attendant may choose to pursue further education in hospitality or management to move into a supervisory role.

 

Food Counter Attendant Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Food Counter Attendant is around $11.63 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the years of experience, the location of employment, and the specific company.

 

Food Counter Attendant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Food Counter Attendant need?

Food Counter Attendants need to have excellent customer service skills to interact effectively with customers.

They should have good communication and listening skills to understand customers’ orders correctly.

Basic arithmetic skills are important for handling cash transactions.

They should also have good personal hygiene and an understanding of food safety practices.

 

Do Food Counter Attendants need any specific qualifications?

Most Food Counter Attendant positions do not require specific qualifications.

However, a high school diploma or equivalent may be preferred by some employers.

Previous experience in a similar role could be beneficial, but it’s not always necessary as many establishments provide on-the-job training.

 

What should you look for in a Food Counter Attendant resume?

When reviewing a Food Counter Attendant’s resume, look for any previous experience in food service or customer service roles.

This can indicate that they have the skills and understanding necessary to fulfill the job requirements.

Evidence of cash handling experience could be beneficial.

Finally, any certifications in food safety or hygiene can be a great advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Food Counter Attendant?

A good Food Counter Attendant is friendly, approachable, and patient.

They should be able to handle stressful situations effectively, especially during busy hours.

Reliability and punctuality are also important as they often work in shifts and their absence or tardiness can affect the whole team.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Food Counter Attendant?

The challenge of hiring a Food Counter Attendant can vary depending on the location and the requirements of the job.

Generally, it is not difficult to find candidates for the role since it often requires minimal qualifications.

However, finding individuals with the right attitude towards customer service and a high level of reliability can be a bit challenging.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve served up a hearty portion of insights on what it means to be a Food Counter Attendant.

And you know what?

It’s not just about serving food.

It’s about creating memorable culinary experiences, one meal at a time.

Armed with our trusty Food Counter Attendant job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to dish out your skills in the job market.

But why put a lid on it?

Whisk up more knowledge with our job description generator. It’s your secret ingredient to whip up precise job listings or sharpen your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every meal served is a part of a bigger culinary journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

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