Restaurant Staff Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the bustling world of the culinary industry, the focus on restaurant staff has never been more critical.

As dining trends evolve, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can efficiently manage, serve, and enhance our dining experiences.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a restaurant staff member?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the dynamics of restaurant operations,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right in.

Restaurant Staff Duties and Responsibilities

Restaurant Staff perform a variety of tasks to ensure the smooth running of a restaurant and the satisfaction of its customers.

Their duties and responsibilities depend on their specific roles, which can range from wait staff and bartenders to managers and kitchen staff.

The key duties and responsibilities of restaurant staff include:

• Greeting customers and offering menus
• Taking and serving food and drink orders
• Setting tables and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the restaurant
• Handling cash and card transactions, processing bills and providing change
• Checking customers’ identification to ensure they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Communicating with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders
• Resolving customer complaints or issues in a professional manner
• Preparing food and drink items, if involved in kitchen activities
• Ensuring restrooms and public areas are clean and presentable
• Following all relevant health department rules and regulations
• Stocking service areas with supplies such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens
• Assisting in inventory management and reordering of necessary supplies

 

Restaurant Staff Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and friendly restaurant staff member to ensure our customers have a memorable dining experience.

This role involves serving customers, preparing food, maintaining cleanliness in the restaurant, and keeping the restaurant stocked with necessary supplies.

The ideal candidate will have a friendly, customer-oriented demeanor, be able to multitask, and serve customers in a timely manner to maintain the flow of service.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet customers upon their arrival
• Take and serve food/drinks orders and up-sell additional products when appropriate
• Prepare tables by setting up silverware and glasses
• Maintain cleanliness in all areas of the restaurant including counters, sinks, utensils, shelves and storage areas
• Assist the kitchen staff when needed
• Handle customer complaints and queries efficiently
• Report any problems or shortages to the manager on duty
• Process customer payments accurately and efficiently
• Ensure the restaurant is stocked with necessary supplies for smooth operation

 

Qualifications

• Proven restaurant serving or waitering experience
• Hands-on experience in cashier duties
• Attention to cleanliness and safety
• Patience and customer-oriented approach
• Excellent people skills with a friendly attitude
• Responsible and trustworthy
• High school diploma is preferred but not necessary

 

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance (Full-time employees)
• Retirement plan (Full-time employees)
• Paid time off (Full-time employees)

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Restaurant Staff Member
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a fast-paced restaurant environment with regular interaction with the public. Evening and weekend shifts are common.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restaurant Manager or Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $10.00 minimum to $15.00 maximum 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 brief explanation of your interest in the restaurant industry to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Restaurant Staff Do?

Restaurant staff play a crucial role in providing a satisfactory dining experience to customers.

The restaurant staff is a broad term that includes various positions such as servers, chefs, bartenders, hosts, and managers.

Servers, or waiters/waitresses, are on the front line of customer service.

They take orders, deliver food and drinks to customers, answer queries about the menu, and ensure that customers are happy with their dining experience.

Chefs and cooks are in charge of preparing the dishes served in the restaurant.

They plan menus, ensure food quality and freshness, and adhere to food safety standards.

Their tasks may also include presentation of dishes, and they may specialize in a specific culinary area like desserts or seafood.

Bartenders, on the other hand, prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to customers.

They often make cocktail recommendations and need to know the ingredients of a wide range of drinks.

Hosts or hostesses are the first people customers see when they enter a restaurant.

They greet and seat customers, manage reservations, and may also handle takeout orders.

Managers oversee the operations of the entire restaurant.

They hire and train staff, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, manage budgets, and resolve customer complaints.

Each member of the restaurant staff works together to ensure that the restaurant runs smoothly and customers are satisfied with their experience.

 

Restaurant Staff Qualifications and Skills

The role of restaurant staff requires a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and knowledge of the hospitality industry, including:

• Exceptional customer service skills to ensure the satisfaction of customers by providing high-quality service and responding to inquiries and complaints promptly.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers, understand their needs, and work cooperatively with team members.
• Proficiency in multitasking and time management to efficiently handle multiple customer orders, deliver food and beverage promptly, and maintain a clean and organized working area.
• A keen understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for both customers and staff.
• Physical stamina and agility to stand for extended periods, move quickly around the restaurant, and carry heavy trays and dishes.
• Detail-oriented to remember customers’ orders accurately, adhere to specific dietary restrictions, and maintain quality standards in food and beverage preparation.
• Experience with point-of-sale systems for order processing and payment transactions would be an added advantage.
• Basic math skills for calculating customer bills and making change accurately.

 

Restaurant Staff Experience Requirements

Restaurant staff can include a variety of job roles such as servers, bartenders, hosts, and cooks.

Each of these roles may have unique experience requirements.

Entry-level roles such as busser or host may not require prior experience, though some exposure to customer service could be beneficial.

These roles often provide new staff with the opportunity to observe and learn from more experienced restaurant staff members.

Server and bartender positions often require at least 1-2 years of restaurant experience, as these roles require a deeper understanding of food handling, knowledge of menu items, and alcohol service.

Previous experience in a customer service role can also be beneficial.

Cooks or chef positions typically require culinary education or training, with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a professional kitchen.

Specific types of restaurants might require specialized culinary experience, such as experience with sushi preparation in a sushi restaurant.

Restaurant manager roles typically require at least 3-5 years of restaurant experience, with a focus on leadership and restaurant operations.

They might need prior experience in roles such as assistant manager or shift supervisor.

Additionally, a degree in hospitality management could also be beneficial.

Overall, all restaurant staff must have excellent customer service skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and a deep understanding of food safety practices.

 

Restaurant Staff Education and Training Requirements

Restaurant staff roles can vary significantly, so the education and training requirements may differ based on the specific position.

For entry-level positions like waitstaff, busboys, or hosts, a high school diploma or equivalent may be sufficient.

Experience in customer service is often preferred but not necessarily required, as most restaurants provide on-the-job training.

For more specialized roles like chefs, a culinary arts degree or a related field from a culinary school is often required.

They may also need a strong background in cooking techniques, food preparation, and safety and sanitation guidelines.

Experience in the restaurant industry, particularly in a kitchen setting, is highly valuable.

For management roles, a bachelor’s degree in restaurant management or a related field like business administration is often preferred.

In addition, years of experience in the restaurant industry, particularly in a supervisory role, are usually required.

Regardless of the position, all restaurant staff should ideally have a food handler’s permit, which involves completing a food safety course and passing an exam.

Though not always required, some restaurant staff may choose to pursue additional certifications to further their career.

These might include sommelier certifications for servers in high-end restaurants, or certified executive chef credentials for ambitious cooks.

Excellent interpersonal skills, physical stamina, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment are also important traits for anyone considering a job in a restaurant.

 

Restaurant Staff Salary Expectations

The average wage for restaurant staff can range widely depending on the role, with servers typically earning around $11.00 (USD) per hour, while a restaurant manager can earn an average salary of $53,320 (USD) annually.

The wage can vary based on factors like experience, location, the restaurant’s pricing tier, and the number of hours worked.

It’s also important to note that tips significantly contribute to the earnings of servers and bartenders.

 

Restaurant Staff Job Description FAQs

What skills does restaurant staff need?

Restaurant staff should possess excellent communication and customer service skills to cater to patrons’ needs and requests effectively.

They should also be able to handle food and drinks safely, have the ability to work under pressure, and be physically able to spend hours on their feet.

Basic math skills are also important for handling cash transactions.

 

Do restaurant staff need a degree?

Typically, restaurant staff don’t need a degree, although having a high school diploma or equivalent is often a minimum requirement.

Some roles, such as managers, may require a degree in hospitality management or a related field.

Most of the skills required for restaurant staff are acquired on the job.

 

What should you look for in a restaurant staff resume?

When hiring restaurant staff, look for previous experience in hospitality or customer service, as this demonstrates a basic understanding of the industry.

Evidence of teamwork and good communication are also desirable.

If the role involves handling alcohol, ensure the candidate has the appropriate certifications.

 

What qualities make good restaurant staff?

Good restaurant staff are energetic, attentive, and able to multitask.

They should have strong customer service skills and a friendly demeanor, as they often interact directly with customers.

Restaurant staff should also be detail-oriented to ensure orders are correct and food is presented well.

 

What are the daily duties of restaurant staff?

The daily duties of restaurant staff can vary greatly depending on the specific role.

However, common tasks include greeting and seating customers, taking orders, serving food and drinks, clearing tables, processing payments, and ensuring the restaurant is clean and well-stocked.

They may also be responsible for opening or closing the restaurant.

 

Is it difficult to hire restaurant staff?

Restaurant staff roles often have high turnover rates, which can make hiring difficult.

However, offering competitive wages, flexible schedules, and a positive work environment can attract high-quality candidates.

Also, providing opportunities for progression within the restaurant can make the role more appealing.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the curtain on what it really means to be a part of restaurant staff.

Guess what?

It’s not just about serving food.

It’s about crafting unforgettable dining experiences, one plate at a time.

With our go-to restaurant staff job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every meal served is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create those experiences. Together.

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