Server/waitstaff
Waitstaff play an instrumental role in the customer experience and are responsible for looking
after guests and taking orders during their time in the restaurant.
Responsibilities
Welcome and seat guests (if the restaurant doesn’t have a host)
Take food and drinks orders
Have a good knowledge of the menu and can make recommendations
Place orders into your point of sale (POS) or relay orders to the kitchen
Checking guests are happy
Manage complaints and communicate with the kitchen or management
Take payment
Characteristics
Friendly
Polite
Work well under pressure
Juggle multiple tasks
3. Bartender
A restaurant bartender is often a specialised role that is responsible for making and serving
drinks from wine to beer, soft drinks and cocktails.
Responsibilities
Take orders from customers at the bar and from waitstaff
Process payments
Have a wide knowledge of cocktails and can make them promptly
Good knowledge of other beverages on the menu and can make recommendations
Characteristics
Friendly
Good knowledge of beverages
Works well under pressure
4. Barback
A barback supports the bartender to ensure the bar operates smoothly and is always well stocked
so drinks can be made as efficiently as possible. While a barback is a FOH role, they’ll rarely
have direct interactions with customers.
Responsibilities
Ensure ice is always topped up
Prepare garnishes
Restock inventory
Wash and restock glassware
Characteristics
Organised
Attention to detail
Unobtrusive
5. Busser
Bussers work closely with your waitstaff to ensure tables are cleared in a timely manner, either
in between courses or at the end of a meal.
Responsibilities
Clearing dishes from the table in between courses in a timely manner
Clearing dishes from the table once the meal is finished
Pouring water for guests
Characteristics
Observant
Unobtrusive
Team player
6. Runner
Runners also work closely with waitstaff, delivering food and drinks to the table when they are
ready. Runners are usually found in larger restaurants, and oftentimes in smaller establishments,
waitstaff will be required to perform these tasks.
Responsibilities
Taking food from the kitchen and delivering to the appropriate table
Taking drinks from the bar and delivering to the appropriate table
Have a good understanding of the menu
Characteristics
Friendly
Team player
Good at following instructions
7. Barista
Baristas are responsible for making coffee and any other hot beverages. While not all restaurants
will require a barista, those that offer breakfast and lunchtime service will often need someone
dedicated to the role.
Responsibilities
Good working knowledge of different coffee types and beverages
Competent at using an espresso machine
Ensuring the coffee station is clean and tidy
Characteristics
Works well under pressure
Knowledgeable about coffee
Friendly
8. Cashier
Cashier roles will most often be found in QSR restaurants and are responsible for taking orders
and payments at the counter. If your restaurant doesn’t require a dedicated cashier, the waitstaff
will be responsible for taking payments.
Responsibilities
Greeting customers when they come to the counter to order
Taking orders and inputting them into the POS
Having a good understanding of the menu and being able to answer questions
Processing payments
Characteristics
Friendly
Works well under pressure
