Waiter/Waitress

As a waiter/waitress, you are the face of the restaurant, responsible for providing excellent customer service and ensuring a positive dining experience for guests. Your role involves taking orders, serving food and beverages, and attending to guests’ needs throughout their meal.

**Key Responsibilities:**

1. **Greeting and Seating Guests:** Welcome guests as they arrive, escort them to their tables, and present menus. Assist with seating arrangements and accommodate special requests or preferences.

2. **Taking Orders:** Listen attentively to guests’ orders, answer questions about menu items, and provide recommendations if requested. Enter orders accurately into the POS system and communicate special requests to the kitchen staff.

3. **Serving Food and Beverages:** Deliver food and beverages to tables promptly and accurately, ensuring that each order is served correctly and presented appealingly. Monitor tables for refill needs and attend to them promptly.

4. **Checking In:** Check in with guests during their meal to ensure satisfaction, address any concerns, and offer additional assistance. Anticipate guests’ needs and provide attentive service throughout their dining experience.

5. **Upselling and Promotion:** Promote specials, featured dishes, and beverage offerings to guests, encouraging additional sales and enhancing their dining experience. Suggest wine pairings or dessert options to complement their meal.

6. **Handling Payments:** Present bills to guests, process payments accurately, and handle cash and credit card transactions securely. Provide itemized receipts and thank guests for their patronage.

7. **Table Maintenance:** Clear tables of empty plates, glasses, and utensils efficiently, maintaining a clean and organized dining environment. Reset tables for incoming guests and ensure they are properly set up.

8. **Collaboration:** Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, bartenders, and other waitstaff to ensure smooth operations and timely service. Communicate effectively with colleagues to coordinate orders and address any challenges that arise.

9. **Adherence to Policies:** Adhere to restaurant policies and procedures, including health, safety, and sanitation guidelines. Follow proper food handling practices and maintain cleanliness in the dining area.

10. **Customer Relations:** Build rapport with guests, greet them by name if possible, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Handle guest complaints or concerns professionally and escalate issues to management if necessary.

**Qualifications:**

1. Previous experience as a waiter/waitress or in a customer service role, preferably in a restaurant or hospitality setting.
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable demeanor.
3. Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
4. Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy in order taking and serving.
5. Basic math skills for handling payments and calculating bills.
6. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the demands of the restaurant.
7. Professional appearance and demeanor, with a neat and well-groomed appearance.
8. A positive attitude, enthusiasm for hospitality, and a genuine desire to provide excellent service to guests.
9. High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or education in hospitality is a plus.
10. Certification in responsible alcohol service (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe) may be required depending on local regulations.