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What are main duties of a server and what skills must they have?

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A server is responsible for serving food and drinks to customers. They may also be responsible for cleaning and setting up the dining area. Server job descriptions may vary depending on the type of restaurant. For example, fine dining restaurants will expect servers to have excellent customer service skills and knowledge of the menu. In contrast, fast food restaurants will require servers to be able to work quickly and efficiently.

Server Job Description

Servers typically work in restaurants, cafes, and bars. They may work in other food service establishments, such as caterers, hotels, and event venues. Some servers may also work in healthcare facilities, providing food and drinks to patients and staff. Servers usually work shifts, which may include evenings and weekends. They may work full-time or part-time hours.

With Upmenu.com, you can accept orders online and at the table. This is a great way to provide customers with a convenient way to order food. Additionally, it can help streamline the ordering process and make it easier for you to keep track of orders.

UpMenu online ordering system overview at ninjagrill website

What Does a Server Do?

The most important responsibility of a server is providing excellent customer service. This includes taking orders, serving food and drinks, and answering any questions the customer may have. Servers must be able to remember orders and keep track of customer’s preferences. They must also be able to upsell menu items and provide recommendations.

Another responsibility of servers is to maintain the dining area. This includes setting tables, cleaning up after customers, and resetting the dining area for the next customer. In some restaurants, servers may also be responsible for preparing food.

Server job duties
Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/server-job-description-526232

A server’s duties vary depending on the type of restaurant they work in. For example, in a fine dining restaurant, servers are expected to provide more attentive and personalized service to guests. In contrast, in a casual dining restaurant, servers may be responsible for larger groups of guests and have less one-on-one interaction.

In addition to their customer service responsibilities, servers must also be able to handle various behind-the-scenes tasks. These tasks may include stocking supplies, preparing the dining room for service, and cleaning up after service.

With Upmenu.com, you can use and set tips while ordering online. This is a great way to provide customers with a convenient way to order food. Additionally, it can help streamline the ordering process and make it easier for you to keep track of orders.

Tips feature from UpMenu online ordering system

Server Job Requirements

Job requirements for restaurant servers can vary depending on the type of restaurant. However, there are some common requirements that are necessary for most restaurant server positions. 

The most important requirement for restaurant servers is the ability to provide excellent customer service. This includes being polite and attentive to customers, taking their orders accurately, and providing them with any information they need. Restaurant servers must also be able to work well under pressure, as they may be required to take multiple orders at once and work quickly to get them out to the customers. 

Some restaurants may also require servers to have previous experience, although this is not always necessary. In some cases, servers may be required to have a food safety certification, depending on the type of food the restaurant serves. 

Overall, the ability to provide excellent customer service is the most important requirement for restaurant servers. Those who are able to work well under pressure and have good people skills will typically be the most successful in this role.

As a server, it is important to know how to use the QR code feature from Upmenu.com. This is because it is a quick and easy way for customers to access the menu. Simply scan the QR code with a smartphone and the menu will pop up. This is a great way to provide customers with a convenient way to view your menu and make ordering food quick and easy.

QR code to the menu feature from UpMenu system

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Server?

If you’ve ever worked in a restaurant, you know that being a server is no easy task. You’re constantly on your feet, running back and forth between the dining room and the kitchen. You have to keep track of multiple orders at once, and make sure that each one is delivered correctly and on time. And of course, you have to deal with customers who may not be the easiest to please.

So what does it take to be a good server? Here are a few essential skills: 

1. A good memory. This is probably the most important skill for a server. You have to be able to remember each customer’s order, as well as any special requests or dietary restrictions. And if you have a large section, you may be juggling 20 or more orders at once. 

2. Great customer service skills. As a server, you are the face of the restaurant. It’s your job to make sure that each customer has a positive experience, from the moment they sit down until they leave. This means being friendly and helpful, and always putting the customer first. 

3. The ability to multitask. As a server, you will often be doing several things at once. You might be taking an order while refilling a customer’s drink, or delivering food to one table while setting up another. It’s important to be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without getting frazzled. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQKEnRA68i4&ab_channel=RealServerTraining
Source: Real Server Training

4. A positive attitude. Let’s face it, working in a restaurant can be stressful. There will be long days and nights, and sometimes you will make mistakes. It’s important to be able to keep a positive attitude even when things are tough. 

If you have these skills, you’re well on your way to being a great server. Of course, there is always more to learn, and each restaurant has its own unique culture and way of doing things. But with a good foundation, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.

The Personality of a Good Server

When you think about the perfect restaurant server, certain personality traits come to mind. They’re outgoing and engaging, but not overbearing. They have a great memory, so they can remember your order from last time and your name. They’re also patient, even when the restaurant is busy and things are hectic. But beyond those basic personality traits, what makes a great server? 

First and foremost, a good server is hospitable. A server should make guests feel cared for, whether it’s their first time at the restaurant or their hundredth. This doesn’t mean a server needs to be friends with every guest, but they should be friendly and accommodating. A great server will go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable and having a good time.

In addition to being hospitable, a good server is also attentive. A great server will be able to keep track of all their guests, even when it’s hectic. They’ll make sure your drink is refilled before you even have to ask.

But being attentive doesn’t mean a server needs to be constantly hovering. No one wants a server who’s constantly asking if you need anything. A good server will strike the right balance between being attentive and giving you space.

Finally, a good server is knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list. Server should be able to make recommendations based on your personal preferences. If a customer has any questions about the menu, server should also be able to answer all of them. 

How to Get a Server Job

If you’re looking for a job in the restaurant industry, one option is to work as a server. Restaurant servers play a critical role in the dining experience, as they are responsible for taking orders and serving food and drinks. 

If you’re interested in a server job, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of being hired. First, research the restaurant to see if it’s a good fit for your skills and personality. Next, brush up on your people skills and practice your menu knowledge. Finally, make sure to dress for success and arrive for your interview on time. 

With a little preparation, you can land a server job at your favorite restaurant. Just follow these simple tips and you’ll be on your way to a great career in the foodservice industry.

The Future of Server Jobs

The future of server jobs in restaurants is looking bright. With the technological advances in the restaurant industry, servers will be able to provide a more efficient and effective service to customers. In addition, the use of new technologies will allow servers to keep up with the demands of the customer base and provide a higher level of customer service. The following are three specific areas where servers can expect to see advances in the near future:

1. Mobile Payments: Customers will be able to use their smartphones to make payments at restaurants. This will streamline the payment process and make it more convenient for customers.

2. Online Ordering: Customers will be able to place their orders online and have them delivered to their table. This will reduce the amount of time that servers spend taking orders and will allow them to focus on providing great customer service.

3. Automated Service: Restaurants will increasingly use automated systems to place orders and serve food. This will free up servers to provide a more personal level of service to customers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2iAW-YQvrM&ab_channel=UpMenu

As a restaurant owner with Upmenu.com, you can manage the hours when your restaurant and online ordering are open. This is a great way to ensure that you are only accepting orders during times when you are able to prepare and serve the food. Additionally, it can help you keep track of orders and ensure that you are not overbooked. To sum up, the future of server jobs in restaurants is looking bright. With these three advances in technology, servers will be able to provide a higher level of customer service and will be more efficient in their roles.

Picture of Monika Kamińska

Monika Kamińska

Marketing and communication enthusiast with 20+ years of experience, a psychologist by education.

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