What does a Beverage Server do?
Published 3 min read
A beverage server is responsible for taking orders and serving drinks to customers in a restaurant or bar. They must be able to remember complex orders and keep track of multiple customers at a time. Beverage servers must also be knowledgeable about the menu and able to make recommendations to customers.
Beverage Server job duties include:
- Greeting guests and taking drink orders
- Memorizing or writing down orders
- Retrieving drinks from the bar
- Knowing the menu and being able to make recommendations
- Serving drinks to guests
- Checking guests’ IDs
- Handling cash and credit card transactions
- Keeping track of guest tabs
- Cleaning up after guests
Beverage Server Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for beverage servers, although many employers prefer to hire candidates with at least a high school diploma. Some restaurants and bars may require servers to complete a certification program in responsible alcohol service before being hired. In most cases, employers will provide on-the-job training to new servers. Previous experience in customer service is helpful but not required.
Beverage Server Skills
- Table service
- Food and drink knowledge
- Upselling
- Cleaning
- Restocking
- Preparation
- Communication
- Organization
- Multi-tasking
- Cash handling
- Customer service
Related: Top Beverage Server Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Beverage Server
A beverage server is responsible for taking orders and serving drinks to customers in a restaurant or bar. They must be able to remember drink recipes, work quickly and efficiently, and provide excellent customer service. Here are a few tips on how to become a beverage server:
1. Get experience in the food and beverage industry. This can be through working in a restaurant, bar, or café in any capacity. The more experience you have, the better equipped you will be to handle the demands of the job.
2. Be knowledgeable about different types of drinks. This includes knowing how to make popular cocktails, as well as being familiar with wine, beer, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
3. Be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure. Beverage servers are often required to take orders and serve drinks simultaneously, so it is important that you are able to multitask effectively.
4. Provide excellent customer service at all times. Remember that your goal is to make the customer’s experience as enjoyable as possible – from taking their order to serving their drink.
5. Stay calm and professional under pressure. There will be times when things get busy or there are problems with orders, but it is important that you remain calm and resolve the issue in a professional manner.
By following these tips, you can become an excellent beverage server and provide an enjoyable experience for your customers.
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