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What does a Busser do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A busser is a food service worker who helps keep the dining room clean and organized. They are responsible for clearing away dirty dishes, resetting tables, and refilling water glasses. Bussers typically work in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments.

Busser job duties include:

  • Greet guests and escort them to their table
  • Retrieve dirty dishes from tables and take them to the dishwashing area
  • Wipe down tables and chairs after guests have left
  • Sweep and mop the floors
  • Refill water glasses and coffee cups for guests
  • Restock utensils, napkins, and other supplies at tables
  • Clean up spills that occur during meal service
  • Assist servers with food delivery when necessary
  • Perform opening and closing duties as assigned

Busser Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for bussers, although some restaurant managers prefer to hire candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Bussers typically receive on-the-job training, which lasts a few weeks to a month. No certification is required to work as a busser, but some restaurants may require bussers to complete ServSafe food safety training. Some bussers may have previous experience working in restaurants, but it is not required.

Busser Skills

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Time management
  • Organization
  • Prioritization
  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking
  • Problem solving
  • Stress management

Related: Top Busser Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Busser

A busser is a food service worker who is responsible for cleaning and resetting tables in a restaurant. In order to become a busser, one does not need any formal education or training. However, some restaurants may require applicants to have prior experience working in a food service environment. Additionally, bussers must be able to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time.

The best way to become a busser is to apply for open positions at restaurants in your area. Many restaurants hire bussers on an as-needed basis, so it is important to be flexible with your availability. Once you have been hired, you will be trained on the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

As a busser, your primary responsibility will be to clean and reset tables after customers have finished their meals. This includes removing dirty dishes, wiping down the table, and setting out fresh silverware and napkins. You will also be responsible for refilling customers’ drinks and clearing away any debris from the table. In some cases, you may also be responsible for delivering food to customers’ tables.

Working as a busser can be physically demanding, as you will be on your feet for long periods of time and lifting heavy objects. However, it can also be rewarding as you help contribute to the overall dining experience for customers. If you are interested in working in the food service industry, becoming a busser is a great way to get started.

Related: Busser Resume Example

Related: Busser Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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