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What does a Restaurant Worker do?

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

Published 4 min read

A restaurant worker is responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking orders, preparing food, and cleaning up the dining area. They may also be responsible for handling customer complaints and answering questions about the menu.

Restaurant Worker job duties include:

  • Greeting customers as they arrive and seating them at their tables
  • Taking customers’ orders and relaying them to the kitchen staff
  • Serving food and drinks to customers
  • Clearing away customers’ plates and glasses when they have finished their meals
  • Resetting tables for the next customers
  • Answering customers’ questions about the menu and making recommendations
  • Dealing with customer complaints in a professional and courteous manner
  • Processing payments at the end of each shift
  • Cleaning and restocking work areas
  • Performing basic kitchen duties such as washing dishes and preparing food items

Restaurant Worker Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for restaurant workers, although some may choose to pursue a degree or certification in culinary arts. Many restaurants require their employees to have prior experience in the food service industry. Some specific job titles within a restaurant may require additional training or certification, such as bartenders or servers who must obtain a license to serve alcohol.

Restaurant Worker Skills

  • Communication
  • Customer service
  • Organization
  • Multi-tasking
  • Flexibility
  • Patience
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork
  • Stress management
  • Physical stamina
  • Creativity

Related: Top Restaurant Worker Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Restaurant Worker

Working in a restaurant can be a very rewarding experience. You get to meet new people, learn new things, and have the opportunity to make someone’s day a little better. If you’re thinking about becoming a restaurant worker, there are a few things you should know.

First, it’s important to be able to work well under pressure. Restaurants can be busy places, and you’ll need to be able to think on your feet and handle customer requests quickly and efficiently.

Second, it’s helpful to have some prior experience in the food service industry. Even if you’ve only worked in a fast food restaurant or as a server in a casual dining setting, this will give you an idea of what to expect in a more hectic environment.

Third, it’s important to be able to adapt to change. The restaurant business is constantly changing, whether it’s new menu items, new technology, or new regulations. You need to be able to roll with the punches and adjust accordingly.

Fourth, remember that teamwork is essential. In a busy restaurant, everyone needs to pull their weight in order for things to run smoothly. From the hostess seating customers to the dishwasher cleaning up after them, everyone has an important role to play.

Finally, don’t forget the little things. A smile goes a long way, and taking that extra minute to ensure that a customer is happy can really make their day (and yours!).

If you keep these things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful career in the restaurant industry!

Related: Restaurant Worker Resume Example

Related: Restaurant Worker 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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