Food and Beverage Server
Food and beverage servers request orders from and serve food and beverages to guests. They are employed in restaurants, dining rooms, fast food outlets, hotels, private clubs, convention centres, and on cruise ships. They are very familiar with the foods and beverages that are served at the establishment in which they work. They have knowledge of service techniques and are able to work efficiently and unobtrusively around guests. This position is fast-paced, especially during busy times. Servers usually receive gratuities, and may also receive meals or discounts on meals when at work.
Duties
- Take and relay food and beverage orders
- Serve food and beverages to guests
- Check on guest satisfaction
- Handle complaints and concerns of customers
- Provide food and beverage product knowledge
- Use proper serving techniques
- Practice responsible alcohol service
- Cash out and reconcile cash with total sales
Experience
Good communication skills are required of food and beverage servers, as is a professional appearance and attitude. Excellent customer service skills are also required, as is cash handling experience. In addition, food and beverage servers must be of legal drinking age if they are serving alcohol. Desirable skills and experience include time management skills, knowledge of health and safety regulations, and knowledge of the products, facility, sector, and industry.
Education
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Courses in responsible alcohol service, safe food handling, first aid, and service excellence are assets. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training, knowledge of the National Occupational Standards for Food and Beverage Server, and Professional Certification as a Food and Beverage Server are also valued by prospective employers. Learn more about occupational standards, training, and certification on emerit.ca.