September 27, 2025
Discover the essential requirements, duties, responsibilities, and skills needed for a Food Server job description.
What does a Food Server do?
A food server works in restaurants, like diners and coffee shops, and serves food and drinks to customers. Their job is to make sure that customers have a pleasant dining experience. They may also be referred to as a server or waiter.
Job Description
We are looking for a friendly food server to make sure our customers have a great time dining with us. Your responsibilities will include maintaining a positive relationship with your team, interacting with customers in a professional manner, and letting management know about any potential issues. You will also be responsible for opening and closing duties. You will need to use good judgement to decide when to take customers' orders and when to give them time to relax.
In order to be successful in this role, you should treat our customers as if they were guests in your own home and take pride in your work. The ideal candidate will be sincere, hospitable, and hard-working.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Setting up tables, polishing glasses, folding napkins, and restocking condiments at the start of your shift.
- Attending meetings with your team to learn about any special offers or issues with supplies, and discussing customer service and product matters.
- Assisting management and hosts with seating customers and giving them menus.
- Introducing yourself to customers and letting them know about any specials or items that are not available.
- Making sure drinks are served quickly and refilled as needed.
- Entering orders accurately into the point of sale system.
- Communicating with the kitchen staff to make sure orders are being prepared correctly.
- Checking on customers to make sure they are happy with their food and overall experience, and giving feedback to management.
- Giving customers their bill when requested and thanking them for coming in when they leave.
- Cleaning up and preparing for the next shift at the end of your shift.
Requirements and Qualifications
- At least 1 year of experience working in a high-end or busy restaurant.
- Completion of training on product knowledge and written and verbal exams.
- Skilled at building and maintaining a loyal customer base.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Great people skills.
- Well-groomed and professional appearance.
- Flexible availability to work different shifts, weekends, and holidays.
- Physically fit and able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
- Good time-management skills.
Food Server Salary
The earning potential of a Food Server can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Food Server in the United States is approximately $22476.
Alternative Careers and Similar Jobs to a Food Server
Explore Software Food Server Careers - Explore the Latest Food Server Openings