Waiter

What is a waiter?

A waiter is someone who works in a restaurant or café and serves food and drinks to customers.

What does a waiter do?

Usually, a waiter does the following:

• Takes orders from customers and answers any questions they may have about the menu.
• Communicates with the kitchen and bar staff to ensure that orders are prepared correctly and served on time.
• Serves food and drinks to customers and provides any necessary assistance during their meal.
• Cleans tables, refills condiments, and prepares the dining area for the next customers.

What does the day-to-day life of a waiter look like?

A waiter usually works varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as these are peak times for restaurants. The hours worked can depend on the establishment and its opening hours.

During a typical shift, a waiter will greet customers, take their orders, serve their meals, and ensure that they are satisfied with their experience. They will also handle payment and clean and set up tables for new customers.

Where does a waiter work?

A waiter can work in a variety of establishments, including restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, and catering companies. Some waiters work in fine dining establishments, while others may work in more casual settings like cafes or pubs.

What tools/equipment does a waiter use?

A waiter uses a range of tools and equipment, including:

• Order pads and pens to write down customer orders.
• Serving trays to carry multiple plates and drinks at once.
• POS (Point of Sale) systems to process payments.
• Cutlery, plates, glasses, and napkins for setting tables.

What do I need to become a waiter?

To become a waiter, there are no specific educational requirements. However, having GCSEs in subjects like English and Maths can be beneficial for understanding customer orders and handling payments accurately. Additionally, having good communication and customer service skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, will be important.

Some establishments may provide on-the-job training for new waiters, teaching them about the menu, customer service techniques, and the proper way to handle food and drinks.

What career paths are available?

There are a number of career paths available to you as a waiter, including:

• Head Waiter/Waitress: In this role, you would be responsible for overseeing the other wait staff, managing the dining area, and ensuring smooth operations.
• Restaurant Manager: With experience, you could progress to a management position, overseeing the entire restaurant and its staff.
• Catering Manager: This role involves organizing and managing catering services for events and functions.

To start on these career paths, gaining experience as a waiter and demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills will be important.

What jobs are similar to a waiter?

• Bartender: Serving drinks and cocktails in bars or pubs.
• Barista: Preparing and serving coffee and other beverages in cafes.
• Banquet Server: Assisting with the serving of food and drinks at large events or weddings.

Are you a waiter? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to being a waiter. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.