Occupation waiter or waitress

Waiters or waitresses take orders, serve food and beverages to customers, prepare bills and handle payments in dining establishments, e.g. restaurants, hotels and clubs.

Tasks

• Set tables, e.g. with clean linen, cutlery, crockery and glasses.
• Welcome and seat customers and hand menus to them.
• Inform customers about daily specials, answer questions about menu and make recommendations upon request.
• Take food and beverage orders from customers.
• Memorise, write down or enter customers' orders into computers, and pass orders to kitchen and bar staff.
• Serve food and beverages to customers.
• Prepare or serve speciality dishes at tables as required.
• Check with customers that they are contented and handle any problems.
• Prepare bills, present them to customers and handle money or credit card payments.
• Prepare the restaurant for special events (e.g. weddings), by getting tables, chairs, glasses, etc. ready.
• Clear and clean tables or counters, e.g. by carrying plates, glasses and cutlery to the kitchen for washing up.

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