Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Food Service Jobs?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

The food service industry employs countless employees through a wide range of food service jobs. Many people consider waiters and waitresses to be a great line of work; however, there are many additional food service jobs that must be considered. Some are behind the scenes and some work hand-in-hand with customers. Food service jobs can be found everywhere from rural towns to big cities to tropical resorts, the options are limitless.

As mentioned above, one of the most popular jobs in the food service industry is that of the waiter and the waitress. Taking menu orders, serving food and drinks, preparing checks, and accepting payment are just a few of the tasks. However, their responsibilities can vary greatly depending on where they work. In some places, like casual dining restaurants, their routine may be straightforward; however, in fine dining establishments, they may be required to cater to the whims of their customers and present the meals in an exquisite manner. Sometimes they may need to meet with chefs or restaurant managers to discuss new specials or menu items and other times they may be responsible for seating customers and clearing tables – regardless, they work very hard to ensure a pleasant dining experience.

Waitstaff may recommend a particular meal to the patrons of an establishment.
Waitstaff may recommend a particular meal to the patrons of an establishment.

Bartenders comprise another large group of employees among the food service jobs. They will complete drink orders that are given by customers or by waiters and waitresses. They are also responsible for checking to see if a customer is a legal age to drink alcohol – unless the establishment checks identification cards at the door. Sometimes they will create new drink concoctions or re-create old favorites - having a working knowledge of a wide range of alcohols, beers, and wines is mandatory. In addition, bartenders are often responsible for stocking the bar, preparing fruit and vegetables for garnish, cleaning the bar area, accepting payment, and serving food – if there is a menu available in the bar area.

Waitstaff must be able to explain a restaurant's menu to customers.
Waitstaff must be able to explain a restaurant's menu to customers.

In some restaurants, a need for hosts and hostesses presents itself. They are responsible for welcoming customers and maintaining a waiting list or a reservation book. Showing customers the coatroom, the restroom, or the waiting area are among the duties of hosts and hostesses. Once a customer’s table is ready, they can lead them to their table and give them their food and drink menus. Sometimes, they must accept money and act as cashiers.

Bartenders make drinks for customers.
Bartenders make drinks for customers.

In large restaurants, there are often attendants and helpers, also called backwaiters or runners. They can assist waitresses, waiters, and bartenders by clearing the tables, cleaning any food residue off of the table, and stocking the serving areas with utensils, napkins, and other supplies. They may also bring the food to the customers. In a cafeteria, they may stock the serving areas with trays of food or carry finished plates away from customers.

Some food service jobs might include delivering meals to patients in hospitals.
Some food service jobs might include delivering meals to patients in hospitals.

Counter attendants take menu orders and serve food to customers in coffee shops, carryout establishments, and cafeterias. As the name suggests, they serve the food from behind a counter or a table. In addition, they may clean the serving areas and accept payment from customers. In some places, they may prepare salads or sandwiches, as well.

A hostess typically greets customers upon arrival.
A hostess typically greets customers upon arrival.

Other food service jobs are outside of the restaurant, coffee shop, or cafeteria-styled locales. They include those who deliver room service in hotels, meals to patients in hospitals, or food to those homebound. There are also catering companies, amusement parks, casinos, and parks – all which require food service employees. Vacation resorts may offer seasonal work – but, there are often jobs that can be alternated between the winter months and the summer months.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

RoyalSpyder

@Chmander - Not particularly, although I do want to leave off by saying this - going into the workplace is all about having thicker skin. People can be cruel, and they can say some incredibly harsh things. However, don't take everything to heart. Besides, if you keep your composure when someone is screaming in your face, they're the one who looks like the idiot. They're embarrassing themselves in front of everyone, and they aren't even aware of it.

Chmander

@RoyalSpyder - Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. Do you have any other tips you could possibly give me?

RoyalSpyder

@Chmander - Overall, in my opinion, my best advice to you would be to keep your cool. When being a waiter, one of the most valued traits you can have is patience. No matter how well you do your job, and no matter how courteous you are to others, there will always be those who give you a hard time, sometimes for no reason at all.

They might be having a bad day, or they might be expecting bad service. I'm not trying to scare you out of your job, but just remember that in the workplace, there are all kinds of people. Don't expect everyone to be nice to you. However, don't expect everyone to treat you poorly either. It goes both ways.

Chmander

This a very informative article, but I think it would have been even more helpful if some advice was given on how to deal with rude customers in the food service industry. In about a week, I'll begin working as a waiter at Luigi's House. I'm looking forward to the job, but I've heard many horror stories from my friends about how they've been treated as a waiter. Does anyone have some advice?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Waitstaff may recommend a particular meal to the patrons of an establishment.
      By: auremar
      Waitstaff may recommend a particular meal to the patrons of an establishment.
    • Waitstaff must be able to explain a restaurant's menu to customers.
      By: Yuri Arcurs
      Waitstaff must be able to explain a restaurant's menu to customers.
    • Bartenders make drinks for customers.
      By: Lulu Berlu
      Bartenders make drinks for customers.
    • Some food service jobs might include delivering meals to patients in hospitals.
      By: araraadt
      Some food service jobs might include delivering meals to patients in hospitals.
    • A hostess typically greets customers upon arrival.
      By: naka
      A hostess typically greets customers upon arrival.
    • Cafeterias rely on counter attendants to assist customers.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Cafeterias rely on counter attendants to assist customers.
    • Pizza delivery is a type of food service job.
      By: auremar
      Pizza delivery is a type of food service job.
    • Bartenders may serve both food and drink to customers.
      By: Daddy Cool
      Bartenders may serve both food and drink to customers.
    • In the food service industry, waiters and waitresses are now commonly referred to as servers, a more gender neutral term.
      By: Kablonk Micro
      In the food service industry, waiters and waitresses are now commonly referred to as servers, a more gender neutral term.
    • Some food service workers specialize in banquets and large events.
      By: Eric Limon
      Some food service workers specialize in banquets and large events.
    • Servers may be responsible for making sure buffets are fully stocked with food.
      By: sattriani
      Servers may be responsible for making sure buffets are fully stocked with food.
    • A restaurant cashier may not only run the register but also serve drinks and food.
      By: bst2012
      A restaurant cashier may not only run the register but also serve drinks and food.