WHAT DOES A RESTAURANT SERVER DO?

Published: Dec 12, 2025 - The Restaurant Server is responsible for delivering an exceptional dining experience that promotes guest satisfaction, enhances the restaurant atmosphere, and supports overall team performance goals. This role involves providing courteous and efficient hospitality, assisting guests with hotel and local amenity information, and ensuring consistent service that aligns with brand standards and expectations. The server also monitors and replenishes inventory, collaborates with the manager on supply needs, and maintains a clean, organized, and guest-ready environment at all times.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Restaurant Server

1. Restaurant Server Additional Details

  • Guest Service: Take guest orders for food and beverages.
  • Order Processing: Process orders using the POS system.
  • Cash Handling: Prepare accurate cash-out deposits, take responsibility for any cash shortages, and monitor all guest bill folders to prevent walkouts or shortages.
  • Dining Room Operations: Responsible for the opening and closing duties of the dining room.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Responsible for providing superior guest service.
  • Sales Upselling: Act as a sales agent using up-selling skills and remain well-versed in menus, foods, and wines.
  • Meal Preparation: Prepare the dining room for meals.
  • Organization: Organize serving stands and back-of-house space.
  • Cleaning Support: Assist with general cleaning.

2. Restaurant Server Details and Accountabilities

  • Food Beverage Service: Responsible for food and beverage service to Members and guests, adhering to the ClubCorp standards of service.
  • Menu Knowledge: Know the a la carte menu comprehensively, including daily features and specials that may not be listed directly on the menu.
  • Beverage Expertise: Possess clear knowledge of all various liquors, beers, and wines available at the Club.
  • Member Relations: Know Member names and greet them promptly while providing a warm welcome, making them feel at home.
  • Task Management: Ensure daily assignments and side work are complete in respective areas to meet Club standards.
  • Operational Support: Perform a multitude of different functions due to the fluctuating demands of the company’s operation.
  • Team Collaboration: Help others when the occasion arises, just as other Employee Partners are expected to help.

3. Restaurant Server Duties and Roles

  • Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service.
  • Customer Greeting: Greet customers and present menus.
  • Menu Suggestions: Make suggestions based on their preferences.
  • Order Service: Take and serve food and drink orders.
  • Table Arrangement: Arrange table settings.
  • Table Maintenance: Keep tables clean and tidy at all times.
  • Payment Handling: Deliver checks and collect payments.
  • Team Communication: Cooperate and communicate with all serving and kitchen staff.
  • Health Compliance: Adhere to all relevant health department rules, regulations, and customer service guidelines.

4. Restaurant Server Tasks

  • Guest Service: Serve guests beverages and food items while engaging and contributing to a memorable dining experience.
  • Service Quality: Provide the highest quality of service to guests at all times.
  • Product Knowledge: Describe beverage and food items and assist guests in the selection of items.
  • Payment Handling: Follow all payment handling procedures.
  • Alcohol Compliance: Comply with established procedures regarding the serving of alcohol and identification of minors.
  • Cleanliness Safety: Assist in maintaining cleanliness and safety within the B&F space.
  • Punctuality Uniform: Report to work on time and in full uniform.

5. Restaurant Server Details

  • Guest Service: Hospitably greet, prepare, and serve drinks to guests according to HEI Hotels and Resorts beverage service standards.
  • Alcohol Compliance: Abide by all State, Federal, and Corporate requirements pertaining to serving alcoholic beverages.
  • Shift Preparation: Prepare the station for readiness prior to the opening and closing of each shift.
  • Cash Handling: Follow all cash handling and bank operating procedures as outlined by HEI Hotels and Resorts.
  • Side Work Duties: Perform all side work duties according to side work schedules.
  • Attendance Reliability: Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.

6. Restaurant Server Overview

  • Order Taking: Take guests' food and beverage orders, making recommendations and advising on menu options.
  • Food Service: Serve food and beverages to the table promptly, following appropriate procedures.
  • Kitchen Communication: Communicate with the kitchen regarding menu questions, dietary requirements, and special requests.
  • Transaction Recording: Record transactions using the MICROS system.
  • Workplace Cleanliness: Maintain the cleanliness and condition of the working area.

7. Restaurant Server Responsibilities

  • Guest Experience: Responsible for creating an impressive restaurant experience for all guests.
  • Guest Satisfaction: Responsible for helping achieve ongoing guest satisfaction and team goals.
  • Guest Assistance: Provide information and assistance to hotel guests regarding local and hotel amenities.
  • Hospitality Service: Assist guests efficiently and courteously in all hospitality-related functions while ensuring that all restaurant service is maintained according to brand standards.
  • Inventory Management: Inventory restaurant items regularly, order or purchase items, or provide an order for the manager.

8. Restaurant Server Roles and Details

  • Food Service: Serve food and beverages.
  • Customer Inquiry: Answer customer and public inquiries.
  • Guest Assistance: Assist patrons in food and beverage selections.
  • Area Maintenance: Clean work areas and set the dining area.
  • Payment Collection: Responsible for collecting payment.
  • Kitchen Communication: Notify kitchen personnel of food orders, shortages, or special orders.
  • Quality Execution: Execute the show quality standards at all times.