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Department:
Restaurant & Bar
Salary Range:
100,000 to 200,000
Description
The restaurant busser is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization in the dining area. They assist the waitstaff by clearing tables, resetting them for the next guests, and ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for patrons. The busser may also assist with other tasks such as refilling water glasses, delivering food to tables, and assisting in basic food preparation. The ideal candidate should have strong attention to detail, be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and possess excellent communication skills to provide exceptional customer service.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Table Maintenance: Clearing and resetting tables after guests leave. Includes wiping down surfaces, rearranging chairs, and properly setting the table for new guests.
- Dish Handling: Collecting used dishes, glasses, silverware, and other dining utensils and taking them to the kitchen for washing.
- Assisting Waitstaff: Helping waiters and waitresses with tasks like serving food and drinks, especially during peak hours or large events.
- Stocking Supplies: Ensuring that dining areas are fully stocked with tableware, linens, and condiments. This may also include restocking restrooms with necessary supplies.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the dining area. This involves cleaning spills, picking up dropped items, and sometimes sweeping or mopping.
- Guest Interaction: Providing basic customer service, such as guiding guests to their tables, answering questions, or fulfilling simple requests.
- Waste Management: Disposing of trash and recycling appropriately, and ensuring trash bins in the dining area are not overflowing.
- Bar Assistance: In a bar setting, bussers might also be responsible for collecting empty glasses and bottles, wiping down the bar area, and restocking bar supplies.
- Collaboration with Kitchen Staff: Communicating with kitchen staff about table turnover, special guest requests, or inventory needs.
- Decor and Atmosphere Maintenance: Assisting in the setup of decorations for special events or maintaining the overall ambiance of the dining area.
- Safety Compliance: Following all health and safety guidelines, especially those related to food handling and cleanliness.
- Handling Special Requests: Assisting with special guest needs, such as accommodating a large party or helping with accessibility requirements.
Qualifications Required
- Age and Legal Requirements: The minimum age requirement is usually 16 years old, but it can be higher in establishments that serve alcohol. Compliance with local labor laws is essential.
- Physical Stamina and Strength: Ability to stand and move around for extended periods, and occasionally lift and carry heavy items like trays or tableware.
- No Formal Education Required: While there are usually no strict educational requirements, some establishments may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Communication Skills: Basic communication skills are necessary for understanding instructions from staff and interacting with guests.
- Attention to Detail: The ability to notice and act on small details, such as the cleanliness of a table or the need to restock supplies.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Bussers often work closely with waitstaff, kitchen staff, and other team members, so good teamwork skills are important.
- Customer Service Skills: Although not directly responsible for serving guests, a polite and helpful demeanor can enhance the guest experience.
- Time Management: The ability to efficiently manage tasks during busy periods to ensure prompt table turnovers and maintain the flow of service.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Being able to adapt to a changing environment and handle unexpected situations, like a sudden influx of guests.
- Basic Hygiene and Cleanliness Knowledge: Understanding of basic sanitation and hygiene practices, especially in relation to dining areas and food handling.
- Language Skills: Depending on the location, proficiency in a specific language (often English) or multiple languages can be beneficial.
- Training or Experience: Previous experience in a restaurant or hospitality setting can be advantageous but is often not required. On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Legal Work Eligibility: Eligibility to legally work in the country or region where the hotel is located.
Physical Requirements
- Stamina and Endurance: The ability to stand, walk, and move around for extended periods, often for an entire shift without sitting.
- Strength and Lifting Ability: Bussers frequently need to carry heavy trays, dishes, glassware, and sometimes furniture like chairs or portable tables. They should be able to lift and carry items safely, sometimes weighing up to 25-50 pounds.
- Dexterity and Coordination: The role requires good hand-eye coordination for tasks like setting tables, clearing dishes without spilling, and handling delicate glassware and utensils.
- Speed and Agility: The ability to move quickly and efficiently is crucial, especially during peak dining hours. Bussers need to navigate through crowded spaces, avoid collisions, and respond rapidly to service needs.
- Balance: Carrying loaded trays or multiple items requires a good sense of balance to avoid spills or accidents.
- Physical Fitness: General physical fitness helps in performing repetitive tasks and movements such as bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting.
- Manual Dexterity: The ability to use hands effectively to handle plates, glasses, and utensils, often in a confined space.
- Resilience to Physical Conditions: Comfort working in different physical environments, including hot kitchens, crowded dining areas, and potentially outdoor settings in different weather conditions.
- Good Health: Being in good overall health, as the job can be physically demanding and requires maintaining a steady pace.
- Sensory Ability: Adequate vision and hearing are important for safety and effective communication in a busy restaurant environment.
