On the Line / Hiring / What is a server? What is a server? Learn all about what a server does, how much they're paid, and much more! RESOURCE Server Training Checklist Use this comprehensive checklist to streamline your training process and cover all the essential tasks new servers should learn, from basic steps of service to side work. Get free download You must have Javascript enabled in order to submit forms on our website. If you'd like to contact Toast please call us at:(857) 301-6002 First and last name First and last name is required Email Email is required Phone number Phone number is required Restaurant Name Restaurant Name is required What is your role? Owner Wait Staff General Manager Chef Consultant Operations/IT Other Supplier Technology Partner What is your role? What is your role? is required What best describes your restaurant type? Fine Dining Full Service Casual Casual Dining Cafe / Bakery Fast Casual Fast Food / Drivethrough Food Truck Bar Nightclub Brewery Pizzeria Hotel Restaurants Ghost Kitchen Concessions and Stadiums Other What best describes your restaurant type? What best describes your restaurant type? is required Zip Code Zip Code is required Get free download We’ll handle your info according to our privacy statement. Built for Restaurants What is a server?A server is a master of customer service and has fine-tuned interpersonal skills. Catering to the needs of guests in a fast-paced, full-service restaurant environment requires lots of patience and the ability to multitask.Servers also have to be knowledgeable about the menu of the restaurant where they work to answer guests’ questions. They must be aware of any allergens in dishes and know how to handle food safely. What are a server’s duties and responsibilities?A restaurant server’s duties and responsibilities include:Communicating between guests and kitchen staffKnowledge about the restaurant’s menuKnowing and adhering to food safety standardsMultitasking and anticipating guests’ needsAccommodating special requests from guestsTaking orders for meals and beveragesAdhering to standards of service set by management How much are servers paid?Servers are paid both hourly wages and tips, and they earn an average of $20,000 to $30,000 annually. Their average hourly wage is $13.95. Server’s wages can vary greatly because of tips and the volume of sales in a restaurant. What are the qualities that make a good server?A good server is attentive, patient, and works well as part of a team. Servers have to be good multitaskers to accommodate the needs of several parties of guests at the same time. They also need to have a good memory and be knowledgeable about the restaurant’s menu.Good servers have excellent interpersonal communication skills. Being able to communicate clearly with guests and the rest of a restaurant’s staff is critical to the role. Servers should be comfortable talking to guests able to read a table and anticipate their needs. How to become a server?Serving tables requires customer service experience and knowledge of the food and beverage industry. Becoming a server often requires starting as a host, busser, food runner, or another role within a restaurant. That way, you can learn the ropes of the restaurant industry before becoming responsible for table service.Restaurant managers want to be sure that they are hiring servers that have the experience for the job. Customer service experience of any kind is a good starting point. Many restaurants are willing to train servers on the specific qualifications for the role.Most states require restaurant employees to have a food handling certification. If you plan to become a server, it can be good to take the initiative and enroll in state-sanctioned a food safety course.It’s always a good idea to browse online job ads to find which restaurants in your area are hiring servers. Restaurant management staff is often impressed by candidates that take the initiative to visit the restaurant, introduce themselves, and express genuine interest in the job. How to hire a server?Start the hiring process for servers by making a list of the experience, qualifications, and skills that you want potential candidates to have. If you’re willing to train servers, you might find a larger pool of candidates from which to hire. There are lots of service professionals on the market, so it’s good to have an idea of the kind of people that are the best fit for your restaurant.When interviewing applicants, ask about how they work on a team and assess their interpersonal skills. Verify their qualifications and build a training program to prepare new hires with the skills they need to acquire for the job.Posting job ads online can help to bring in lots of applications, but they might not all have the right skills and experience to be a server. When setting interviews, call the candidates that have a history of customer service experience–it’s even better if they’ve worked in the food service industry.Restaurant servers are skilled workers, often performing several customer service roles at once. They get to meet a lot of different people and they enjoy providing guests with a memorable, high-quality dining experience. RESOURCE Server Training Checklist Use this comprehensive checklist to streamline your training process and cover all the essential tasks new servers should learn, from basic steps of service to side work. Get free download You must have Javascript enabled in order to submit forms on our website. If you'd like to contact Toast please call us at:(857) 301-6002 First and last name First and last name is required Email Email is required Phone number Phone number is required Restaurant Name Restaurant Name is required What is your role? Owner Wait Staff General Manager Chef Consultant Operations/IT Other Supplier Technology Partner What is your role? What is your role? is required What best describes your restaurant type? Fine Dining Full Service Casual Casual Dining Cafe / Bakery Fast Casual Fast Food / Drivethrough Food Truck Bar Nightclub Brewery Pizzeria Hotel Restaurants Ghost Kitchen Concessions and Stadiums Other What best describes your restaurant type? What best describes your restaurant type? is required Zip Code Zip Code is required Get free download We’ll handle your info according to our privacy statement. Accounting What is the Average Server Salary? Hiring How to Write a Server Job Description (Duties, Responsibilities) Hiring How to Create a Server Resume (Skills, Examples) Is this article helpful? Yes No Submitted! Thank you for your feedback. DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation. By clicking any of the above links, you will be leaving Toast's website. Tyler Martinez What is a server? What are a server’s duties and responsibilities? How much are servers paid? What are the qualities that make a good server? How to become a server? How to hire a server? Go next level with insider tips – straight from the pros to your inbox. We’ll email you 1-2 times per week with the latest news and how-tos. Newsletter sign-up You must have Javascript enabled in order to submit forms on our website. If you'd like to contact Toast please call us at:(857) 301-6002 Email Email is required Zip Code Zip Code is required Subscribe for Free We’ll handle your info according to our privacy statement.