This post presents detailed information on the job description of a restaurant cashier, to boost your knowledge of the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities of the role, as well as templates employers can use.
It also presents the important requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the restaurant cashier role by most employers.
What Does a Restaurant Cashier Do?
The restaurant cashier is responsible for interacting with customers and accepting payment from them for products and services provided.
An essential position in any restaurant will involve the person handling money. Such personnel are referred to as restaurant cashiers. They can also be regarded as the waiter/waitress, the floor manager, or host of the restaurant.
The shift or restaurant manager usually reviews the contents of the drawer at the start and end of the cashier’s working period to ensure accuracy in calculations.
The restaurant cashier in this context may be responsible for calculations involving a lot of cash, and in separating checks. Having basic experience working with check authentication appliances and credit card machines will be a valuable quality for the cashier.
Customers mostly have the opportunity to speak with only the cashier during the whole period of their stay at the restaurant. He/she is therefore obligated to welcome customers with a warm smile.
Payments are immediately entered into the payment system and collected by the cashier at the completion of the meal.
A productive restaurant cashier is able to switch roles quickly between performing major restaurant tasks and attending to the needs of customers.
The restaurant cashier job description entails serving each visitor respectfully, swiftly and effectively with an honest, positive, friendly, and exuberant attitude.
His/her responsibilities also include filing orders, receiving money, and carrying out suggestive selling while managing all cash issued and received during his/her shift.
He/she may need to perform smaller tasks to assist other personnel in quickly rounding up and closing the restaurant for the night.
These duties are usually done while the supervisor or manager reviews the cashier register.
Tasks scheduled for closing period may include clearing of trash, cleaning the front station, and restocking, among other duties.
Restaurant Cashier Job Description Example/Sample
The restaurant cashier job description consists of the following key duties, tasks, and responsibilities:
- Greet customers warmly and ensure they get excellent service
- Take customer orders correctly at the counter or drive-thru
- Process payments using cash, credit cards, and POS systems
- Issue receipts, handle refunds, and manage cash drawers responsibly
- Answer menu questions and suggest items or promotions
- Maintain cleanliness of the front counter, beverage stations, and dining area
- Restock cups, napkins, condiments, utensils, and other supplies
- Work with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation of order
- Monitor order numbers and hand out completed meals to customers
- Support daily opening and closing procedures
- Follow food safety, sanitation, and hygiene guidelines
- Assist with inventory checks or restocking when needed
- Uphold restaurant policies and maintain a positive guest experience
- Package takeout orders and ensure order accuracy; make coffee and fill beverage cups
- Function as the host/hostess of the restaurant
- Make reservations for customers
- Handle customer concerns or complaints professionally; appeal to impatient or irritated customers, especially during rush hours
- Ensure a balance of the register at the end of the shift or working period
Restaurant Cashier Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Hiring and Career Success
Here are important requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the restaurant cashier role by most employers, which are also vital for success on the job and career:
- High school diploma or GED (preferred)
- Previous cashier or customer service experience for fast, accurate order-taking and customer interactions
- Experience in food service or hospitality (a plus) and familiarity with restaurant operations
- Strong customer service skills: Ability to greet guests, answer questions, and resolve concerns politely
- Basic math skills for handling cash, giving change, and processing orders
- POS system proficiency: Ability to learn and operate cash registers and restaurant order systems
- Good communication skills, including clear speaking and listening abilities to ensure accurate orders
- Attention to detail to ensure order accuracy, proper cash handling, and clean workstations
- Multitasking ability to manage customer lines, order entry, and payments simultaneously
- Problem-solving skills for addressing customer issues or order discrepancies quickly
- Ability to stand for long periods as restaurant cashiers often work on their feet during shifts.
- Ability to lift 15–25 lbs. for restocking supplies and carrying orders when needed
- Friendly and professional attitude to enhance customer experience and promote a welcoming environment
- Reliability and punctuality for maintaining restaurant workflow and service consistency
- Teamwork mindset: Ability to collaborate with kitchen staff, servers, and fellow cashiers
- Flexible schedule: Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on restaurant needs
- Basic computer literacy for POS systems and digital menu displays
- Knowledge of food safety guidelines (preferred) to maintain sanitary and compliant practices.
Restaurant Cashier Job Description Templates
Here are restaurant cashier job description templates employers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:
TEMPLATE 1.
Position Title: Restaurant Cashier
Reports To: Shift Supervisor / Assistant Manager / Restaurant Manager
Location: [Restaurant Location]
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Company Overview
[Your Restaurant Name] is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service and high-quality dining experiences. We pride ourselves on a friendly atmosphere, efficient service, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. We are looking for customer-focused team members who thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
Position Overview
We are seeking a reliable and friendly Restaurant Cashier to handle customer transactions, take orders, answer menu questions, and support smooth front-of-house operations. The Cashier plays a key role in ensuring guests receive prompt, accurate, and welcoming service from the moment they enter the restaurant.
The ideal candidate has strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask during busy service hours.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Service
- Greet customers warmly and create a positive first impression.
- Assist guests with menu selections and answer questions about food items, pricing, or promotions.
- Provide recommendations when requested to enhance customer experience.
Order Taking & Payment Processing
- Take accurate customer orders using the POS system.
- Process payments via cash, credit cards, mobile apps, and gift cards.
- Issue receipts, handle refunds, and follow proper cash-handling procedures.
- Ensure correct entry of orders and communicate special requests to kitchen staff.
Front Counter & Dining Area Support
- Package takeout orders and ensure accuracy before handing to customers.
- Maintain cleanliness of the front counter, beverage stations, and condiment areas.
- Restock cups, napkins, straws, utensils, condiments, and other supplies.
- Assist with keeping the dining area clean and welcoming.
Operations & Coordination
- Communicate effectively with kitchen and service staff to ensure smooth workflow.
- Monitor wait times and coordinate order handoffs.
- Support daily opening and closing procedures, including drawer balancing and station setup.
Customer Problem Resolution
- Address customer concerns, order issues, or complaints in a polite and professional manner.
- Escalate concerns to supervisors when necessary.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Follow food safety standards, sanitation guidelines, and proper hygiene practices.
- Ensure compliance with all restaurant policies and operational procedures.
- Keep workstations clean and free from hazards.
Skills & Qualifications
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to handle cash accurately and manage POS systems.
- Strong attention to detail and multitasking abilities.
- Friendly, professional demeanor with a positive attitude.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic math skills for handling payments and making change.
- Strong teamwork skills and reliability.
Education & Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Previous experience in customer service, cashiering, or the restaurant industry is a plus.
- On-the-job training available for qualified candidates.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Work Environment
- Fast-paced restaurant environment with frequent interaction with customers.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 20–25 lbs. for extended periods.
- Shifts may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[Your Restaurant Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Additional Information
- Uniforms or dress code may be required.
- Opportunities for advancement may be available for high-performing employees.
- Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application and resume to [Insert Application Email or Job Link].
TEMPLATE 2.
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
About the Role
We are seeking a friendly and reliable Restaurant Cashier to handle customer orders, process payments, and provide excellent service in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Greet customers and assist with menu selections
- Take accurate orders and enter them into the POS system
- Process cash, card, and mobile payments
- Package takeout orders and ensure accuracy
- Keep front counter and dining area clean and stocked
- Restock cups, napkins, condiments, and utensils
- Assist with returns, refunds, and customer concerns
- Support kitchen and service staff with smooth order flow
Requirements
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Ability to handle cash and operate a POS system
- Basic math and multitasking abilities
- Friendly, professional attitude
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift 20–25 lbs.
- Flexible availability (weekends, evenings, holidays)
Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your resume to [Insert Email or Job Link].
Restaurant Cashier Job Description for Resume
If you have worked before or presently working as a restaurant cashier and are making a new resume or CV, then you can apply the restaurant cashier job description example above in making the Professional Experience section of the resume.
You can highlight the duties you have carried out in your resume’s Professional Experience by utilizing the ones presented in the above restaurant cashier job description sample.
This will be proof that you have been successful performing the restaurant cashier duties, which can enhance your chances of being hired, especially if the new position that you are seeking requires someone with some restaurant cashier work experience.
Conclusion
This post has provided exhaustive information on the restaurant cashier job description, covering the major duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.
It is helpful to individuals interested in the restaurant cashier career to learn all they need to know about what they do.
Employers needing to make an effective job description for the restaurant cashier role will also find this article useful.
They can apply any of the restaurant cashier job description templates provided on this page in making one for their companies.
