Banquet Server Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides exhaustive information on the banquet server job description and career, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they typically perform.

It also provides ideas on how to become a banquet server, the major requirements to meet to be hired for the position, and the salary that banquet servers earn.

What Does a Banquet Server Do?

A banquet server is a person or a group of people who perform serving duties at dinners and events.

According to Onetonline, the banquet server role is similar to titles such as waiter and waitress, food and beverage server, food server, cocktail server, and restaurant server. Though they carry different titles, their duties are basically the same, which involves taking orders from customers, guests, or patrons and serving food and beverages at catering events or venues.

The banquet server job description entails carrying trays, setting up for events, serving guests, and cleaning up after the event.

Their set-up function can include place settings, arranging table placement, putting out tablecloths, as well as putting up a buffet.

They are people who are able to stand and walk for a long period of time while accommodating guests politely and effectively.

There are no necessary requirements before becoming a banquet server; nonetheless, some employers do prefer to hire people with at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Banquet servers are employed by hotels or catering services, and they are roaming non-standard waiters and waitresses.

In a typical restaurant, the wait staff usually have tables they are assigned to cover, but in the banquet servers’ case, they are responsible for accommodating all the guests at a function while circulating the room; responding politely to guest requests and anticipating their needs.

A banquet server’s roles in the course of the event can vary depending on the situation, however, they, in general, must be able to stay focused on the job while on their feet and moving about freely, which can include climbing stairs, bending, and carrying items weighing up to 25-50 pounds.

Good communication is very important, for the purpose of being able to follow directions accurately and meeting the physical demands of the banquet server job.

Having a positive attitude while on the job is also important.

It is a must that banquet servers adhere to safety and health standards all the time, even when closing down at the end of any event, which includes taking tablecloths and linens to the laundry and breaking down the table set up.

Banquet Server Job Description Example/Sample/Template

Here is an example of banquet server job description, consisting of major duties, tasks, and responsibilities holders of the position usually perform.

• Provide assistance to banquet managers in the serving of guests during banquet functions to ensure positive guest experience.
• Set up banquet room as requested by the supervisor to include glassware, serviceware, linen
• Attend roll call meetings before events kick off in order to learn function particulars, including hotel and guest expectations
• Greet and welcome guests and respond to their requests in a courteous and friendly manner
• Serve the beverage and food in the appropriate order and in tune with the expectation of the supervisor so as to ensure consistency throughout the banquet
• Quickly remove dishes as guests finish each meal at the end of each meal or function
• Abide by all corporate act, laws and requirements pertaining to serving alcoholic beverages
• Replenish beverages when necessary, and check with guests to make sure they are satisfied
• After the banquet, reset banquet room in accordance with the supervisor’s specifications to ensure the readiness of the room for other functions
• Follow attendance rules and always go to work on a regular basis
• Perform other related functions that may be assigned.

Information from the sample job description shown above can also be utilized in making a resume for the banquet server position.

Banquet Server Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Career Success

Here are important attributes, including abilities, skills, and knowledge base employers mostly look for when hiring new banquet server.

• Hotel experience preferred
• Must be willing to relate cordially with other members of the team and help co-workers with their job duties
• Must have basic knowledge of service standards, guest relations, food and beverage preparations as well as etiquette
• Ability to understand and apply written product labeling instructions to ensure the safe application of such products cum processes within the hotel.

Banquet Server Employment

There were 72,767 banquet servers employed in the United States, according to a 2021 report on Zippa.

Breaking it down, women dominated employment for banquet server for the year with 45,479, just as they’ve been doing for the past years, leaving the men with 27,287 employments.

A banquet server is averagely 28 years old as stated in the report, with the White race having the most employments.

This is followed by Hispanic, Black, and Asian, with 14,335, 8,440, and 5,749 employments respectively.

Industries with Most Employment for Banquet Servers

The industries that provide most employment for banquet servers in the United States include the hospitality and professional industries, with 44,388 and 10,187 employments respectively.

Banquet Server Salary

The salary of banquet servers in the United States is averagely $39,171 per year according to recent reports on Glassdoor.

The highest paying industries include Education ($44,955 yearly), Human Resources and Staffing ($43,671 yearly).

Top Paying Cities for Banquet Servers in the U.S.

According to recent reports on Indeed, the cities that pay the highest salaries to banquest servers in the United States include:

• New York, NY, $22.57 hourly
• Orlando, FL, $20.41 hourly
• Las Vegas, NV, $19.15 hourly
• Denver, CO, $18.27 hourly
• Louisville, KY, $18.26 hourly
• St. Louis, MO, $16.77 hourly
• Austin, TX, $16.20 hourly
• Richmond, VA, $14.94 hourly
• Birmingham, AL, $14.50 hourly.

Banquet Server Career Advancement

A banquet server can grow their career via different career pathways like:

1. Restaurant supervisor or manager

A restaurant supervisor or manager is an individual who oversees a restaurant as it is being ran.

They will ensure that servers are running the restaurant efficiently while maintaining the quality of the product they serve.

This will include everything from making sure that the decorations are organized correctly to checking on the taste testings of new dishes.

2. Head waiter/waitress

A head waiter or waitress is someone who oversees a restaurant while they are not there. This means that they will make sure that the servers are running the restaurant smoothly and efficiently while maintaining quality.

3. Food and beverage manager in hotels and resorts

A food and beverage manager in hotels and resorts is a position where an individual has to oversee the entire food and beverage department of a resort.

This could include everything from making sure food is prepared correctly to ordering new supplies for the kitchen.

This position is one of the most important jobs in the food industry.

4. Personal assistant

A personal assistant is an individual who works in an office as a service to their employer. They are responsible for making sure that they are organized while also making sure that they look good while doing so.

Personal assistants usually work very closely with the boss at their place of employment.

5. Restaurant owner/operator

A restaurant owner or operator is someone who runs a restaurant and employs other employees to run it for them.

They will hire employees who will work on a commission and then pay them out of the profits they make.

The owner or operator will also go to other locations in search of franchisees which they can buy and then sell the rights to.

The restaurant owner or operator will also be responsible for making sure their restaurant is financially successful.

6. Bartender or bar manager

A bartender or bar manager is someone who helps run the bar at a restaurant, pub, nightclub, sports venue, hotel, or television studio.

They will make sure that the customers have a good time while also making sure that the bartenders are skilled and well trained.

7. Executive chef or sous chef

An executive chef or sous chef is someone who oversees the entire kitchen at their restaurant and is in charge of hiring all other kitchen staff which includes cooks, bakers, chefs, dishwashers, line cooks and pastry chefs.

In some places, a strainer may also be in charge of overseeing other food service staff individually.

8. Director of operations in resorts, hotels, and casinos

A director of operations in resorts, hotels, and casinos is someone who oversees all aspects of the resort food and beverage department.

They will hire employees to run the restaurant, as well as hire other food service staff to help them.

They will also oversee the entire kitchen and make sure that food supplies are being used properly.

9. Administrative assistant

An administrative assistant is an individual who acts as the main assistant to a specific person in the office and keeps track of their most important items.

If someone is hiring an assistant, they will look for someone who has good organizational skills and also knows how to manage multiple tasks at once.

Administrative assistants usually work very closely with the boss at their place of employment.

Challenges Faced by Banquet Servers on the Job

There are many challenges banquet servers face on the job, the major ones include:

1. It can be stressful

Working as a banquet server requires a lot of time and commitment. Banquet servers have to be on their toes at all times and almost never get the chance to take it easy.

Not only do employees have to work for long hours, but they also have to work in an environment that is not always clean.

Being a banquet server is an extremely tough job due to the amount of stress involved and whether their restaurant is up or down in business.

2. A lot of responsibility

Banquet servers face a lot of responsibilities on their hands when they are the ones who are making sure that the food is being taken care of.

They also have to take it seriously when it comes to ensuring that the consumers are satisfied with all the food options provided to them, even if this means closing all night long if needed, or selling a damaged product.

3. Long hours

Banquet servers work long hours, even if they are not always required to do so. Not only do they have to work extra hours when the restaurant is busy, but they also have to come in early in order to prepare the restaurant for opening.

In a lot of cases the employees will be scheduled to work longer than the usual hours.

4. Poor working condition

Working as a banquet server has its downfalls and one of them is mediocre working conditions.

Banquet servers often have to work at a restaurant that is not as clean as they would like it to be.

This means that they also have to do a lot of work cleaning the restaurant to make sure that it is always in good condition.

Banquet servers are also usually not offered any type of benefits, even if they are working for over 12 hours a day and are extremely loyal employees who keep great records of what is going on with their restaurant’s business, this does not mean anything.

How to Become a Banquet Server

If you are interested in becoming a banquet server, here are the steps you can take to achieve your dream:

1. Get your high school diploma

Although banquet servers are not required to have a degree, they may be required to have a high school diploma or equivalent educational training.

2. Develop your customer service skills

Banquet servers must interact with guests and attendees, so customer service skills are essential. Any customer-facing experience is beneficial.

3. Get some server experience

Banquet servers can gain experience by working as a host/hostess, server, or bartender in a restaurant.

These positions assist banquet servers in learning more about the food and beverage industry.

To work as a banquet server, individuals will be required to be of legal drinking age to be able to serve alcohol.

Some states may require banquet servers to be at least 21 years old because they may serve alcoholic beverages.

4. Obtain certification in food and beverage service

Anyone working in the food and beverage industry can obtain a Food Handler and Alcohol certification from ServSafe.

Earning either ServSafe certification can help a banquet server’s job prospects.

Major Benefits of a Banquet Server Career

There are various benefits employees can get working in the banquet server position. These include:

1. Pension plan

Restaurant servers are eligible for a pension plan, which is a retirement plan for when banquet servers are older.

They will not have to struggle financially after retiring from the restaurant job.

2. Exciting working environment

Most people do not enjoy working at a boring and dull environment, but banquet servers love it because they get to meet lots of new faces and interact with them while they help out the restaurant overall by making sure that everything is running smoothly with their customers.

It is also not hard to get hired as a banquet server because most employers usually want to hire people who are friendly, outgoing, and have a great attitude.

3. Promotion opportunities are available

Banquet servers can expect to be promoted within the business due to the fact that their job requires a high degree of attention and dedication.

As a banquet server, it is possible to become the general manager of their restaurant which is a great job for anyone who loves working in the hospitality industry.

4. Steady income

Because banquet servers do not have many expenses, it makes sense that they will receive a steady pay check from the restaurant at which they work.

This makes it possible for them to save money for other things that they may need, like retirement and rent/mortgage payments.

5. Chances for advancement

Banquet servers can become an assistant manager for their restaurant, which is a high-ranking executive position that can pay up to $100,000 or more a year in salary.

These positions do not require education credentials and are often filled by people with proven leadership experience.

6. Good benefits

Because banquet servers are paid as employees of their restaurant, they have access to a wide variety of benefits such as employer-matched 401(k) plan, health insurance, and comprehensive reimbursement for all health care costs and paid time off.

Banquet Server Job Satisfaction

According to a salary survey at Indeed with 3,797 banquet servers in the United States participating, 45% say their salaries are enough for them to take care of their living expenses in their locations.

This indicates most banquet servers are not quite happy with their salaries, which also reflects on their general job satisfaction.

Also, another survey carried out by Research Gate on the job satisfaction of restaurant workers showed that most banquet servers and other restaurant employees have low job satisfaction level. 386 of 798 banquet servers who participated in the survey, that is, 50.2%, gave a low job satisfaction rating.

This perhaps explains the high employee turnover usually experienced in the restaurant business.

Conclusion

Banquet servers are the people who make sure that the guests are happy and that their food and beverages are being taken care of.

They also take it seriously when it comes to ensuring that their restaurant is in good order, even if this means that they have to work late if needed or close all night during a busy event.

References:

Indeed, Onetonline, Glassdoor, Zippia

Resources for Banquet Servers

We have provided valuable resources to help banquet servers become more knowledgeable about the hospitality industry and advance in their careers:

Professional Organizations

Useful Blogs

Valuable Books