This post provides in-depth information on the job description of a server assistant, to boost your knowledge of the tasks, duties, and responsibilities they perform.
What Does a Server Assistant Do?
Server assistants, who are also called assistant servers, are people who help hosts and servers in restaurants, and are an integral part of a restaurant’s staff.
The job description of a server assistant involves removing the dirty glassware, silverware, and plates after use by guests.
Everything else left on the table by the guests must also be removed. After doing this, they will have to rearrange the table in conformity with the in-house standards of the restaurant, by setting up plates, glasses, and any new utensils that have been left there before the table was used.
After removing the dirty glassware, silverware, and plates from the tables, they will have to bring them to the dish cleaning area. If spills occur, it becomes the duty of the assistant server to do the clean-up.
These workers also have to make sure that the chairs around the tables and the floor are clean.
Over time, employers have added other duties to assistant servers’ responsibilities.
They may also have to restock the service stands, empty the trash, bring the linen out, and also refill the beverage station for coffee and tea.
Other tasks they are required to perform include bringing the ice to the bar, or folding the napkins. They may also help in the bar area by polishing the clean glassware and arranging it.
Their job descriptions and specific roles they may play in a restaurant or bar obviously depend on the management of the establishment, or the employer.
Many servers start by working as assistants, and to succeed on the job they should be familiar with general restaurant information in case the guests ask for anything which is not related to the food or menu, like a guest asking for a new knife.
Server Assistant Job Description Example/Sample/Template
Shown in the job description example for the position of server assistant below are important duties, tasks, and responsibilities usually performed by individuals holding the position at most restaurants.
- Greets all guests immediately they come in and when going.
- Thank the guests and invite them to return.
- Seat guests appropriately and present them with the menu.
- Arrange guest seats in rotation among servers in order to ensure that they are given equal number of tables.
- Update the floor chart regularly throughout the shift.
- Collect menu and return them to the Host Area when appropriate.
- Clean menus as required throughout the shift.
- Observe tables and take note of dirty, clean, and occupied tables.
- Answer phone about questions regarding menu items.
- Ensure that the front door area is both maintained and cleaned, both inside and out. This also includes making sure the brass and windows are free of fingerprint and smudge.
- Keep the Host Area stocked with take-away menus, toothpicks, business cards, and other necessary items.
- Assist the servers by refilling beverages and water, processing payment, and running food to the tables.
- Assist servers in resetting and bussing tables.
- Perform restroom checks several times during the shift by using the restroom check pads.
- Inform management of guests who are unhappy with the service as quickly as possible.
- Maintain composed, professional and calm attitude at all times.
- Complete all side-work as directed.
- Assist in an entire team effort.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Server Assistant Job Description for Resume
Information about the work activities of the server assistant can be obtained from the job description sample shown above in preparing the work history section and other sections of the resume for the position.
Server Assistant Requirements: Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge for Career Success
Here are important qualities an assistant to a server at a restaurant or bar must have to succeed on the job.
- Must possess strong interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to communicate with individuals from different backgrounds.
- Must possess organizational skills
- Must possess the ability to adapt in a changing environment.
Server Assistant Employment Statistics
The number of server assistants in employment in the United States, according to data on Zippia, is over 1,227,997.
While the average age of server assistants is 38 years, 726,974 are men and 501,023 are women.
Server Assistant Employment by Industry
The Zippia report shows the industries that employ the largest number of server assistants to include:
Server Assistant: Industries with Highest Employments. Data from Zippia
INDUSTRY | EMPLOYMENT |
Hospitality | 859,598 |
Media | 61,400 |
Manufacturing | 49,120 |
Professional | 36,840 |
Fortune 500 | 36,840 |
Server Assistant Employment by State
Also, according to the data on Zippia, the States that employ the highest number of server assistants in the U.S. include Texas and Florida, with 3,836 and 3,455 employments respectively.
Server Assistant Salary Statistics
The annual average salary of a server assistant in the United States is $25,654, according to Zippia.
However, Ziprecruiter gives the average salary to be $27,921 per year while Glassdoor states $54,000 yearly.
Server Assistant Salary by State
According to the data on Ziprecruiter, States that pay the highest salaries to server assistants in the United States include Washington and District of Columbia, with average salaries of $31,624 and $31,552 per year respectively.
Conclusion
This post has provided all you need to know about what server assistants do.
It is useful to individuals interested in working as a server assistant to learn the duties and responsibilities they will be assigned.
It is also helpful to employers/recruiters in making a detailed and effective job description for the server assistant role in their organizations.