Working In a Restaurant: Everything You Should Know

A lot of people think that working in a restaurant is really easy. But anyone who has worked in a restaurant would tell them otherwise.

The restaurant business is hard, and there are a lot of things to know. Whether you're a chef working in a kitchen, a server making waves in dining rooms, or a bus boy clearing dishes, there are so many ins and outs of working in the food service industry.

So what are these things? Keep reading to find out!

What to expect

If you're asking what kind of a business is a restaurant, working in a restaurant can be very tough, and there are certain things you can expect, no matter the restaurant type:

• You'll spend long hours on your feet.

• You'll be working in a fast paced environment.

• You'll have to deal with a very hot kitchen, especially if you're a chef or cook.

• You may have to carry heavy objects, like boxes and pieces of equipment.

• You may have to deal with dangerous objects, like knives and broken glass.

• You'll have to interact with all sorts of customers if you're working the front of house.

• You'll have to work shifts and irregular hours.

• You'll most likely be working for minimum wage, or a slightly higher hourly wage.

The hospitality industry is known for a fast-paced work environment, customer-centric, and very flexible. A restaurant is an ideal workplace for someone who doesn't like working set hours and who can make their own schedules if and when they need to.

What position is right for you?

There are a lot of different types of restaurant workers that work in a restaurant. Each one will have its own requirements and will call on different skills. It's especially important to know these things if this will be your first job.

Some of these include:

• Chef: A chef works in the restaurant's kitchen and manages the preparation of the food. They are responsible for coming up with new menu items, as well as keeping the quality of the food consistent. There can be different types of chef in the restaurant, such as a head chef, sous chef, pastry chef, and chef de partie.

• Cook: A line cook is someone who helps the chef to prepare the food. They may be responsible for cooking certain dishes, or they may help with the preparation of food. While a chef will manage the kitchen, the cook will prepare all the food.

• Server: A server works on the restaurant floor and is responsible for taking orders, serving food, and clearing tables in the dining room. Most servers will need to be very knowledgable about restauratn's food so they can properly inform custoemrs about it.

• Busser: A busser is responsible for clearing dishes and resetting tables in the dining room. They may also help with serving food or preparing drinks.

• Dishwasher: A dishwasher works in the kitchen and is responsible for cleaning all of the dishes used by the chef and cooks.

• Bartender: A bartender works behind the bar and prepares the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beveridges. Depending on the restaurant type, a bartender may be required to have wine knowledge and be able to prepare cocktails.

• Barback: A barback is an apprentice to the bartender. They often do menial tasks for the bartender, like fetching ice, slicing fruit, and changing kegs.

• Manager: A restaurant manager manages the entire operation of the restaurant. A restaurant can have an assistant manager, a general manager, or both. They're the person in charge and are often the people customers speak to if there is a problem. Restaurant manager duties can range from taking customer orders to managing the staff rota and the restaurant seating strategy. They also often act as hiring managers.

• Hostess: What does a hostess do at a restaurant? A hostess is in charge of greeting guests and seating them. They are in charge of the restaurant's floor plan and knowing who sits where.

• Expeditor: An expeditor manages the passage of food through the pass, ensuring that the right dishes go to the right tables.

The benefits of working in a restaurant

There are a lot of benefits that come with working in a restaurant. Some of these include:

• Flexible hours: Many restaurants are open late, so you can often find work that fits around your schedule. This can contribute to a better work life balance for some.

• Discounts on food: Most restaurants will offer their employees discounts on meals

• Tips: If you're working in a position where you interact with customers, you may be able to earn tips. Most restaurant do tip pooling, which is where all employees put their accumulated tips in a shared pot. This pot is then divided out equally to the entire staff.

• Benefits: Some restaurants offer their employees benefits like health insurance, formal training, and sick leave.

Working in a restaurant can also be a great way to learn new skills, like cooking or customer service, and to meet new people.

The drawbacks of working in a restaurant

However, there can be some drawbacks to working in a restaurant. These might include:

• Working long hours: Many restaurants are open late, so you may have to work evenings and weekends.

• Working in a kitchen can be hot and sweaty: If you're working in the kitchen, you'll have to deal with the heat of the cookers and ovens.

• You may have to deal with difficult customers: If you're working in a position where you interact with customers, you may occasionally have to deal with difficult or angry customers.

• The restaurant industry can be fast-paced and demanding: You'll have to work quickly and efficiently to get the job done.

So, working in a restaurant can be both rewarding and challenging. If the above doesn't sound appealing, you may need to look into a new job or other jobs.

What kind of restaurant should you work in?

There are lots of different types of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining. The type of restaurant you work in will depend on your restaurant skills and experience, as well as your personal preferences.

Some of the different types of restaurants include:

• Fast food: Fast food restaurants are usually casual affairs where customers can order quickly and without too much fuss. These restaurants are often open late, so they're a good option if you're looking for flexible hours.

• Fine dining: Fine dining restaurants are more formal affairs where customers expect a higher level of service. These restaurants often have a dress code for staff, and they may require you to have previous experience working in a similar environment.

• Cafes: Cafes are usually casual places where customers can order food and drink to go, or to sit and enjoy. These restaurants are often open early, so they're a good option if you're looking for a daytime job.

• Bistro: If you're wondering what is a bistro restaurant, bistros are small restaurants that serve moderately priced food in a modest setting. They tend to have a fairly intimate atmosphere, with small table plans.

• Bars: Bars are places where customers can buy alcoholic drinks to consume on the premises. These establishments usually have a late night opening, so they're a good option if you're looking for evening or weekend work.

The type of job you want and the benefits it will include will depend on the type of restaurant you choose to work in.

What is the restaurant's culture?

The culture of a restaurant can vary depending on the type of restaurant it is, as well as its size and location, the restaurant staff that work there, and the restaurant owners.

Some restaurants have a very relaxed and informal culture, where staff can wear their own clothes and there isn't too much structure to the working day. Other restaurants may have a more formal dress code and a stricter working environment.

The culture of a restaurant can also vary depending on its size. Smaller restaurants may be family-run businesses where everyone knows each other, while larger restaurants may have a more anonymous feel.

The location of a restaurant can also affect its culture. Restaurants in tourist areas may have a more international feel, while those in residential areas may be more local.

When you're considering working in a restaurant, it's important to think about the kind of culture you would feel comfortable working in.

What are the working hours like?

The working hours in a restaurant can vary depending on the type of restaurant it is, as well as its location.

Some restaurants are open late, so you may have to work evening and weekend shifts. Other restaurants may only be open during daytime hours, so you'll only be able to work during the day.

The working hours can also vary depending on the location of the restaurant. Restaurants in tourist areas may be open longer to accommodate visitors, while those in residential areas may have shorter opening times.

When you're considering working in a restaurant, it's important to think about the kind of working hours you would be comfortable with.

What are the working conditions like?

Working conditions in the restaurant industry can vary depending on the type of restaurant it is, as well as its size.

Some restaurants may be very noisy and busy, with little space for staff to move around. Other restaurants may be more spacious and have a more relaxed atmosphere.

The working conditions in the restaurant industry can also vary depending on the size of the restaurant. Smaller restaurants may be more cramped and have less equipment, while larger restaurants may have more room and better facilities.

When you're considering working in a restaurant, it's important to think about the kind of working conditions you would be comfortable with.

What are the chances of career progression?

The chances of career progression in a restaurant can vary depending on the type of restaurant it is, as well as its size.

Some restaurants may have a clear hierarchy with opportunities for promotion, while others may be more flat-structured with less opportunity for advancement.

The chances of career progression can also vary depending on the size of the restaurant. Smaller restaurants may not have as many management positions, while larger restaurants may have more room for promotion.

When you're considering working in a restaurant, it's important to think about the kind of career progression you would like to see.

What restaurant etiquette do I need to know?

There are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to restaurant etiquette. First and foremost, remember that the customer is always right. Even if they're not, it's important to remain professional and courteous at all times.

Secondly, be aware of your appearance. It's important to look neat and presentable when working in a restaurant, as you are representing the establishment.

Thirdly, be mindful of your manners. Be sure to say please and thank you when taking orders or serving food, and avoid using bad language around customers.

Fourthly, have a positive attitude. Customers will appreciate staff who are friendly and helpful, so try to radiate positive energy even if things are getting tough.

Fifthly, you'll need to learn all the restaurant etiquette for your particular role. For example, if you're a server, you'll need to learn how to serve food correctly.

Finally, know your limits. If you're feeling overwhelmed or working too hard, it's okay to ask for help from a manager or colleague.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you have good restaurant etiquette and make a positive impression on customers.

How do I apply for a job in a restaurant?

The best way to apply for a restaurant job is to submit a resume and cover letter to the restaurant manager.

In your resume, be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working in customer service or the food industry.

In your cover letter, explain why you would be a good fit for the restaurant and what you can bring to the team.

If you don't have any previous experience working in a restaurant, don't worry – many restaurants are willing to train employees on the job.

Once you've submitted your application, the next step is usually an interview with the restaurant manager. This is your chance to show them that you're knowledgeable about the hospitality industry and that you have the right attitude for the job.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting a restaurant job.

Final thoughts

Working in a restaurant can be a great way to earn money, gain experience in the hospitality industry, and develop your restaurant skills. It's important to choose the right restaurant to work in, based on factors such as the culture, working hours and working conditions. Consider also the chances of career progression when making your decision. With the right choice, working in a restaurant can be a very rewarding experience.

Working in a restaurant can be difficult, but what's more difficult is working in a restaurant without the right tools.

The Epos Now restaurant point of sale system will be able to help you no matter what job you find yourself in in a restaurant.

• Manage your ordering system with our patented Kitchen Display System

• Take advantage of customers outside of your restaurant with Epos Now Delivery and Epos Now Order and Pay

• Manage your team and cashflow with powerful integrations like Workforce and Quickbooks

• Use low stock warnings so you're always able to give your guests what they want

• Monitor stock levels across multiple locations

• Track time-at-table to maximize cover capacity and revenue

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team below!