The atmosphere of a restaurant is designed to achieve harmony among each of the activities that must be carried out in the provision of the service, as this depends on the desired customer experience. To immerse the customer in a sea of sensations, it is essential that the role of each type of staff in restaurants is clearly defined, thereby enabling the standardization of the service and increasing its effectiveness.
What we call “culinary symphony” is nothing less than the harmony created by the staff in restaurants when they work together. They create a wonderful experience in one of the most demanding settings, both for events and individual formats. At OpenStory, we are experts in staffing, and that’s why, in this article, you will learn about 10 fundamental roles in a first-class restaurant:
Receptionist
This person is at the restaurant entrance and is responsible for receiving and attending to customers initially. Their role is crucial in making a good impression, as their responsibility is to influence whether customers decide to enter the restaurant or not.
Hosts
These individuals welcome customers, seat them at their tables, and manage reservations.
Maître d’
Their duty is to coordinate and supervise various resources to optimize processes and efficiently manage the restaurant. In short, they manage the relationship between the kitchen and the customers.
Chef and Cooks
The chef, as we well know, is responsible for the kitchen and their role is to turn each dish into a work of art that captivates diners with its flavor. Their responsibility is to make customers so fascinated by the restaurant’s dishes that they want to return. Cooks, on the other hand, assist the chef step by step to ensure smooth preparation.
Sous Chef
They are the assistant to the executive chef or the kitchen manager in the chef’s absence.
Waiter/Waitress
This person has constant contact with customers, as they assist them throughout their stay. Their responsibility goes beyond delivering food; they must be service professionals. In addition to a necessary spirit of service, friendliness, and personality, they should be familiar with the basic concepts of customer service and restaurant operations. Staff in restaurants play a crucial role in delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Gastronome
A person with refined taste and an exquisite palate, their responsibility lies in ensuring the quality and delicacy of the dishes by testing the level of flavor, finesse, and quality of food and beverages. The discerning judgment of staff in restaurants ensures that every dish meets the highest standards.
Sommelier
An expert in the world of wines, capable of recognizing the characteristics, defects, and virtues of this beverage. Their responsibility is to suggest the appropriate wine for the occasion to diners at fine restaurants. A knowledgeable sommelier enhances the overall dining experience provided by staff in restaurants.
Busser
Essentially the waiter’s assistant, responsible for clearing empty drinks, plates that have finished, and providing assistance to diners in general. While it doesn’t require technical knowledge or high etiquette, they should be proactive and efficient; it’s proven that quick service improves per-table consumption in restaurants. Diligent busser staff in restaurants contribute to seamless service.
Bartender
A professional at the bar who prepares or serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Known for creating an experience with the drinks they craft, they can blend flavors, use mixology tools, and even put on full shows at the bar. A professional bartender is knowledgeable about cocktails, mixology, bar management, customer service, and should have experience in all aspects of the bar. The creative flair of bartenders adds to the vibrant ambiance created by staff in restaurants.
The synergy among the various roles of staff in restaurants is the driving force behind exceptional dining experiences. Each member of the restaurant team contributes uniquely to the culinary symphony, ensuring that customers are treated to a harmonious and unforgettable experience.
