Hire Banquet Servers
In today’s culture, a memorable dining experience must go far beyond the quality of the food. How was the restaurant ambiance? Was there a long wait time to be seated? Were the servers friendly and helpful? Overall, customers are looking for both delicious food and a wonderful restaurant experience. Professional banquet servers are an integral piece of this puzzle.
Hiring a banquet server begins with writing an eye-catching job posting. Aim to be as detailed as possible, and outline specific responsibilities and expectations of the ideal candidate. The job description should be accurate, fun, and enticing! Aside from general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on industry-specific job boards, online groups, and community platforms as well. This will help to increase the size of the potential talent pool and ensure that you find the right candidate.
Banquet Server Responsibilities
A banquet server is a member of the wait staff for a restaurant’s banquets, events, and any other special function for restaurant patrons. Before an event, a banquet server assists in setting up tables, placing tablecloths, arranging the buffet, and helping with overall event preparation (including food presentation, safety, and sanitation standards). It is also the responsibility of the banquet server to review menu details and ensure proper table set-up.
Once the guests arrive at the restaurant, the banquet server welcomes and greets them warmly and ushers them to their tables. During the meal service, other responsibilities include helping the guests with their food selection by explaining the restaurant’s specialties, answering questions on food preparation, and recommending beverage pairings. The banquet server should also inquire about guest’s food allergies or dietary restrictions and relay this information to the kitchen and bar.
Additionally, the banquet server keeps track of meal progression and timing, and serves the food to the guests in a timely and enthusiastic manner. To maintain the table settings, the banquet server also monitors and removes courses that are completed, refills water and other drinks, and replaces utensils as needed. To ensure a lovely dining experience, the banquet server should attentively respond to any requests or questions from the guests.
During the service, the banquet server also communicates with other servers and staff and assists with venue clean up and other tasks afterwards.
Banquet Server Skills and Qualifications
What are the qualifications required of a banquet server? The ideal candidate for a banquet server is a dynamic individual who is passionate about food and customer service. They should work well in a fast-paced restaurant environment, and have a calm, friendly, and professional demeanor at all times.
While most restaurants request a high school diploma or GED at minimum, further certifications in food safety training would be helpful. In terms of work background, strong customer service experience in a restaurant setting as a server is usually preferred. The candidate should have enough physical stamina to be able to stand for long periods of time and carry heavy trays with food and beverages. Lastly, the ideal candidate also should be able to adapt to a flexible work schedule and be available to work in shifts, on weekends, and holidays.
