As a head server in a restaurant, your responsibilities would include:
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Staff Supervision: Leading and supervising the front-of-house staff, including servers, hosts/hostesses, bussers, and sometimes bartenders. This involves delegating tasks, providing guidance, and ensuring that all staff members are performing their duties effectively.
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Customer Service: Ensuring exceptional customer service by addressing customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly and professionally. Leading by example in providing a positive dining experience for guests.
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Training and Development: Training new hires and providing ongoing training and development opportunities for existing staff to improve their service skills, product knowledge, and understanding of restaurant policies and procedures.
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Scheduling: Creating and managing staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours while controlling labor costs. Considering staff availability and skill levels when creating schedules.
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Inventory Management: Overseeing inventory levels of front-of-house supplies, such as tableware, linens, and condiments. Communicating with management or the purchasing department to order supplies as needed and monitoring inventory costs.
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Ensuring Compliance: Ensuring that all staff members adhere to food safety standards, health regulations, and restaurant policies. Conducting regular inspections of the dining area to ensure cleanliness and adherence to sanitation standards.
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Assisting with Operations: Assisting with various operational tasks, such as seating guests, taking orders, delivering food and beverages, and processing payments during busy periods or when necessary to maintain smooth service flow.
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Communication: Facilitating effective communication between front-of-house staff, kitchen staff, management, and customers. Relay important information, such as menu changes or special requests, to relevant parties.
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Maintaining Standards: Upholding the restaurant's standards of service, cleanliness, and professionalism. Leading by example to ensure that all staff members adhere to these standards at all times.
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Problem Solving: Addressing any issues or conflicts that arise during service promptly and effectively. Finding solutions to ensure customer satisfaction and smooth restaurant operations.
Overall, as a restaurant head server, you play a crucial role in leading the front-of-house team to deliver exceptional service, maintain high standards, and create memorable dining experiences for guests.