Any restaurant will justly be a blend of delicious food, an atmosphere that feels cozy, and great service. Of these, the role of servers takes a central position since they are the faces that go out there to interact with customers directly and ensure a truly memorable dining experience. If you want to impress customers and have them return, then you'll have to hire talented, professional servers who reflect and conduct business under the values of your restaurant. Here's a step-by-step guide on what you need to know to hire servers who will raise your establishment.
1. Why You Need to Hire Servers the Right Way
Before getting into the process of hiring, it is worth pointing out why it is so important to hire the right servers. Servers are the only link between the kitchen and the guest. It isn't just about taking orders and delivering food; it's about creating experiences. Sure, a great server can make one feel valued about the meal—make sure everything goes smooth—but the server represents your restaurant after you've stopped. On the other hand, a poor server can make a wonderful meal forgettable, or worse—a negative one. When you hire servers who know what they're doing, are personable, and efficient, you're investing in the success of your restaurant.
2. Define What You're Looking For
Every restaurant is different, and so is the form of server you would require. Are you running a high-end fine-dining restaurant or a family eatery? The kind of skills and qualities that you look for when you hire servers should align with your restaurant's brand and customer expectations.
First of all, provide a detailed description of the job. All responsibilities should be stated, including taking orders, serving food and beverages, handling payments, and great customer service. Furthermore, describe what attributes you are looking for: strong communication skills, friendly demeanor, and working well under pressure. The clearer you are about what you want, the more likely you are to recognize the right candidates.
3. The Interviewing Process: What to Look For
The interview process is your chance to find out whether a candidate is the right fit for your restaurant. Here are a few key areas of focus when you hire servers:
Experience: Ask if they have restaurant experience, but again, this isn't always necessary. Experience counts, but a person who has less experience but carries the right attitude and is ready to learn will sometimes be more suitable for this particular job.
Personality: A server's personality makes all the difference when dealing with customer satisfaction. Find those who exude an outgoing, friendly demeanor with a great attitude that can last during the most busy times.
Problem-Solving Skills: The server often has to think on their feet. Present scenarios such as a complaining customer or an order mix-up to candidates for their response in handling such situations. This can show how well they can problem-solve and work under pressure.
Cultural Fit: The culture of the restaurant needs to align with whom one hires to be servers. Assess, during the interview, that the candidate matches your values and will fit in with your current team.
4. Training and Onboarding
Once you've found the right candidates, proper training and onboarding are next. Quite simply, the best servers need training on your restaurant's specific processes and standards. A well-structured training program ensures that new hires know what their duties and responsibilities are, how to work your point-of-sale system, your menu, and your specials.
Pair each new hire with an experienced member of the staff who will serve as a mentor for his/her first few weeks. This allows new servers to get up to speed very quickly and creates comradery within your team.
5. Retention: Keeping Your Best Servers
Staffing the right servers is just the beginning. Keeping them on board is equally important. High turnover can be very expensive and full of upheaval, therefore it becomes necessary to maintain an atmosphere that will keep them on the job. Here are some strategies that will keep your servers happy and productive:
Competitive Pay: One of the most important things to people is the pay scale. Offer competitive wages and consider tips or bonuses depending on performance.
Work-Life Balance: Make sure that your staff has manageable work schedules and time off to avoid burnout.
Positive Working Environment: Help create a supportive, constructive, positive restaurant culture wherein your staff feels important and valued, and their souls are respected.
Opportunities for Growth: Provide opportunities for growth in your restaurant. Whether it is moving up to management or increasing what they are doing, it shows that there might be better things ahead.
6. Onboarding and Training
After you hire servers and hire catering staff, it's important to have a comprehensive onboarding and training program in place. Proper training ensures that your new hires understand their responsibilities, are familiar with your restaurant's policies, and are equipped to provide excellent service to your customers.
Orientation: Start with an orientation session that covers the basics, such as the restaurant's history, mission, and values. This will help new hires feel connected to your business and understand the bigger picture.
Shadowing: Pair new servers with experienced staff members for shadowing sessions. This hands-on approach allows them to learn the ropes and observe how seasoned servers handle different situations.
Menu Knowledge: Ensure that your servers are well-versed in the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and any special dietary accommodations. This knowledge will enable them to answer customer questions confidently and make informed recommendations.
Conclusion
Hiring the right servers and catering staff is a critical component of running a successful restaurant. By taking the time to clearly define the role, craft a compelling job description, and implement a thorough interview and training process, you can hire servers who are not only skilled but also a great fit for your team. Additionally, focusing on retention by creating a positive work environment and offering growth opportunities will help you build a strong, dedicated team that contributes to the long-term success of your restaurant.