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Restaurant Roles and Job Descriptions

Home > Restaurant Equipment, Supply & Marketing Articles > Restaurant Management and Operations > Restaurant Roles and Job Descriptions

Author: Monica Parpal

In any restaurant there are a multitude of roles and duties performed by the individuals in those roles. These job descriptions are intended for consultation when posting want ads or just for simply understanding the breakdown of labor in a typical restaurant.

Fine Dining Restaurant

Position	Job Description
General Manager	Responsibilities: Oversees general restaurant operations Oversees P&L statement Manages both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) Hires and manages staff Works with Executive Chef on marketing initiatives Other Requirements: College degree typically preferred Experience in food service Communication skills Leadership experience >>Learn more about how to be a highly effective restaurant manager
Assistant General Manager	Responsibilities: Oversees general restaurant operations when GM is absent Assists with P&L statement Assists with hiring and managing staff Assists with ordering and keeping inventory Often takes on management of the bar area Other Requirements: College degree typically preferred Leadership qualities Experience in food service work
Executive Chef	Responsibilities: Coordinates kitchen work Creates recipes Creates and adjusts menu Monitors and controls food costs and inventory Works with GM on marketing initiatives Cooks food for large events or special occasions Other Requirements: Creativity Culinary background Management experience >>Learn more about a day in the life of a restaurant chef
Chef de Cuisine	Responsibilities: Responsible for daily kitchen operations: Directs and manages line cooks Works with Chef to design recipes and create dishes Assists with ordering food and keeping inventory Other Requirements: Culinary background Leadership experience
Sous Chef	Responsibilities: Second to Chef de Cuisine Runs the kitchen Provides instruction and training to cooks and kitchen staff Other Requirements: Culinary background Leadership experience
Chef Garde Manger/ Chef de Froid	Responsibilities: Oversees pantry and prep work in kitchen Directs and instructs pantry chef Helps with garnishing and artistic elements during meal preparation Other Requirements: Culinary background
Pantry/Prep Cook	Responsibilities: Responsible for pantry organization Prepares food in the kitchen Cleans, cuts, stores and otherwise prepares food for cooking Receives direction from chef, cook or pantry chef
Sommelier	Responsibilities: Educates patrons about wines Suggests wines that are suitable for guests' meals Orders and keeps inventory of wines Other Requirements: Has a broad knowledge of wine and food pairings >>Learn how your restaurant can benefit from a sommelier
Expediter or "Expo"	Expediter or "Expo" Responsibilities: Ensures kitchen orders are prepared in timely manner Finalizes the presentation of each plate and ensures the appropriate temperature Directs runners or servers to deliver complete orders
Line Cooks	Responsibilities: Prepares food in the kitchen Works one or more kitchen stations including grill, broil, or fry Receives direction from chef or cook >>Want to move up the ladder from line cook to head chef? Find out how here!
Pastry Chef	Responsibilities: Responsible for preparing dough, baked goods, baked desserts Often works overnight or in early morning hours
Dishwasher	Responsibilities: Responsible for maintaining dishwashing equipment Dilutes chemicals for dish machines Maintains clean dishes and other wares Prevents bottlenecks in kitchen
Maitre D'	Responsibilities: Ensures smooth communication between kitchen and dining room Directs servers, runners, and oversees dining room experience Enhances fine dining experience Consults with GM and Executive Chef Other Requirements: Management experience needed Knowledge of fine dining etiquette
Server	Responsibilities: Attends to guests and takes orders Offers information and suggestions about the menu Prepares checks and collect payment Other Requirements: Positive attitude Ability to handle stressful situations Respect and friendliness >>Click here to learn what makes a great restaurant server
Food Runner	Responsibilities: Transports food from kitchen to dining room Helps expedite orders Communicates with servers May help clear tables
Bartender	Responsibilities: Takes drink orders through servers or directly from guests Prepares mixed drinks, pour wine or beer, serve bottled or soft drinks May be responsible for ordering and taking inventory Other Requirements: Positive attitude Communicates with waitstaff
Hostess	Responsibilities: Greets customers at the door Assigns guests to tables Provides menus to guests and cleans them afterward May schedule reservations Answers phone
Busser	Responsibilities: Clears and cleans tables Pours water for guests

Casual Dining Restaurant

Position	Job Description
General Manager	Responsibilities: Oversees general restaurant operations Oversees P&L statement Manages both Front of House(FOH) and Back of House(BOH) operations Hires and manages staff Works on marketing initiatives Other Requirements: College degree typically preferred Experience in food service Communication skills Leadership experience
Assistant General Manager	Responsibilities: Often takes on management of the bar area Oversees general restaurant operations when GM is absent Assists with P&L statement Assists with hiring and managing staff Assists with ordering and keeping inventory Other Requirements: College degree typically preferred Leadership qualities Experience in food service work
Cook	Responsibilities: Helps create recipes Prepares food in the kitchen Adept at preparing large quantities of food Give direction to line cooks May help order food and keep inventory
Short Order Cook	Responsibilities: Prepares food in the kitchen Prepares several orders at once Directs line cooks
Line Cook	Responsibilities: Prepares food in the kitchen Works one or more kitchen stations including grill, broil, or fry Receives direction from cook
Pantry/Prep Cook	Responsibilities: Prepares food in the kitchen Cleans, cuts, stores and otherwise prepares food for cooking Organizes pantry Receives direction from chef, cook or pantry chef
Expediter or "Expo"	Responsibilities: Ensures kitchen orders are prepared in timely manner Finalizes the presentation of each plate and ensures the appropriate temperature Directs runners or servers to deliver complete orders
Dishwasher	Responsibilities: Responsible for maintaining dishwashing equipment Dilutes chemicals for dish machines Maintains clean dishes and other wares Prevents bottlenecks in kitchen
Server	Responsibilities: Attends to guests and takes orders Offers information and suggestion about the menu Prepare checks and collect payment Other Requirements: Positive attitude Ability to handle stressful situations Respect and friendliness
Food Runner	Responsibilities: Transports food from kitchen to dining room Helps expedite orders Communicates with servers May help clear tables
Bartender	Responsibilities: Takes drink orders through servers or directly from guests Maintains communication with wait staff Prepares mixed drinks, pours wine or beer, serves bottled or soft drinks May be responsible for ordering and taking inventory
Busser	Responsibilities: Clears and cleans tables Pours water for guests
Hostess

Fast Food Restaurant/Quick Service

Position	Job Description
General Manager	Responsibilities: Oversees general restaurant operations Oversees P&L statement Manages both Front of House(FOH) and Back of House(BOH) operations Hires and manages staff Works on marketing initiatives Other Requirements: College degree typically preferred Experience in food service Communication skills Leadership experience
Shift Manager	Responsibilities: Oversees restaurant operations during certain shifts Responsible for monitoring cash handling Directs kitchen workers and order takers
Drive-thru Operator	Responsibilities: Responsible for greeting guests through a headset Communicates with guests and takes orders at the counter May also act as cashier, handling cash and making change
Order Taker	Responsibilities: Responsible for greeting guests Communicates with guests and takes orders at the counter May also act as cashier, handling cash and making change
Fast-Food Cook	Responsibilities: Prepares food in the fast food kitchen Grills, fries, bakes and prepares other foods May be responsible for packaging food orders
Barista	Responsibilities: Works at coffee shops or places specializing in coffee orders Responsible for learning recipes and making individual orders Often serves customers over a counter
Sandwich Maker	Responsibilities: Works at delis, cafés, or specialty shops Often assembles sandwiches in front of customers May need to slice meat and cheese Communicates with order takers or customers directly
Dishwasher	Responsibilities: Responsible for maintaining dishwashing equipment Dilutes chemicals for dishmachines Maintains clean dishes and other wares Prevents bottlenecks in kitchen
Cashier	Responsibilities: Responsible for taking cash, checks and credit cards Makes change for guests Works with manager to handle, record and store all cash correctly