Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Busser

A Busser is a professional who plays a crucial role in the foodservice industry. They are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of a restaurant's dining area, ensuring that guests have a pleasant dining experience. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Bussers.

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Main Responsibilities of a Busser

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Busser:

Abide by

Abide by Food Safety regulations and best practices.

Act

Act with responsibility towards all company property, supplies and equipment.

Adapt

Adapt quickly to changes in restaurant priorities or customer needs.

Adhere to

Adhere to all COVID-19 mandated guidelines & protocols.
Adhere to all Health & Safety policies and procedures.
Adhere to the restaurant's policies and procedures.

Assist in

Assist all team members whenever needed.
Assist guests with any needs they may have.
Assist in dishwashing and ensure clean dishes are readily available.
Assist in food preparation tasks, such as chopping vegetables or assembling salads.
Assist in maintaining each service station.
Assist in training new bussers and provide guidance as necessary.
Assist other FOH staff to perform setting up restaurant, cleaning restaurant, bussing.
Assist other Team members as needed or when business needs dictate.
Assist server as needed with food delivery, especially with large parties and during peak periods.
Assist servers in delivering food and beverages to tables.
Assist servers in maintaining and stocking service stations.
Assist servers when necessary by pre-bussing tables and wrapping food.
Assist servers with food and beverage service.
Assist Servers with food delivery and guest service.
Assist Team Members when needed.
Assist with cleaning, garbage, recylcing etc. after service.
Assist with receiving delivery of product on behalf of our Restaurant Members.
Assist with seating guests during busy times.

Assure

Assure Control Of Spoilage By Rotating And Sealing Foods.

Attend

Attend pre-shift briefings.

Be

Be proactive in identifying and resolving issues or challenges.

Carry

Carry large loads of dishes to kitchen for washing.

Clean

Clean all spills immediately, use floor signs to caution guests and staff.
Clean and assist with maintaining bar equipment.
Clean and sanitize all tables and chairs after every use in a timely manner.
Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces, such as chairs, menus, and door handles.
Clean and stock line to par throughout shift.
Clean and sanitize high chairs and booster seats for each guest service.
Clean tables and dining room surfaces continuously throughout the shift.
Clean the dining tables efficiently.
Clean TP black hat facing forward at all times.
Clean up any spills and keep floors swept and clean.

Clear

Clear and reset tables after guests leave.
Clear glasses and dishes from tables.
Clear all table items after Guest is finished and has left table.
Clear, clean and prepare dining areas.
Clear tables of used dishes, glasses, and silverware and re-sets between customers.
Clear tables promptly after guests finish their meals.
Clear tables promptly after meal so that there is room for additional items to be served.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with the kitchen staff to maintain a smooth workflow.

Communicate

Communicate effectively with team members and superiors.
Communicate guest requests to server as.
Communicate Guest requests to server as needed.
Communicate with Guests demonstrating confidence, creating a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Communicate with Hosts regarding open tables and tables that are about to turnover.
Communicate with Team to create best Guest Experience.

Complete

Complete additional tasks as assigned.
Complete any extra cleaning assignments given to you for your shift.
Complete any other assigned tasks willingly as designated by management.
Complete cleaning jobs outline by management teams.
Complete daily and weekly checklists.
Complete opening and closing sidework.
Complete orders by customers from other stores.
Complete side-work and other tasks as assigned.
Complete side work before and after service (see side work sheets for details).
Complete washroom checks every hour, and consistently sanitizing touch points.

Coordinate

Coordinate with Hosts (esses) with seating arrangements.

Decorate

Decorate tables with candles, napkins, linens and flowers.

Deliver

Deliver all food orders promptly, ensuring orders are correct and plating matches HOB standards.
Deliver food to tables and ensures the Guests have everything they need.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate attention to detail in table settings and cleanliness.

Display

Display a strong work ethic and reliability.

Distribute

Distribute clean dishes and utensils to proper areas as needed throughout the shift.

Empty

Empty trash and spot sweeps whenever floor needs it, or when a Manager requests.
Empty all trash cans at service stations.

Engage

Engage in personable, prompt, and polite interactions with Guests.

Ensure

Ensure a clean, neat and organized work area.
Ensure a clean, organized, safe, and respectful environment for guests and employees.
Ensure all kitchen utensils are organized and stocked for efficient use and access.
Ensure all serving and eating supplies and equipment are available before each service.
Ensure all the tasks in the opening checklist and closing checklist are completed on time.
Ensure availability of clean dishes, flatware, glasses, straws, napkins, and other dining materials.
Ensure cleanliness and tidiness of the dining area at all times.
Ensure proper table and station appearance.
Ensure responsible alcohol service per local ordinance and HOB alcohol policies.
Ensure that the tables, chairs, trash receptacles and floors are kept clean.
Ensure the team has the tools needed for a successful service.

Execute

Execute table clean up and setup in an efficient manner.

Follow

Follow all safety procedures.
Follow health and safety regulations to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
Follow housekeeping standards per policy.
Follow management's instructions and suggestions.
Follow proper storage and rotation procedures, as well as sanitation guidelines.
Follow standards and procedures.
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Greet

Greet the resident then delivers the tray / delivery package to the residents.

Handle

Handle cash transactions and operate the POS system if required.
Handle phone orders with professionalism and accurately collect information needed to complete order.

Help

Help dining room staff by setting and clearing tables.
Help run food to appropriate tables.
Help to keep all kitchen expedite areas clean and up to Health Code regulations.
Help with opening and closing duties, setting up and breaking down the bar.

Inform

Inform manager-on-duty immediately of any guest issues or threats to guest experience.

Keep

Keep a clean and sanitary bussing station.
Keep all dust pans clean and free of stuck on debris / odor.
Keep all floors free of food, trash or other obstacles.
Keep dishwashing machine landing area and stainless steel clean and dry.
Keep entire dining area clean and sanitized, including pre-bussing and floor cleanliness.
Keep refillable beverages always full.
Keep the booster seats and high chairs clean, alert MOD about any highchair safety issues.
Keep the restaurant impressively clean and organized.

Lift

Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Maintain

Maintain a clean and safe kitchen and work environment.
Maintain a clean kitchen and working area.
Maintain a clean, sanitary work area and ensures safe storage.
Maintain a good working relationship with other employees.
Maintain a professional and friendly demeanor with guests.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
Maintain cleanliness of restrooms, including restocking of supplies.
Maintain clean, sanitary stock of dishes and utensils.
Maintain clean trays and plate covers at all times.
Maintain great uniform standards.
Maintain restaurant cleanliness in an efficient, professional manner.
Maintain service stations in a clean and orderly manner throughout shift.
Maintain table setting by removing courses as completed.

Make

Make our dining room sparkle.
Make sure to take your breaks on time to avoid any penalties.

Manage

Manage competing demands while putting the guest first.
Manage time efficiently to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Move

Move throughout the bar and venue areas during the entire shift.

Notify

Notify server when brining coffee, tea or other beverages to tables to ensure proper charges.

Obtain

Obtain and maintain knowledge of all menu items.
Obtain service area assignments at the beginning of each shift.

Operate

Operate trash compactor per procedures policy.

Participate in

Participate in the monthly cleaning and staff meetings.

Partner with

Partner with a server or manager as needed to ensure service remains a priority.

Perform

Perform all assigned side work, including replenishing condiments and restocking side stands.
Perform all closing duties / side work before end of shift.
Perform all duties while following all health department sanitation requirements.
Perform all opening and closing side work as required.
Perform continuous sidework and signs checklists.
Perform Opening / Running / Closing / Weekly duties.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the management staff.
Perform other tasks or projects as assigned by hotel management and staff.
Perform prebussing by cleaning dirty dishes and clearing trash from a customer's table.
Perform side work at the start and end of each shift as assigned.

Prepare

Prepare dining areas before guests are seated.
Prepare dining room for patrons by clearing and cleaning tables.
Prepare mixers, juices and cocktail garnishes.

Preset

Preset tables in assigned area and follows serving and cleaning procedures as directed by managers.

Protect

Protect establishment and patrons by adhering to sanitation and safety policies.

Provide

Provide any necessary support to servers and bartenders to ensure.
Provide assistance to resort staff as needed.
Provide clean dishes and glasses throughout the restaurant.
Provide general resort information for guests.
Provide guests with estimated waiting time.
Provide passionate direction towards achieving our vision.
Provide support to fellow colleagues.
Provide support to other restaurant staff as needed.

Read

Read and write handwritten notes.

Refill

Refill beverages and take orders.
Refill water glasses and assist with drink orders.

Remain

Remain calm and composed under pressure or during busy periods.

Replace

Replace soiled tablecloths, napkins, and utensils.

Report

Report to Manager any equipment failures and any shortages of supplies immediately.

Reset

Reset and arrange tabletop.
Reset tables with clean settings, including silverware, glassware, and condiments.

Respond to

Respond promptly to guests' requests or concerns.
Respond to quickly to accidents and spills.

Restock

Restock and prepare supplies for shift change and or close.
Restock glassware, ice and other items needed for the bar.
Restock supplies, such as napkins, straws, and condiments.
Restock the bar with straws, coasters and napkins.

Return

Return dirty dishware, glassware, utensils and linen to the dishwashing area.

Run

Run clean dishes and trays to the line for reuse.
Run food from expeditor to the guest.
Run food orders from kitchen to the designated table.

Sanitize

Sanitize table and chairs to ready for next guest(s).

Serve

Serve dishes to customers quickly and correctly.
Serve guests, water, salsa and tortilla chips upon their arrival, and provide refills as needed.
Serve guest needs by assisting the Bartender and Lounge Server and completing guest requests.

Set

Set and clears restaurant tables.
Set tables and stock necessary supplies.

Set-up

Set-up (before open) and break down (after close) , clean and organize guest areas.

Stand

Stand or walk for varying lengths of time, sometimes for long periods outdoors.

Stock

Stock / restock work stations with appropriate glasses, plates and saucers.
Stock the kitchen runners' windows.

Support

Support bar staff and servers in maintaining a high level of service.
Support wait staff by setting-up and replenishing trash container liners and bus stations.

Sweep

Sweep and mop floors to maintain a clean environment.
Sweep and vacuum floors at end of shift and at night when closing.

Take

Take food orders from guests.
Take out garbage and recycling at prescribed times.
Take out trash periodically throughout the shift.

Team

Team building activities and events.

Tend

Tend to special Guest needs and requests.

Thank

Thank guests as they are leaving and invite them to return.

Turn

Turn all lost and found items in to Manager on Duty, record on Lost and Found Form.

Uphold

Uphold a positive attitude and contribute to a positive work atmosphere.

Use

Use hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment for up to 8 hours each day.

Wash

Wash and clean all bar glassware using proper cleaning supplies and techniques.

Wipe

Wipe down booths and chairs, move tables and chairs, and clean floors as necessary.
Wipe tables with sanitizer and re-set within a reasonable time frame.

Work

Work as a team player and offer assistance to co-workers whenever possible.
Work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Work days, nights, and / or weekends as required.
Work diligently to avoid breakage and loss.
Work diligently to clean tables as they are vacated by guests.
Work together as part of a team to provide the best overall guest experience.
Work with Food Servers, covering stations, assisting as needed.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Busser:

Table setup and arrangement techniques.
Knowledge of proper food handling and safety procedures.
Ability to operate dishwashing equipment effectively.
Proficiency in using cleaning tools and chemicals safely.
Understanding of basic food preparation techniques.
Familiarity with different types of glassware, cutlery, and tableware.
Ability to handle and transport trays of food and beverages.
Knowledge of menu items and ingredients to assist guests with inquiries.
Basic math skills for handling cash transactions accurately.
Familiarity with POS systems for order entry and payment processing.
Ability to adapt to different restaurant layouts and table numbering systems.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations related to foodservice.
Understanding of restaurant operations and workflow.
Efficient time management and organizational skills.
Basic culinary skills for simple food preparation tasks.
Knowledge of proper lifting and carrying techniques to avoid injuries.
Ability to handle customer complaints or difficult situations with professionalism.
Basic knowledge of different types of cuisine and dining etiquette.
Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with the rest of the team.
Familiarity with restaurant equipment, such as coffee machines, soda dispensers, and ice machines.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Busser:

Excellent communication skills to interact with guests and team members effectively.
Customer service orientation to provide a pleasant dining experience.
Attention to detail in maintaining cleanliness and table settings.
Strong work ethic and reliability to meet the demands of a fast-paced environment.
Adaptability to handle changing priorities and work under pressure.
Teamwork and collaboration to support the overall functioning of the restaurant.
Positive attitude and friendly demeanor to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Problem-solving skills to address issues promptly and find suitable solutions.
Time management abilities to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Professionalism and integrity in handling confidential information and cash transactions.

Conclusion

Bussers play a vital role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for restaurant guests. Their responsibilities encompass maintaining cleanliness, assisting servers, and supporting the overall functioning of the establishment. To excel in this role, Bussers require a combination of technical skills related to table setup, food handling, and cleanliness, as well as essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and customer service orientation. By possessing these skills, Bussers contribute to the overall success of a restaurant and enhance the satisfaction of diners.