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Food Server Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated November 6, 2025
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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8 min read

A 21026314585server5.81dietary aide5.5food service2.24cashier2.23target1.5124575615499287.2518.1341.00HOURLY23392091802025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Food Server, also known as a Waiter or Waitress, is responsible for taking orders from restaurant patrons and delivering their food to them. Their duties include explaining the menu to their customers, communicating with kitchen staff and balancing dishes as they bring them to the appropriate table.

21026314585server5.81dietary aide5.5food service2.24cashier2.23target1.5124575615499287.2518.1341.00HOURLY23392091802025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Food Server duties and responsibilities

Food Servers collaborate with Cooks, Chefs, Restaurant Managers and other foodservice staff to provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive reputation for the organization. 21026314585server5.81dietary aide5.5food service2.24cashier2.23target1.5124575615499287.2518.1341.00HOURLY23392091802025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Food Server responsibilities include:

  • Greeting and seating customers
  • Taking food and beverage orders and accurately entering them into the ordering system
  • Making menu item recommendations
  • Communicating any food allergy or special nutrition needs to kitchen staff
  • Ensuring all orders are filled quickly and accurately and that food is high quality
  • Providing attentive service to diners, like refilling drinks as needed and checking their needs during meals
  • Promptly addressing any customer service issues and referring to management if and when necessary
  • Performing some cleaning duties, such as at the service station, around the kitchen and in the dining area

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Food Server Job Description Examples

Example 1

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This is a Front of House position.

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to external and internal guests by displaying Spotlight on Success behaviors. Maintains upbeat, positive attitude, friendly and helpful demeanor, positive energy and enthusiasm from one interaction to the next. Utilizes smiles and frequent eye contact and friendly tone of voice to project warmth and friendliness. Creates an atmosphere of luck and celebrates customer wins. Is ready to serve and well informed of daily facility hours of operation, promotional programs and any other relevant valuable guest information; builds relationships by greeting guests with a warm, friendly verbal greeting. Anticipates needs of the guest and provides fast, flawless service. Executes all service programs to assure prioritization of service to very best guests. Checks for satisfaction and properly uses the Service Recovery process to resolve problems when they exist. Promotes Total Rewards programs and Total Rewards registration and membership. Provides a warm farewell and thanks guests for visiting. Promotes Harrah s and always projects Harrah s in a positive light to guests.

  • Greets guest at assigned tables and ensures each guest has a dining room menu; obtains the meal and beverage order and gives to kitchen personnel for preparation.
  • Requires having a basic knowledge of menu prices and composition of food and beverage menu items, daily specials and proper placing procedures.
  • Obtains the food and beverage when prepared, delivers order to respective guest, and then moves on to service another table.
  • Returns to each assigned table periodically to ascertain whether additional items are desired.
  • When guests have completed their meal, a dessert is suggested and check presented.
  • Removes plates, flatware, glassware and soiled paper goods as guest leaves table and resets for next arriving party.
  • Cleans tables as needed while guests are visiting.
  • Responsible for total cash and total comp check transactions and related procedures.
  • Monitors guest consumption of alcohol and intervenes as needed according to guidelines and as outlined in CARE/RAMP certification.

Position is located in a cigarette?smokeenvironment.

Requirements:

Ability to carry and balance service tray on shoulder. Must have legible handwriting. Prior waiter/waitress experience preferred. Able to read English and requires basic math skills. Familiarity with Asian cuisine preferred. Literacy and fluency in Cantonese preferred. Able to manage/wait on multiple tables at a time. Able to work flexible schedule (including weekends and holidays) and is able to change schedule with short notice.

Is able to work in smoke filled environment, and is able to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Physical / Mental Demands:

Physically mobile with reasonable accommodations including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., and the ability to push, pull, reach, bend, twist, stoop and stack.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Must be fluent and literate in English.

Must present a well-groomed appearance.

Must be able to respond calmly and make rational decisions when required.

Must be able to listen and respond to visual and aural cues.

Must be able to tolerate areas containing varying noise and temperature levels, illumination, vibration, crowds, and air quality.

Disclaimer

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments).

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In Compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, Caesars may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodation with the employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $5.08 per hour

Shift:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Morning shift
  • Night shift
Weekly day range:
  • Every weekend
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend Location: One location

Example 2

Village Pub is looking for a new Food Server! We have over 800 hard-working and passionate employees between our 17 locations. Serving the Las Vegas community for over 50 years, we exist to provide opportunity, inspiration, and stability for our employees and their families through its success and growth. We offer medical, dental, and vision benefits for all of our full-time employees! Other benefits include a 401k program, PTO, and much more.

Position Summary
The primary responsibility of a Food Server is to anticipate the guest’s needs and provide each one with a positive and customized dining experience. Food servers need to show genuine hospitality to their guests and positively affect their co-workers. Restaurant and kitchen cleanliness is essential to maintaining a positive working environment and an inviting atmosphere.

Qualifications
  • Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and accident prevention principles
  • Thorough knowledge of the Restaurant and Bar Point-of-Sale system
  • Cash handling experience, including making proper change for guests
  • Basic math skills necessary to make change, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
  • Must be able to multitask well and work well under pressure

Essential Functions
  • Practice Sanitation and Safety principles while in the kitchen and restaurant, including Health Code compliance
  • Ensure the proper conditions of all equipment and facilities, alerting management when repairs are needed
  • Maintain fast pace for customer service needs
  • Serve all items within designated ticket time and alert management if ticket times are not being met
  • Process all orders and payments in a timely fashion
  • Multitask to eliminate work quickly by practicing good working habits, including cleaning up as you go and preparing for busy hours during the slow hours
  • Greeting, Seating, and Serving each guest in a timely fashion
  • Constant communications with guests to ensure needs are being met
  • Proper handling of guest issues or complaints and alert management if guest satisfaction is not met
  • Respond to a dissatisfied guest immediately
  • Proper handling of guest checks with knowledge of different allowable payment methods

Physical Requirements
Food servers must be able to stand and walk swiftly for extended periods of time, bend to obtain items near the floor, carry service trays over their head, and lift up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance.

Core Values

v Service- Personalized, warm, and consistently exceptional customer service

v Value- Committed to deliver quality products for great prices

v Growth- Promote personal development and growth for all team members

v Family- Create a family-like environment by staying close to our guests and our team members

v Passion- Work with passion and enthusiasm every day

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions required of this position. Duties and/or responsibilities may be subject to revision to meet business needs.

Please apply at: [website]

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance
Restaurant type:
  • Casual dining restaurant
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed



Application Question(s):
  • Are you 21 years of age or older?
  • Do you have at least 6 months of recent experience serving in a fast-paced restaurant environment?
  • Do you have proficient knowledge of safety, sanitation, and accident prevention principles?

License/Certification:
  • Food Handler Certification (Required)
  • TAM Card (Required)

Ability to Relocate:
  • Las Vegas, NV 89123: Relocate before starting work Location: In person

Example 3

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Food Server II displays and practices a work-style that reflects the mission, vision and values of the department and hospital and projects an image of professionalism in communication, appearance and conduct. Participates in the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process by completing Quality Control forms and preventive maintenance logs. Maintains a working knowledge of departmental standard operating procedures. Position may require travel between various Hoag locations and its affiliates.
The work assignment will be in the dish room or to a lesser degree retail, production or catering performing such tasks as general clean-up, dishwashing, trayline, transporting food to service areas, and trash removal. Able to follow instructions to maintain high standards of service and quality. Prevents waste by following established standards for chemical use and notifying supervisor of observed abuse.
In addition, the Food Server II may be in any area of the department including retail, production, or catering performing such tasks as portioning and serving food, transporting food to service areas, catering, busing dishes, storing and issuing of supplies, and cashiering. Prepares foods according to recipe specifications. Prevents food waste, properly cares for and sanitizes equipment and work area, handles food in accordance with sanitary standards. Cash handling is done with accuracy and attention to detail. Contributes to positive customer relations especially to regard to customer service by assuring high quality service and that sanitation standards are met. Additional duties may be assigned by supervisor.
Education and Experience
Required:

  • Ability to speak, read and follow verbal directions in English.
Preferred:

  • Previous customer and / or food service experience.
  • Ability to perform simple calculations by hand or with use of a calculator.
  • Knowledge of food production and service.
  • Ability to delegate duties and maintain efficient standards of operation.
  • Demonstrates effective communication, interpersonal skills, organizational ability, knowledge of proper body mechanics, safety measures and infection control, ability to follow instructions.
Licenses and Certifications
Preferred:

  • Servsafe certification

Job Type: Full-time

Language:
  • English (Required)

Example 4

Food Server responsibilities include:

  • Greeting and seating customers
  • Taking food and beverage orders and accurately entering them into the ordering system
  • Making menu item recommendations
  • Communicating any food allergy or special nutrition needs to kitchen staff
  • Ensuring all orders are filled quickly and accurately and that food is high quality

Job Types: Part-time, Full-time

Pay: $8.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid training
  • Vision insurance
Restaurant type:
  • Bar
  • Casual dining restaurant
Shift:
  • Evening shift
Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Thomasville, GA 31792: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:
  • Restaurant experience: 1 year Location: One location

Example 5

We would love to be able to consider you for one of our amazing career opportunities. Please complete the online application and assessment at [website]

The Gourmet Food Server is responsible for creating the overall dining experience for our guests. The role will be accountable for interacting with guests, taking food and beverage orders and ensure an exceptional guest experience.

Core Job Responsibilities:

At Resorts World Las Vegas, we believe that every member of our team is an ambassador and is essential to the success of our company. We expect all Team Members to take personal ownership in ensuring everything they do is in the best interest of the company and that all will adhere to our five core non-negotiable responsibilities.
  • Everyone is an Ambassador No matter where you work at Resorts World Las Vegas, it is your responsibility to treat this property like you would your own home. No one gets hurt, everyone feels secure, the environment is clean, and every guest gets what they need.
  • Everyone works in Safety If you have a safety concern, it is your responsibility to address it by correcting it or notifying the appropriate department or individual.
  • Everyone works in Security If you See Something, it is your responsibility to Say Something. You must notify the appropriate department or individual if you feel there is a security concern.
  • Everyone works in EVS If there is trash on the floor, it is your responsibility to pick it up. If it is a mess that needs more attention, it is your responsibility to notify the appropriate department or individual.
  • Everyone works in Guest Experience If a guest needs assistance, it is your responsibility to assist that guest and do so with a smile. If the guest needs more assistance than you can provide, it is your responsibility to notify the appropriate department or individual.

Primary Job Duties: Includes, but is not limited to:
  • Take guest orders, making recommendations based on guest questions and preferences.
  • Deliver food & beverages, including alcoholic options to guests.
  • Maintain knowledge of house drink selection and menu items.
  • Greet and welcome all guests in a professional manner upon seating.
  • Establish the pace of the meal in accordance with the table's individual needs.
  • Anticipate guest needs and acknowledge special requests and act.
  • Ensure table side food service and quality presentation.
  • Present guest with their check and bid them farewell upon departure.
  • Maintain a clean, sanitized and organized work area.
  • Provide proper communication and promptly resolve guest issues.
  • Ensure all Resorts World core values and property and department standards are implemented and applied.
  • Obtain and maintain position-specific licensing.
  • Use personal device/cellular phone for job related operational tasks, job duties, review company documents, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required:
  • At least six months of Food Server experience in a high volume, upscale dining environment.
  • Ability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Polished appearance and demeanor.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain full knowledge and understanding of company and department rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
  • At least 21 years of age.

Preferred:
  • Ability to effectively communicate in English.
  • Fluent in more than one language.
  • Sommeliers Certification or similar professional beverage certification(s).
  • Knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
  • Previous working experience in a large, luxury resort setting.

Job Type: Part-time

Physical Setting:
  • Fine dining restaurant

Application Question(s):
  • Do you have at least six months of Food Server experience in a high volume, upscale dining environment?
  • Do you have knowledge of Japanese cuisine?

Language:
  • English (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • Sommeliers Certification Location: One location

Example 6

Job Summary:Responsible for providing friendly, engaging, and superior service to every guest. Take and deliver food and beverage orders in a timely manner while creating a warm, friendly atmosphere. Keep the assigned stations cleaned and stocked at all times. Secure payment for all checks and process checks through the POS in a timely manner. Assist other team members with various duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Previous experience required.
  • Must possess excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • Must be able to initiate and engage guests in conversation in a professional manner.
  • Must possess a valid Alcohol Awareness Card. (TAM, ACT, or other qualifying card)
  • Must possess a valid Health Card issued by the Southern Nevada Heath District.
  • Must have basic math skills.
  • Must have basic understanding of spirits/beer/wine, including specific brand recognition.

Must be able to reach, stoop, bend, lift, and clean during various activities throughout shift.
  • Must be able to communicate fluently in English.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Greet all guests sincerely with a smile and eye contact, and provide superior guest service.
  • Efficiently serve food and beverage following the service sequence standards of PKWY Tavern.
  • Possess thorough knowledge of all menu items and ability to suggestively sell items to guests.
  • Properly set up service station at start of shift, and break down station at end of shift.
  • Clean assigned section and side stations, including glassware, tables, chairs, service items, soda stations and all storage areas.
  • Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and presentation of restaurant.
  • Restock products such as garnish trays, and ice bins, plates, glasses, flatware, and napkins as necessary throughout shift, as well as change beer kegs and soda BIBs.
  • Run food to tables throughout the restaurant announcing each item as delivered.
  • Bus Tables as necessary throughout the restaurant.
  • Cut fruit and garnishes to specifications for use on food and beverage items.
  • Perform assigned side work.
  • Empty trash cans to maintain service and sanitation standards.
  • Actively market PKWY Tavern and other FINE Entertainment venues by collecting guest's personal information for the marketing database.
  • Must maintain a clean and organized work environment, following all guidelines established by the Southern Nevada Health District.
  • Adhere to all Department and Company Policies and Procedures.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $9.75 per hour

Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability
Supplemental Location: One location

Example 7

We would love to be able to consider you for one of our amazing career opportunities. Please complete the online application and assessment at [website]

The Gourmet Food Server is responsible for creating the overall dining experience for our guests. The role will be accountable for interacting with guests, taking food and beverage orders and ensure an exceptional guest experience.

Core Job Responsibilities:

At Resorts World Las Vegas, we believe that every member of our team is an ambassador and is essential to the success of our company. We expect all Team Members to take personal ownership in ensuring everything they do is in the best interest of the company and that all will adhere to our five core non-negotiable responsibilities.
  • Everyone is an Ambassador No matter where you work at Resorts World Las Vegas, it is your responsibility to treat this property like you would your own home. No one gets hurt, everyone feels secure, the environment is clean, and every guest gets what they need.
  • Everyone works in Safety If you have a safety concern, it is your responsibility to address it by correcting it or notifying the appropriate department or individual.
  • Everyone works in Security If you See Something, it is your responsibility to Say Something. You must notify the appropriate department or individual if you feel there is a security concern.
  • Everyone works in EVS If there is trash on the floor, it is your responsibility to pick it up. If it is a mess that needs more attention, it is your responsibility to notify the appropriate department or individual.
  • Everyone works in Guest Experience If a guest needs assistance, it is your responsibility to assist that guest and do so with a smile. If the guest needs more assistance than you can provide, it is your responsibility to notify the appropriate department or individual.

Primary Job Duties: Includes, but is not limited to:
  • Take guest orders, making recommendations based on guest questions and preferences.
  • Deliver food & beverages, including alcoholic options to guests.
  • Maintain knowledge of house drink selection and menu items.
  • Greet and welcome all guests in a professional manner upon seating.
  • Establish the pace of the meal in accordance with the table's individual needs.
  • Anticipate guest needs and acknowledge special requests and act.
  • Ensure table side food service and quality presentation.
  • Present guest with their check and bid them farewell upon departure.
  • Maintain a clean, sanitized and organized work area.
  • Provide proper communication and promptly resolve guest issues.
  • Ensure all Resorts World core values and property and department standards are implemented and applied.
  • Obtain and maintain position-specific licensing.
  • Use personal device/cellular phone for job related operational tasks, job duties, review company documents, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required:
  • At least six months of Food Server experience in a high volume, upscale dining environment.
  • Ability to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Polished appearance and demeanor.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain full knowledge and understanding of company and department rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
  • At least 21 years of age.

Preferred:
  • Ability to effectively communicate in English.
  • Fluent in more than one language.
  • Sommeliers Certification or similar professional beverage certification(s).
  • Knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
  • Previous working experience in a large, luxury resort setting.

Job Type: Part-time

Physical Setting:
  • Fine dining restaurant

Application Question(s):
  • Do you have at least six months of Food Server experience in a high volume, upscale dining environment?
  • Do you have knowledge of Japanese cuisine?

Language:
  • English (Preferred)

License/Certification:
  • Sommeliers Certification Location: One location
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
Get the Guide

What does a 21026314585server5.81dietary aide5.5food service2.24cashier2.23target1.5124575615499287.2518.1341.00HOURLY23392091802025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Food Server do?

Food Servers work at restaurants and catering companies to welcome guests and provide them with an enjoyable dining experience. Their role is to be the guest’s main point of communication with the kitchen and bar. Food Servers work as a team with front-of-house staff to welcome customers, direct them to their seats and take their orders. They engage in friendly conversation with their tables to make them feel comfortable and provide a hospitable environment, delivering food on time and at the correct temperature. Food Servers also maintain cleanliness in the dining room and correct any issues with meals.

21026314585server5.81dietary aide5.5food service2.24cashier2.23target1.5124575615499287.2518.1341.00HOURLY23392091802025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Food Server skills and qualifications

Food Servers use a combination of soft skills to help customers and support other restaurant staff, including:

  • Excellent customer service, including patience and a friendly demeanor
  • Exceptional organization and time management
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Great active listening skills
  • Ability and willingness to collaborate
  • Knowledge of foodservice regulations and proper food handling procedures
  • Capability to learn quickly and memorize menu details
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
  • Willing to work flexible work schedules that include nights and weekends
  • Physically able to be on their feet for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds unassisted

Food Server salary expectations

A Food Server makes an average of $11.82 per hour. Pay rate may depend on their level of experience, education and geographical location.

Food Server salary expectations

2025-10-017.2518.1341.00HOURLY
  • Common salary: 18.13 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 7.25 - 41.00 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Food Server education and training requirements

Many Food Servers are qualified with some high school education on track to complete their diploma, though some candidates have completed their high school education or have earned a GED and may even be in the process of completing higher education. Food Servers typically complete training through previous relevant experience or on-the-job training once hired. Food Server candidates with previous experience may already have a ServSafe certification that demonstrates their knowledge of food handling regulations and best practices. Other candidates may be in the process of or be willing to complete one.

Food Server experience requirements

Entry-level Food Server candidates may not have previous relevant experience but be suitable fr on-the-job training. Entry-level candidates or those with limited to no experience may also provide training and leadership opportunities to more senior employees. Candidates with years of relevant experience, especially in the same industry or setting, are more likely to quickly adjust to their new role and save time on on-the-job training.

Job description sample for similar positions

If you’re writing a job description for a related position to Food Server, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

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Frequently asked questions about Food Servers

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