Banquet servers can find work in large restaurants.
Those who have catering jobs juggle a variety of responsibilities during each shift. When applying for a job as a banquet server, both men and women should keep in mind that while customer service is essential, many other skills are required as well. Like most restaurant attendants, banquet attendants must be attentive to guests’ needs without disturbing them. These servers must be physically and mentally fit during, before and after the meal.
Most banquet halls are not open during normal business hours from 9 am to 5 pm.
Banquet server jobs can be found in a variety of institutions, including large restaurants and hotels. However, more often than not, these positions can be found in coffee shops, convention centers, and private clubs. These types of facilities host events of all sizes, although the most popular are business meetings, weddings and private parties. Banquet server jobs may be available to people looking for day or night jobs, as well as part-time or full-time jobs.
Banquet servers must be articulate and also responsive to customer needs.
Because banquet facilities cater for breakfast, lunch, and dinner functions, servers generally must be available a few hours before and after each event. The Banquet Server’s jobs consist of configuring and disabling features. Due to the time variations of each event, most banquet servers do not have a regular “nine to five” schedule. Uniform requirements can also be strict, as many banquet halls require tuxedo-style attire.
Servers work to get food out of the kitchen as quickly as possible during service.
Waiters do more than serve food at banquets. Before the party arrives, servers are busy preparing cutlery, folding napkins, arranging cutlery and plate racks, setting up coffee tables, and pouring water or coffee if needed. Good servers also study the role-specific menu so they are well informed if a guest asks questions about ingredients and preparation. Additionally, most banquet server jobs require teamwork among employees, like many server tag team tables.
Throughout the meal, servers must be attentive to guests. If someone needs a drink or a dish, that’s the waiter’s job. If the server needs help, it is her responsibility to ask a team member or manager for help.
Banquet servers can work to ensure buffets are stocked with food.
Every banquet facility demands something unique from its employees. For example, a resort that specializes in breakfast served in its buffet room may promote freshly squeezed orange juice and fabulous tabletop displays. Banquet servers may need to squeeze fresh oranges and prepare table displays before guests arrive. Often in cases like these, the server must be on site before dawn.
Likewise, when a late-night wedding party is over, the servers need to do some cleaning. Cleaning generally consists of removing leftover dishes from tables, removing linens and centerpieces, cleaning and sweeping or vacuuming. In some facilities, catering server jobs require servers to perform preconfigured tasks for the next event.
During the banquet, the banquet servers must be courteous to the guests. An assistant must respectfully answer any questions and, if necessary, obtain a response from a manager or chef. You must also follow local and national policies and regulations regarding health and alcohol codes. Banquet server jobs require those holding the position to check ID cards to make sure people ordering drinks are of the appropriate age.