Work on a Food Service Crew: Job Description and Requirements
Food service crew members work together as a team to deliver diners an enjoyable experience. There are a number of positions available in this field and most have no education requirements. Employees generally advance with experience; however, some choose to attend a formal education program to earn promotion to management positions.
Food Service Crew Job Description
A food service crew is made up of variety of workers who provide customer service, assist in kitchen processes and generally ensure customers have an enjoyable dining experience. Most food service crew workers serve as waiters and waitresses, taking orders, serving food and often handling payments. Bartenders take drink orders, serve beer and wine, prepare mixed drinks and may need to verify patrons' ages by checking identification. Hosts and hostesses are responsible for taking reservations, welcoming and seating guests and may also operate cash registers.
Food service crews typically include a bus staff, employees who assist waiters, waitresses and bartenders in the dining room and kitchen. Specific duties vary, but typically include clearing off and setting tables, stocking supplies, cleaning dishes and occasionally dropping off food, beverages and condiments. Limited service diners, such as fast food restaurants, usually do not require a full-service crew and instead employ workers who handle all food preparation, serving, dish cleaning and cashier duties.
Food Service Crew Requirements
Most food service positions are entry-level and require a high school diploma or less. Many employees have little work experience and are trained on the job. Employees may learn from more experienced workers and train in food handling and safety, customer service and company procedures. Some employers provide trainees with instructional materials, such as booklets and videos, while others may provide classroom training that covers restaurant operations.
Formal Training Programs
Though this occupation has no strict education requirements, some food service workers receive advanced training in a vocational school. A worker interested in advancing to a food service management position may earn a degree in restaurant or hospitality management, such as the Associate of Applied Science in Food Service Management or Associate of Science in Culinary Arts.
Bartenders often gain additional training through bartending schools, which generally instruct students through simulated on-the-job training behind a practice bar. Students usually learn to use bar equipment, mix drinks, properly serve beers and wines and sell to customers. They may study state laws, regulations and alcohol awareness. Many bartending schools also help students find jobs and offer continuing education courses.
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9 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Management Online
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Associate
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- AOS in Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management
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- AS in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
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- AS in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking
- Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts International
- Associate - Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking International
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
- Certificate in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking
- Diploma - Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking Hollywood
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School locations:
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- Washington (3)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (2 campuses)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
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Distance Learning Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
School locations:
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Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AAS Hospitality Management - Restaurant & Hotel Services
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School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (2 campuses)
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- Florida (3)
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Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Culinary Arts Management
- Bachelor in Food & Beverage Management
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- Bachelor in Hotel & Restaurant Management
- Bachelor in Culinary Arts
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Associate
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- Associate in Restaurant & Catering Management
- Associate in Baking & Pastry Arts
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- Associate in Culinary Arts
- Associate in Culinary Arts - Baking & Pastry
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Non-Degree
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- Certificate in Food & Beverage Operations
- Diploma - Culinary Arts
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- Diploma in The Art of Cooking
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Other Related Schools:
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Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Culinary Arts and Personal Services
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