How to Be Restaurant Bus Person - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 25, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a restaurant bus person is critical to the overall functioning of the restaurant. By clearing tables, they help maintain a smooth flow of customers, ensuring that the wait staff can focus on providing excellent service. In addition, by resetting tables with clean dishes, utensils, and glassware, they make sure that the customers have a pleasant dining experience.

Furthermore, bus people are responsible for managing and organizing the restaurant's dishware and silverware, which helps to ensure that the kitchen staff can work efficiently. As a result, the customers receive their meals quickly, and the restaurant runs smoothly and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Search for restaurant bus person positions. Look for job postings online, in newspapers, and in other publications.
Prepare a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) that outlines your experience and qualifications. Include any customer service, food preparation, and cleaning experience you have.
Apply for restaurant bus person positions. Submit your resume or CV and any other required documents to the hiring manager.
Participate in any interviews or assessments that the employer requires. Show up on time and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and abilities.
Receive on-the-job training from an experienced bus person or supervisor. Learn how to clear and clean tables, set up trays and drink stations, deliver food to customers, and assist the wait staff with tasks.
Follow the restaurant's safety protocols and standards of cleanliness. Wear the appropriate uniform and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
Be prepared to handle customer complaints and requests in a polite and efficient manner.
Assist the wait staff with tasks as required, such as refilling drinks, delivering food to tables, and resetting tables for new customers.
Monitor the dining area for signs of customer dissatisfaction and address any problems quickly and effectively.
Perform closing duties such as cleaning tables, sweeping floors, and restocking supplies.

Being a restaurant bus person requires dedication and hard work to stay ahead and be qualified. By maintaining a positive attitude and working efficiently, you can ensure that you are providing excellent service to your customers. Staying organized and on top of tasks is essential to success as a bus person.

Making sure that tables are cleared and reset quickly and efficiently can help you to remain a step ahead. keeping the dining area clean, stocked with necessary items, and free of debris will help to maintain customer satisfaction. Through these practices, you can stay ahead and be qualified as a restaurant bus person.

You may want to check Restaurant Kitchen Supervisor, Restaurant Cook, and Restaurant Beverage Server for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and make sure they are comfortable in the restaurant
Assist the wait staff in delivering food to customers
Clear and reset tables between customers
Refill condiments, salt and pepper shakers, and other items on the tables
Replenish beverage glasses, glasses of water, and napkins
Sweep and mop floors in between seating
Ensure that the dining area is kept tidy and clean at all times
Take out the trash from the dining area
Gather dirty plates and dishes from tables and transport to the kitchen for cleaning
Stock silverware, plates, and glassware as needed

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to work quickly and efficiently
Ability to follow instructions
Ability to maintain cleanliness standards
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Ability to handle cash and credit transactions
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to lift and carry trays and other items
Knowledge of restaurant policies and procedures
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work

Being a successful restaurant bus person requires a range of skills. One of the most important skills to possess is a good attitude. Having a positive, friendly and helpful attitude will go a long way in providing customers with a pleasant experience.

having excellent organizational skills and paying attention to detail are essential for ensuring that all tables are properly cleared and set. Good communication skills are also important to effectively interact with customers and coworkers. Finally, strong physical endurance is needed to handle the demands of the job, such as transporting loads of dishes or busing large tables.

Possessing these skills sets the foundation for providing excellent customer service and ensures that restaurant patrons have an enjoyable experience.

Restaurant Valet Attendant, Restaurant Expeditor, and Restaurant Banquet Server are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a bus person in a restaurant?
Describe a time when you had to manage many tables at once as a bus person.
What techniques do you use to remain organized and efficient when bussing tables?
How do you handle difficult customers as a bus person?
What do you think is the most important responsibility of a bus person?
How do you ensure that all dining areas are kept clean and presentable?
What steps do you take when resetting a table for the next customer?
What do you consider to be the keys to providing excellent customer service as a bus person?
How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple tables to attend to?
Describe a time when you went above and beyond in your role as a bus person.

Common Tools in Industry

Dishwasher. Used to clean and sanitize dishes and utensils (eg: A commercial dishwasher).
Tray Carrier. Used to transport and store trays of food (eg: A rolling tray carrier).
Table Cloth and Napkins. Used to cover tables and provide diners with napkins (eg: White tablecloths and paper napkins).
Cleaning Supplies. Used to clean and sanitize restaurant surfaces and equipment (eg: Mop, bucket, detergent, and sanitizing solution).
Cash Register. Used to process payments from diners (eg: A POS system).
Food Preparation Supplies. Used to prepare food in the kitchen (eg: Cutting boards, knives, and measuring cups).
Coffee and Beverage Supplies. Used to serve coffee and other beverages (eg: Cups, sugar wrappers, stirrers, and creamers).
Menu Boards. Used to communicate the restaurant's menu and specials (eg: A chalkboard or digital menu board).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
American Hotel and Lodging Association
Association of Foodservice Professionals
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
National Association of Foodservice Equipment Manufacturers
National Association of Foodservice Distributors
American Culinary Federation
National Association of Catering Executives
International Foodservice Distributors Association
National Restaurant Association Education Foundation

We also have Restaurant Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Greeter, and Restaurant Busser jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Busser. A busser is a restaurant worker who is responsible for keeping the tables clean and setting them for the next guests.
Waiter/Waitress. A waiter or waitress is a restaurant employee who takes orders, serves food and drinks to guests, and may assist with cleaning up after meals.
Host/Hostess. A host or hostess is a restaurant employee who greets customers, answers questions, and assigns seating.
Dishwasher. A dishwasher is a restaurant employee who washes dishes, glassware, and utensils.
Line Cook. A line cook is a restaurant employee who is responsible for preparing food items according to recipes and instructions.
Prep Cook. A prep cook is a restaurant employee who is responsible for prepping ingredients and assembling dishes before they are cooked.
Sous Chef. A sous chef is a restaurant employee who assists the head chef in running the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Restaurant Bus Person?

The duties of a Restaurant Bus Person include clearing and resetting tables, stocking and cleaning service areas, refilling condiments, providing assistance to wait staff, and helping with food preparation.

How much does a Restaurant Bus Person typically make per hour?

The average hourly wage for a Restaurant Bus Person is between $7.50 and $11.00 per hour.

Are there any special skills required to be a Restaurant Bus Person?

Yes, Restaurant Bus Persons need to be able to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment, have good customer service skills, and possess the ability to multi-task.