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

Feb 27, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Restaurant Busser has a direct impact on the success of a restaurant. A busser's primary responsibility is to keep the dining area and tables clean, organized and presentable. By doing so, they create an inviting atmosphere for guests.

This can lead to the restaurant having a higher number of repeat customers and larger tips for the waitstaff. Bussers also help with refilling drinks, pre-bussing tables, taking out trash and resetting tables for the next customers. All of these tasks help ensure that guests have a pleasant experience and are more likely to come back.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Although some employers may not require formal education to become a restaurant busser, having a high school diploma or GED will give you an edge when applying for the job.
Apply for a busser position at restaurants in your area. Most restaurants have job postings on their websites and in their physical locations. You can also apply directly to restaurants in your area through job-search websites.
Attend an interview. If chosen for an interview, dress professionally and arrive on time. Prepare to answer questions about your work experience and why youd be a good fit for the position.
Become familiar with the restaurants menu and service policies. Once hired, review the menu and become familiar with it. Also, ask your manager about the restaurants policies on how to properly serve customers and handle any difficult situations that might arise while on the job.
Take on shift duties. As a busser, your duties may include cleaning and setting up tables, refilling drinks, clearing plates, and assisting waitstaff with food orders.
Maintain a professional attitude. As a busser, you will be interacting with customers, waitstaff, and other restaurant personnel throughout your shift. Maintain a professional attitude and be sure to treat everyone with respect.

In order to become a skilled and competent restaurant busser, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the job responsibilities as well as basic knowledge of customer service, communication, and teamwork. Being able to quickly and efficiently clear tables, reset them for incoming guests, provide refills and assist servers with food delivery are all important skills for a busser. having the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and maintain a positive attitude throughout the shift can help to ensure customer satisfaction.

Lastly, having a strong knowledge of restaurant policies and procedures is essential to ensure the safety and security of the restaurant and its patrons. With these skills in hand, a restaurant busser will be able to excel in the job and provide an exemplary service to customers.

You may want to check Restaurant Floor Manager, Restaurant Quality Assurance Analyst, and Restaurant Bartender for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure that tables are properly set up with appropriate items such as silverware, condiments, and napkins.
Clean and reset tables between guests.
Greet and seat guests in a friendly and professional manner.
Refill guests drinks as needed.
Clear and clean dishes, glassware, flatware, and other items from tables.
Sweep and mop floors in dining areas as needed.
Stock service stations with supplies, such as straws, napkins, and condiments.
Monitor guest satisfaction and respond promptly to any requests or complaints.
Maintain cleanliness of the dining area and other restaurant areas, including the bathrooms.
Assist servers and other staff members as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and understand menus.
Ability to use cleaning products, tools and techniques.
Knowledge of safe food handling procedures.
Ability to lift and carry heavy trays of dishes and glassware.
Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers and coworkers.
Knowledge of local health codes and regulations pertaining to restaurant operations.
Ability to follow direction and take initiative.
Flexibility to work different shifts and hours, including nights and weekends.
Excellent problem-solving skills.

A successful restaurant busser must possess a range of important skills. One of the most important skills is the ability to efficiently clear and reset tables. This involves not only taking away dirty dishes and flatware, but also wiping down the surface of the table, resetting the place settings, and ensuring that the table is ready for new customers.

Being organized and efficient is key to quickly and safely resetting tables, so that customers can be seated in a timely manner. bussers must be able to multi-task, as they are often responsible for both clearing and resetting tables, as well as restocking items such as silverware and condiments. Lastly, bussers must be able to work well with others, as they are often responsible for communicating with servers, hosts, and other staff.

Having these skills enables bussers to provide an efficient dining experience for customers and helps restaurant staff run smoothly.

Restaurant Cleaner, Restaurant Take-Out Coordinator, and Restaurant Chef de Partie are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in a restaurant setting?
How familiar are you with bussing and resetting tables?
Describe your knowledge of restaurant sanitation and safety regulations?
How would you handle a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with their dining experience?
What would you do if a customer left behind items at the table?
What steps do you take to ensure the dining area is properly prepared for guests?
How do you prioritize tasks when working as a busser?
What strategies do you use to stay organized and efficient during peak hours?
How do you handle difficult customers or situations?
Are you able to lift heavy items if needed?

Common Tools in Industry

Tray - Used to carry plates and food to customers. (e. g. A restaurant busser holds a tray of dishes to deliver to a customer's table. )
Dishwasher - Used to clean dishes and utensils. (e. g. The restaurant busser loaded dirty dishes into the dishwasher. )
Mop - Used to clean floors. (e. g. The restaurant busser mopped up spills on the restaurant floor. )
Vacuum - Used to suck up dirt and debris. (e. g. The restaurant busser vacuumed the dining room carpets. )
Broom and Dustpan - Used to sweep and collect debris. (e. g. The restaurant busser swept the floors with a broom and dustpan. )
Trash Can - Used to dispose of garbage. (e. g. The restaurant busser emptied the trash cans throughout the restaurant. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
Restaurant Association of Canada
National Association of College and University Food Services
International Foodservice Executives Association
International Foodservice Distributors Association
National Association for Food Service Education
American Culinary Federation
National Restaurant Association Education Foundation
National Restaurant Association Educational Institute
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association

We also have Restaurant Food Safety Manager, Restaurant Salad Maker, and Restaurant Kitchen Steward jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Busing Table. The process of removing soiled dishes and cleaning tables after customers have finished their meals.
Bus Cart. A mobile cart used to transport soiled dishes, utensils, and tableware from the dining area to the kitchen for cleaning.
Side Work. Additional tasks that must be completed by a busser, such as folding napkins or stocking supplies.
Tray Service. The process of delivering and clearing meals from tables in a timely and efficient manner.
Cleaning Supplies. Products used for cleaning, such as detergents, disinfectants, and sponges.
Table Setting. The arrangement of plates, glassware, silverware, and other items on a dining table before guests arrive.
Food Delivery. The process of transporting food from the kitchen to the dining area.
Floor Maintenance. Tasks performed to keep the restaurant clean, such as sweeping, mopping, and waxing floors.
Restocking. Replenishing items that are low or out of stock in the dining room such as paper napkins, condiments, and straws.
Host/Hostess. A restaurant staff member responsible for seating guests and greeting them when they arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Restaurant Busser?

A Restaurant Busser is a hospitality worker responsible for cleaning and resetting tables, stocking service stations, and assisting with other tasks in a restaurant.

What are the duties of a Restaurant Busser?

The duties of a Restaurant Busser typically include cleaning and resetting tables, stocking service stations such as condiments, refilling drinks, cleaning spills, and assisting servers with customer orders.

What qualifications are required to be a Restaurant Busser?

Qualifications for becoming a Restaurant Busser typically include the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and customer service skills.