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

The restaurant expeditor plays a critical role in the restaurant industry, as their actions can greatly affect the overall quality of service. By ensuring that orders are prepared quickly, accurately and efficiently, the expeditor can ensure that customers receive their meals in a timely manner and enjoy a positive dining experience. This can result in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, which can lead to increased sales and profits for the restaurant.

effective expediting can help reduce food waste, as the expeditor will help ensure that only the right quantities of items are prepared. Furthermore, the expeditor can help improve communication between the kitchen and the wait staff, resulting in better coordination between both teams and improved efficiency. the expeditor plays an essential role in both the customer experience and the success of the restaurant.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer that restaurant expeditors have a high school diploma. This indicates that the candidate has basic knowledge of math, English and other skills necessary for the job.
  2. Become familiar with restaurant operations. To become an effective expeditor, one must understand how restaurants work. It is important to be knowledgeable about the restaurant's menu items and how to prepare them. Additionally, it is helpful to understand the basics of customer service and customer satisfaction.
  3. Obtain relevant experience. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with some prior experience in a restaurant setting. Working as a waiter, server, or line cook can provide valuable knowledge of customer service and food preparation techniques.
  4. Develop strong communication skills. It is important for an expeditor to be able to communicate effectively with staff members, customers and vendors. Being able to effectively communicate orders and requests is essential for success in this role.
  5. Pursue formal training opportunities. There are a variety of courses, workshops and seminars available to help aspiring expeditors learn more about restaurant operations, customer service and food preparation techniques. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help improve one’s chances of becoming a successful expeditor.
  6. Apply for expeditor positions. Once the candidate has obtained the necessary qualifications and experience, he or she can begin applying for expeditor positions at restaurants, hotels and other establishments. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have prior experience in a restaurant setting.

It is important for a restaurant expeditor to stay ahead and capable in order to ensure smooth service. To do this, they must be organized and efficient with their time. They should strive to anticipate the needs of their team, customers and kitchen staff and always be one step ahead.

they should be familiar with the menu and serve as a source of information for other staff members. They should also be capable of multitasking and problem solving quickly, in order to stay on top of any issues that may arise. Finally, they should maintain a positive attitude and be prepared to take on any challenge that comes their way.

By following these steps, an expeditor can remain ahead and capable in their role.

You may want to check Restaurant Line Cook, Restaurant Chef de Partie, and Restaurant Barback for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Ensure that all orders are accurately and promptly prepared according to customer and kitchen staff requests.
  2. Ensure that all food items are served in a timely manner.
  3. Monitor food quality and presentation.
  4. Communicate with kitchen staff to ensure that orders are prepared correctly and on time.
  5. Assist with preparing food items.
  6. Receive and enter orders into the point-of-sale system.
  7. Assist with setting up and breaking down of the restaurant before and after each shift.
  8. Ensure that all safety and sanitation standards are met in the kitchen.
  9. Respond to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
  10. Ensure that the restaurant is properly stocked with food, beverages, and supplies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Excellent customer service skills
  2. Knowledge of food preparation techniques
  3. Attention to detail
  4. Strong organizational skills
  5. Ability to multi-task
  6. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and customers
  7. Knowledge of restaurant operations and protocols
  8. Ability to efficiently manage food orders
  9. Ability to resolve conflicts or problems quickly
  10. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  11. Ability to handle cash and credit transactions accurately
  12. Ability to work long shifts and maintain high energy level

Being a restaurant expeditor requires a variety of skills. The most important skill to have is strong organizational and communication abilities. As an expeditor, it is necessary to be able to coordinate the various components of a meal order, ensuring that all orders are delivered quickly and accurately.

the expeditor needs to be able to effectively communicate with kitchen staff and servers, as well as customers, to ensure all orders are fulfilled properly. This requires excellent listening and problem solving skills. Furthermore, an expeditor must have an eye for detail, both in the kitchen and on the customer side, to ensure quality food presentation and customer satisfaction.

Without this attention to detail, it is difficult to create a positive customer experience. With these skills, a restaurant expeditor can successfully coordinate the many complex details that go into creating a great meal experience for customers.

Restaurant Barista, Restaurant Ice Cream Server, and Restaurant Reservationist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in restaurant expediting?
  • How familiar are you with the restaurant’s menu and kitchen operations?
  • Describe a challenging experience you had as an expediter and how you handled it?
  • What strategies do you use to ensure orders are completed accurately and on time?
  • How would you handle a customer complaint about the order being incorrect or late?
  • How do you handle working with a difficult staff member or co-worker?
  • What would you do if a customer requested something that is not available?
  • Describe your experience with customer service and resolving customer issues?
  • How do you handle multiple tasks and prioritize them efficiently?
  • What would you do if you noticed a mistake on an order before it was sent out to the customer?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Point of Sale (POS) System. A software and hardware system used to track sales, manage inventory, and process payments. (eg: Square POS)
  2. Kitchen Display System (KDS). A digital display system used to help kitchen staff coordinate orders and reduce wait times. (eg: Toast KDS)
  3. Inventory Management Software. A software system used to track and manage restaurant inventory. (eg: Orderly Inventory)
  4. Food Delivery App. A mobile app that allows customers to order food from a restaurant and have it delivered to their home or office. (eg: GrubHub)
  5. Employee Scheduling Software. A software system used to easily create, manage, and optimize employee schedules. (eg: When I Work)
  6. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. A software system used to track customer interactions, build relationships, and drive sales. (eg: Salesforce CRM)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. National Restaurant Association
  2. International Foodservice Distributors Association
  3. American Culinary Federation
  4. National Association of Professional Restaurant Expeditors
  5. Institute of Food Technologists
  6. International Council of Grocery Manufacturers Associations
  7. Specialty Food Association
  8. National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers
  9. International Association of Culinary Professionals
  10. Food Marketing Institute

We also have Restaurant Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Line Server, and Restaurant Bar Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Mise en Place. A French phrase meaning “put in place” which is a term used in the restaurant industry to describe the preparation of ingredients and tools needed for service.
  2. Food Runner. Someone who delivers food from the kitchen to the customer's table.
  3. Plate Up. The process of arranging food on a plate in a visually appealing manner.
  4. Line Cook. A cook responsible for preparing food to order on the line.
  5. Expeditor. A person who coordinates the timing and execution of orders from the kitchen to the customer's table.
  6. Prepping. The process of preparing ingredients prior to service. This includes cutting, trimming, or portioning items.
  7. Sous Chef. A chef responsible for assisting the executive chef in running the kitchen and supervising other cooks.
  8. Pantry Cook. A cook responsible for preparing cold items such as salads and sandwiches.
  9. Garde Manger. A French term for “keeper of the food” which is a cook responsible for preparing cold dishes such as salads, charcuterie, terrines, and pates.
  10. Dishwasher. Someone responsible for cleaning and sanitizing dishes, utensils, and other items used in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Restaurant Expeditor?

A Restaurant Expeditor is a professional in the hospitality industry who is responsible for ensuring the efficient and timely delivery of food from the kitchen to the guests.

What qualifications does a Restaurant Expeditor need?

Restaurant Expeditors typically need to have experience in the hospitality industry, knowledge of dining room service, and strong organizational and communication skills.

What tasks does a Restaurant Expeditor perform?

A Restaurant Expeditor's main tasks include verifying accuracy of orders, organizing food items on plates, and delivering orders to the dining room in an efficient manner.

How much does a Restaurant Expeditor typically earn?

The average salary for a Restaurant Expeditor is around $29,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

What is the job outlook for Restaurant Expeditors?

The job outlook for Restaurant Expeditors is expected to remain steady over the next decade.

Web Resources

Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Albert
Submitted by our contributor
Restaurant Category