A busser is an important member of a restaurant’s front-of-house team. Often working under the supervision of the restaurant’s host or hostess, bussers are responsible for maintaining a clean and organized dining room. They work closely with servers to ensure that customers have a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the role of the busser and explore the responsibilities and duties that come with this position.
Busser Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a busser can vary depending on the specific restaurant and its policies. However, a few tasks are generally associated with the role of a busser. These include:
- Setting tables: Bussers are responsible for setting tables with utensils, condiments, and other necessary items before guests arrive.
- Clearing tables: After guests have finished their meals, bussers will clear the tables of any dirty dishes, glasses, and silverware. They may also wipe down the tables to ensure they are clean and ready for the next group of diners.
- Refilling drinks: Bussers may be responsible for refilling drinks for diners throughout their meals. This may include water, soda, coffee, and other beverages.
- Assisting servers: Bussers may work closely with servers to assist with the food delivery and other tasks as needed.
- Maintaining a clean dining room: Bussers are responsible for ensuring that the dining room is always clean and organized. This may include sweeping and mopping the floor, wiping down tables and chairs, and restocking supplies as needed.
- Handling customer complaints: Bussers may be called upon to handle customer complaints or concerns in a professional manner, either by addressing the issue themselves or by escalating it to a manager or supervisor.
Busser Job Requirements
The job requirements for a busser can vary depending on the specific restaurant. However, a few skills and qualities are generally required for this position. These include:
- Physical stamina: Bussers are often on their feet for long periods of time and may be required to lift heavy objects, such as trays of dishes.
- Attention to detail: Bussers must pay close attention to their work, ensure that tables are set and cleared properly, and keep the dining room clean and organized.
- Customer service skills: Bussers should be friendly, courteous, and able to handle customer complaints or concerns professionally.
- Teamwork: Bussers must be able to work well with others, including servers, hosts, and other front-of-house staff.
- Flexibility: Bussers may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and must be able to adapt to the changing needs of the restaurant.
- Prior experience: Not usually required for this role, but it can be beneficial. Some restaurants may require bussers to have a high school diploma or GED.
Busser Skills
In addition to the job requirements listed above, there are a few specific skills that can be helpful for a busser to succeed in their role. These include:
- Time management: Bussers often have multiple tasks to complete and must be able to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
- Communication skills: Bussers should be able to communicate clearly and professionally with customers, servers, and other staff members.
- Organization skills: Bussers are responsible for maintaining a clean and organized dining room, which requires good organizational skills.
- Problem-solving skills: Bussers may be called upon to handle customer complaints or concerns and should be able to think on their feet and find solutions to problems as they arise.
- Basic math skills: Bussers may be responsible for handling cash and making changes, so basic math skills are important.
- Basic computer skills: Some restaurants may use point-of-sale (POS) systems or other computer programs, so basic computer skills can be helpful for bussers to have.
Busser Salary
The salary of a busser varies depending on factors such as location, type of establishment, and experience. On average, busser wages range from minimum wage to $15 per hour, with tips sometimes supplementing their income.
While the pay may not be high, it can be a great starting point for those looking to enter the restaurant industry and gain experience in customer service and teamwork. With hard work and dedication, a busser can advance to higher positions within the restaurant, leading to better pay and career opportunities.
Busser Work Environment
There are a few general characteristics that may describe the work environment for a busser.
- Busy: Bussers often work in fast-paced environments, with many tasks to complete in a short amount of time.
- Customer-facing: Bussers work in the front-of-house and may interact with customers on a regular basis.
- Team-oriented: Bussers often work closely with servers, hosts, and other front-of-house staff and may be part of a larger team.
- Flexible hours: Bussers may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and may have varying schedules from week to week.
- Physical demands: Bussers are often on their feet for long periods of time and may be required to lift heavy objects, such as trays of dishes.
- High-stress: The restaurant industry can be high-stress, and bussers may be under pressure to meet the needs of customers and keep the dining room running smoothly.
Busser Trends
There are a few trends that may be affecting the role of the busser in the restaurant industry:
- Increased focus on customer service: With the rise of online reviews and social media, restaurants are more important than ever to provide excellent customer service. As a result, bussers may be expected to go above and beyond to ensure that customers have a pleasant dining experience.
- Technology integration: Many restaurants are using technology to streamline their operations, and bussers may be expected to be proficient in using point-of-sale systems, ordering systems, and other computer programs.
- Increased focus on sustainability: Some restaurants are implementing sustainability practices, such as reducing food waste and using environmentally-friendly products. Bussers may be expected to help implement and adhere to these practices.
- Increased focus on health and wellness: As more people become concerned about their health, some restaurants offer healthier menu options and use healthier ingredients. Bussers may be expected to be familiar with these options and be able to assist customers with their orders.
- Increased focus on diversity and inclusion: Many restaurants are trying to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. As a result, bussers may be expected to be respectful and inclusive of all customers and coworkers.
How to Become a Busser
There are a few steps you can take to become a busser:
- Research the role: Familiarize yourself with the duties and responsibilities of a busser, as well as the skills and qualities that are typically required for the position.
- Get experience: While prior experience is not always required to become a busser, it can be beneficial. Consider applying for internships or entry-level positions in the restaurant industry to gain some experience.
- Apply for busser positions: Look for open busser positions at restaurants in your area and apply. You may need to submit a resume and cover letter and be asked to attend an interview.
- Get trained: Once you are hired as a busser, you will likely receive training on the specific policies and procedures of the restaurant. Be sure to pay attention and ask questions during this training so you can learn as much as possible.
- Demonstrate your skills: To excel in your role as a busser, demonstrate your attention to detail, customer service skills, and ability to work well with others.
- Consider advancing: If you are interested in advancing in the restaurant industry, consider seeking additional training and education, and look for opportunities to take on more responsibility within your organization. This can help you build your skills and experience and increase your chances of moving up to a higher-level position.
Busser Advancement Prospects
While there is potential for advancement for bussers, it is important to note that this can vary depending on the specific restaurant and its policies. Some bussers may choose to stay in this role and build their skills and experience within the restaurant industry. Others may be interested in pursuing advancement to higher-level positions.
One potential path for advancement for bussers is to become a server. Servers take orders, serve food and drinks, and handle customer payments. To become a server, you may need to have prior experience as a busser and demonstrate strong customer service skills.
Another potential path for advancement is to become a supervisor or manager. Supervisors and managers are responsible for overseeing the work of front-of-house staff, including bussers and servers, and may be responsible for tasks such as scheduling, training, and budgeting. To become a supervisor or manager, you may need to have prior experience in the restaurant industry and demonstrate leadership skills.
It is worth noting that advancement in the restaurant industry can be competitive and may require further education or training. If you are interested in pursuing advancement, it can be helpful to seek out opportunities to learn new skills and gain experience and to be proactive in seeking out leadership roles.
Busser Job Description Example
Here is an example job description for a busser position:
Job Title: Busser
Job Description:
We are seeking a friendly and organized busser to join our front-of-house team at [Restaurant Name]. As a busser, you will be responsible for maintaining a clean and organized dining room, and working closely with servers to ensure that customers have a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.
Responsibilities:
- Set tables with utensils, condiments, and other necessary items before guests arrive.
- Clear tables of dirty dishes, glasses, and silverware after guests have finished their meals.
- Wipe down tables to ensure they are clean and ready for the next group of diners.
- Refill drinks for diners throughout their meals, including water, soda, coffee, and other beverages.
- Assist servers with food delivery and other tasks as needed.
- Maintain a clean and organized dining room by sweeping and mopping the floor, wiping down tables and chairs, and restocking supplies as needed.
- Handle customer complaints or concerns in a professional manner, either by addressing the issue yourself or by escalating it to a manager or supervisor.
Requirements:
- Physical stamina: Bussers are often on their feet for long periods of time and may be required to lift heavy objects, such as trays of dishes.
- Attention to detail: Bussers must pay close attention to their work, ensure that tables are set and cleared properly and that the dining room is kept clean and organized.
- Customer service skills: Bussers should be friendly, courteous, and able to handle customer complaints or concerns in a professional manner.
- Teamwork: Bussers must be able to work well with others, including servers, hosts, and other front-of-house staff.
- Flexibility: Bussers may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and must be able to adapt to the changing needs of the restaurant.
- Prior experience is not required, but it can be beneficial. A high school diploma or GED is preferred.
We offer competitive pay and the opportunity to grow and advance within our organization. If you are passionate about the restaurant industry and have a strong work ethic, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
