Restaurant Server Onboarding Checklist

Restaurant Server Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Restaurant Server starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Hospitality onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Restaurant Server, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Restaurant Server onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Restaurant Server Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new restaurant server attends an orientation session where they are introduced to the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Uniform and Equipment: The server is provided with the necessary uniform, including shirts, pants, aprons, and name tags. They are also given any required equipment such as order pads, pens, and a wine key. The task of providing the uniform and equipment is usually handled by the restaurant manager or supervisor.

3. Training on POS System: The server receives training on the restaurant’s point-of-sale (POS) system, which is used for taking orders, processing payments, and managing customer information. This training is typically conducted by a senior server or a designated trainer.

4. Menu Familiarization: The new server is given a detailed overview of the restaurant’s menu, including descriptions of each dish, ingredients, and any special dietary considerations. This task is usually performed by the head chef or a senior server.

5. Table Setup and Service Standards: The server is trained on how to properly set up tables, including arranging cutlery, glassware, and table settings. They are also taught the restaurant’s service standards, such as greeting guests, taking orders, serving food and beverages, and handling customer inquiries. This training is typically conducted by a senior server or the restaurant manager.

6. Food and Beverage Knowledge: The server receives training on the restaurant’s food and beverage offerings, including details about ingredients, preparation methods, and recommended pairings. This task is usually performed by the head chef, sommelier, or a designated trainer.

7. Health and Safety Procedures: The server is educated on the restaurant’s health and safety procedures, including proper food handling, sanitation practices, emergency protocols, and any specific regulations related to the hospitality industry. This training is typically conducted by the restaurant manager or a designated trainer.

8. POS System Practice: The new server is given the opportunity to practice using the POS system under the guidance of a senior server or trainer. This allows them to become familiar with the system’s functionalities and gain confidence in using it efficiently.

9. Shadowing Experienced Servers: The new server shadows experienced servers during their shifts to observe and learn from their interactions with guests, handling of orders, and overall service techniques. This task is typically coordinated by the restaurant manager or a designated trainer.

10. Menu Tasting: The server is given the opportunity to taste various dishes from the menu to enhance their knowledge and ability to make recommendations to guests. This task is usually organized by the head chef or a senior server.

11. Wine and Beverage Training: The server receives training on the restaurant’s wine and beverage offerings, including wine regions, varietals, flavor profiles, and proper serving techniques. This training is typically conducted by a sommelier or a designated trainer.

12. POS System Troubleshooting: The server is trained on basic troubleshooting techniques for the POS system, such as handling order errors, processing refunds, and resolving technical issues. This training is typically conducted by the restaurant manager or a designated IT support staff.

13. Customer Service Skills: The server undergoes training on effective customer service skills, including active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and maintaining a positive attitude. This training is usually conducted by the restaurant manager or a designated trainer.

14. Cash Handling and Payment Processing: The server is trained on proper cash handling procedures, including counting money, making change, and processing credit card payments. They are also educated on any specific policies related to gratuities and tip reporting. This training is typically conducted by the restaurant manager or a designated trainer.

15. Shift Scheduling and Timekeeping: The server is familiarized with the restaurant’s shift scheduling and timekeeping procedures, including how to request time off, swap shifts, and clock in/out. This task is usually performed by the restaurant manager or a designated staff member responsible for scheduling.

16. Team Communication and Collaboration: The server is introduced to the restaurant’s communication channels, such as shift logs, messaging apps, or staff meetings, to facilitate effective communication and collaboration with other team members. This task is typically coordinated by the restaurant manager or a designated trainer.

17. Upselling and Promotions: The server receives training on upselling techniques and promoting special menu items or promotions to enhance sales and guest experience. This training is usually conducted by the restaurant manager or a designated trainer.

18. Handling Difficult Customers: The server is trained on how to handle difficult or dissatisfied customers, including de-escalation techniques, problem-solving, and seeking assistance from management when necessary. This training is typically conducted by the restaurant manager or a designated trainer.

19. Menu Changes and Updates: The server is informed about any changes or updates to the menu, including new dishes, seasonal specials, or modifications to existing items. This task is usually performed by the head chef or a designated staff member responsible for menu management.

20. Ongoing Performance Evaluation: The server is informed about the restaurant’s performance evaluation process, including periodic reviews, feedback sessions, and opportunities for growth and development. This task is typically coordinated by the restaurant manager or the human resources department

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Restaurant Server checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Restaurant Server up to speed and working well in your Hospitality team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.