Waiter and Waitress Stations
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Waiter and Waitress Stations
Setting up your new restaurant comes with many choices and chores. As you are considering your décor and layout, you should not overlook the use of waiter and waitress stations. These stations are invaluable to your staff; they can also work with the flow and overall look of your establishment.
These stations will house the computers necessary for ordering, as well as the fountain beverages, glassware and condiments, just to get started. These pieces of restaurant furniture, if chosen correctly, will become a trusted piece of the landscape in your dining room. Be sure that you look for matching stations throughout your establishment.
Stations for your wait staff are terribly important as they will supply and house all of the key pieces that a busy restaurant needs. You will be looking at stations in laminate, plastic or metal with a flat counter space and cabinets and or drawers for all of your materials. There are a number of different sizes available, making it a snap to serve your customers. Select an out of the way location to place your station, but be sure that it is easily accessible for fast service. Look to this list of resources when you need a hand choosing waiter and waitress stations.
Waiter and Waitress Stations Key Terms
Learn the server station lingo to give your staff everything they needBy Emily Lugg Waiters and waitresses are the heart of every establishment. They not only serve your customers, but they are responsible for ensuring every patron has what they need. In order for them to do their job successfully, they need to have a work area that allows them to do their sidework and have access to necessary tools. If that means having multiple mounted stations or galley stations, combining more than one type of waiter and waitress station is the key to your success.
Maitre d', hostess stations
A maitre d' station, also referred to as a hostess station, is typically the podium placed at the front door where the hostess stands to greet customers. Maitre d' stations have a flat top for keeping track of the servers' tables as well as shelves for menus and silverware. The front of the station is also usually where the restaurant's logo is displayed.
Try:
The WEBstaurant Store details a maitre d' station.
Sidework
Sidework is the work that needs to be done around the restaurant to keep it running smoothly and to prepare for the next shift. Sidework includes rolling silverware, stocking plates and glasses at the server station, sweeping the floor, and many other side jobs that are essential to the duties of a wait staff.
Try:
RestaurantOwner.com gives instruction on how to make a complete list of the sidework jobs that need to be done in your restaurant.
Mounted stations
Mounted stations are metal rails that can be attached to an already existing bar or service area. Although the mounted rail doesn't provide extra work space, the idea is that it separates already cramped service areas. The rails come in different shapes and sizes and are portable in order to accommodate you in a way that is specific to your needs.
Try:
KegWorks details an example of a mounted station.
Point of sale, POS
A point of sale (POS) station is one which includes a system computer that allows the servers to order food and run payment for their customers. POS stations expedite the restaurant experience by allowing each waiter or waitress to be in charge of their customer from the beginning to the end of their dining experience.
Try:
POS Nation explains the benefits of a POS station.
Service carts
Service carts are mobile waiter and waitress stations. These carts have wheels and can be moved all around your establishment. Service carts also often serve multiple purposes such as clearing tables as well as storing extra silverware and menus.
Try:
Central Products outlines a versatile service cart for the restaurant industry.
Galley stations
Galley stations are located in the kitchen or by the buffet if you have one. Galley stations are for more than just the waiters and waitresses. They store supplies for the entire restaurant including extra condiments and napkins.
Try:
Galley shows the many different types of galley stations that are available.
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