Restaurant Server Practical Skills Checklist

Purpose

This checklist helps assess key skills for restaurant servers. It covers guest service, safety rules, and professional behavior.

Section 1: Menu Knowledge and Guest Service

☐ Know Daily Specials

• Task: List all food and drink specials from memory

• Goal: Help guests make choices and increase sales

• Test: "Tell me about today's lunch special and suggest a drink to go with it"

☐ Explain Menu Items and Allergies

• Task: Describe ingredients and warn about allergens for any two menu items

• Goal: Keep guests safe and follow food laws

• Important: Servers must know about common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten

☐ Make Personal Recommendations

• Task: Ask what guests like and suggest a dish

• Goal: Create a personal connection with guests

• Test: "What would you suggest for someone who wants spicy food that isn't too filling?"

☐ Upsell and Cross-sell Items

• Task: Suggest appetizers, desserts, or premium options

• Goal: Increase check average while enhancing guest experience

• Test: Practice suggesting wine pairings or adding dessert

Section 2: Point of Sale (POS) Systems

☐ Enter Complete Orders

• Task: Put a full order into the computer with seat numbers and special requests

• Goal: Reduce kitchen mistakes and billing errors

• Practice: Enter an order for 4 people with at least 2 changes and seat numbers

☐ Handle Bills and Payments

• Task: Split bills, add discounts, and process different payment types

• Goal: Make checkout smooth for all guests

• Skills needed: Happy hour pricing, group payments, multiple credit cards

☐ Process Refunds and Voids

• Task: Cancel items, process returns, and adjust bills

• Goal: Handle mistakes and changes quickly

• Practice: Void an item, add a comp meal, process a partial refund

Section 3: Restaurant Layout and Table Service

☐ Know Your Section

• Task: Point out each table number in your area

• Goal: Deliver food to the right place quickly

☐ Keep Tables Clean During Service

• Task: Clear empty plates, refill drinks, replace napkins

• Goal: Keep guests happy and turn tables faster

☐ Set Tables Properly

• Task: Place silverware, napkins, and glasses in correct positions

• Goal: Create professional presentation

• Standard: Fork on left, knife and spoon on right, water glass above knife

☐ Navigate Kitchen and Service Areas

• Task: Move safely through busy kitchen and dining areas

• Goal: Prevent accidents and maintain service flow

• Practice: Carry full tray through kitchen during busy period

Section 4: Guest Communication and Problem Solving

☐ Greet Guests Quickly

• Task: Say hello within 60 seconds with eye contact and a smile

• Goal: Make a good first impression

• Standard: First contact sets the tone for the whole meal

☐ Confirm Orders

• Task: Read the order back to guests after writing it down

• Goal: Prevent mistakes and show you care about details

☐ Handle Complaints Well

• Task: Deal with unhappy guests using the right words and tone

• Goal: Turn problems into positive experiences

• Test: "A guest says they waited too long for their drink. What do you say?"

☐ Check Back During the Meal

• Task: Visit tables within 2 minutes of food delivery

• Goal: Ensure satisfaction and address issues quickly

• Script: "How is everything tasting? Can I get you anything else?"

Section 5: Beverage Service and Knowledge

☐ Pour Wine Properly

• Task: Present bottle, pour tasting portion, serve guests correctly

• Goal: Provide professional wine service

• Order: Ladies first, host last, pour from the right

☐ Make Basic Cocktails

• Task: Prepare 3 common cocktails from recipe

• Goal: Support bar staff during busy periods

• Examples: Margarita, Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule

☐ Serve Coffee and Tea Service

• Task: Set up proper coffee and tea service

• Goal: End meals with professional touch

• Include: Cream, sugar, stirrers, and proper cups

Section 6: Food Safety and Hygiene

☐ Wash Hands Properly

• Task: Show correct handwashing for at least 20 seconds or use sanitizer

• Goal: Follow health rules and keep food safe

• Rule: Based on CDC guidelines and local health departments

☐ Clean and Reset Tables

• Task: Sanitize and set up a table for new guests

• Goal: Prepare clean space and show professional standards

• Include: Menus, condiments, silverware, and napkins

☐ Handle Food Safely

• Task: Carry plates without touching food contact surfaces

• Goal: Prevent contamination and illness

• Practice: Serve 4 plates without thumbs touching food or rim

☐ Store Items at Correct Temperature

• Task: Know where cold items go and check temperatures

• Goal: Follow food safety laws

• Rule: Cold foods under 40°F, hot foods above 140°F

Section 7: Cash Handling and Security

☐ Count Cash Drawer

• Task: Count starting cash and balance at end of shift

• Goal: Prevent theft and track money accurately

• Practice: Start with $200, process sales, balance drawer

☐ Handle Credit Card Transactions

• Task: Process cards safely and get proper signatures

• Goal: Protect guest information and prevent fraud

• Security: Never write down card numbers or leave receipts visible

☐ Identify Fake Bills

• Task: Check large bills for security features

• Goal: Protect restaurant from counterfeit money

• Skills: Feel paper texture, check watermarks, use counterfeit pen

Section 8: Emergency Procedures

☐ Know Fire Exit Routes

• Task: Show all emergency exits from your section

• Goal: Keep guests safe during emergencies

• Practice: Walk routes and know where fire extinguishers are located

☐ Handle Medical Emergencies

• Task: Know who to call and basic first aid steps

• Goal: Respond quickly to guest medical issues

• Steps: Call 911, get manager, clear space, stay calm

☐ Report Incidents Properly

• Task: Fill out incident report forms correctly

• Goal: Document problems for legal and insurance purposes

• Include: Time, date, people involved, witnesses, actions taken

  
  

Section 9: Service Animals and Accessibility

☐ Handle Service Animals Correctly

• Task: Know what to do when guests bring service animals

• Goal: Follow disability laws and treat all guests with respect

What You CAN Ask:

• "Is this a service animal needed because of a disability?"

• "What task is the animal trained to do?"

What You CANNOT Do:

• Pet, feed, or distract the animal

• Ask about the person's disability

• Request paperwork or documentation

☐ Assist Guests with Disabilities

• Task: Help guests with mobility aids or other needs

• Goal: Provide equal service to all customers

• Practice: Clear pathways, offer reading assistance, speak directly to guest

Section 10: Teamwork and Communication

☐ Communicate with Kitchen Staff

• Task: Relay special requests and timing needs clearly

• Goal: Ensure smooth food preparation and delivery

• Practice: Use kitchen terminology, be specific about modifications

☐ Help Other Servers

• Task: Support teammates during busy periods

• Goal: Maintain service quality across the restaurant

• Examples: Run food, clear tables, answer questions for other sections

☐ Work with Management

• Task: Report problems and follow instructions promptly

• Goal: Maintain restaurant standards and resolve issues

• Practice: Escalate complaints appropriately, follow uniform policies

Section 11: Alcohol Service (Where Applicable)

☐ Check ID for Alcohol Orders

• Task: Verify age for anyone who looks under 30

• Goal: Follow alcohol laws and avoid fines

• Legal: Must check valid photo ID, know signs of fake IDs

☐ Recognize Signs of Intoxication

• Task: Identify when to stop serving alcohol

• Goal: Protect guests and follow responsible service laws

• Signs: Slurred speech, loss of coordination, aggressive behavior

☐ Handle Alcohol Refusals

• Task: Say no to alcohol service politely but firmly

• Goal: Follow the law while keeping guests happy

• Script: "I'm sorry, but I cannot serve you more alcohol at this time"

Scoring Guide

Passing Requirements

• Complete at least 80% of all tasks successfully

• Must pass all legal sections (allergens, service animals, alcohol laws)

• Get additional training for any missed critical areas

Success Tips for New Servers

1. Study the menu every day before your shift

2. Practice using the POS system during slow times

3. Always put guest safety first

4. Stay calm when dealing with problems

5. Ask experienced servers for help when needed

6. Keep learning about wine and cocktails

7. Remember that teamwork makes service better

8. Follow all health and safety rules

9. Be honest about what you don't know

10. Practice good posture and professional appearance

    
    

Legal Compliance Notes

• Allergen Information: Required by FDA and EU regulations

• Service Animals: Protected under ADA and similar international laws

• Alcohol Service: Must follow local and state liquor laws

• Food Safety: Follow local health department requirements

• Emergency Procedures: Required by OSHA workplace safety rules

This comprehensive checklist ensures servers provide excellent service while following all safety and legal requirements for professional restaurant operations.