Restaurants employ a large number of workers to serve and take care of the needs of diners. Those working in restaurants must have excellent customer service skills and the desire to make the dining experience of the individual customer as comfortable and as pleasurable as possible.
Depending on the size and type of the restaurant, a host/hostess may be employed to greet and seat customers, receive bookings and assign tables. These front-line positions require first-class presentational skills and offer rates of around C
$10 an hour. Waiters/waitresses earn around C
$8.25 – 9.00 an hour and must be able to work quickly and efficiently while remaining calm under pressure. Managers are responsible for the overall running of the restaurant, which may include hiring and training staff, dealing with complaints and balancing cash sheets. Hourly rates are around C
$16.50 for these positions.
A shift system is usually in operation and it may be necessary to work extra hours during busy periods. The working environment can often be fast-paced and it is essential to be able to work well in a team. At least three to six months’ experience is required for most waiting and hosting positions, and three to five years’ experience for management positions.