What post-service and closing duties should aboyeur job descriptions include?

Date modified: 30th September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Waiter Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a contemporary casual dining restaurant serving 140 covers daily with emphasis on fresh, seasonal cuisine and exceptional guest experiences. Our waiters are the heart of our service delivery, creating memorable dining moments through professional hospitality, detailed menu knowledge, and seamless coordination with our kitchen brigade. The atmosphere balances relaxed comfort with attentive service, welcoming diverse guests from intimate date nights to family celebrations and business meetings. Our service philosophy centers on genuine warmth, efficiency, and anticipating guest needs while maintaining the energy and precision required during busy service periods.
• Welcome guests warmly and guide them to tables, ensuring comfortable seating and immediate attention to their needs • Take comprehensive food and beverage orders with attention to dietary requirements, allergies, and special requests • Provide expert menu recommendations based on guest preferences, including wine pairings and chef specialties • Deliver food and beverages promptly while verifying order accuracy and presentation standards • Maintain ongoing guest satisfaction through table visits, refills, and proactive service throughout the meal • Process payments efficiently using our POS system, handling cash, cards, and split bills with accuracy • Coordinate with kitchen and bar teams on timing, special preparations, and service flow optimization • Maintain immaculate table setup, cleanliness, and proper mise en place between services • Handle guest feedback professionally, resolving concerns and escalating complex issues to management • Support team efficiency during peak periods through section coordination and mutual assistance • Complete opening duties including dining room setup, equipment checks, and service preparation • Execute closing responsibilities including cleaning, cash reconciliation, and preparation for following service
Essential Skills: Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities with natural hospitality instincts; exceptional multitasking capability in fast-paced service environments; strong attention to detail for order accuracy and guest preferences; professional presentation and grooming standards; physical stamina for extended periods of standing, walking, and carrying service items; basic mathematics skills for payment processing and bill calculations; team collaboration skills for coordinating with kitchen, bar, and management. Preferred Qualifications: Previous restaurant or hospitality service experience demonstrating guest relations expertise; familiarity with POS systems and payment processing technology; wine and beverage knowledge including basic pairing principles; food safety and hygiene certification; additional language skills for diverse guest demographics; experience with dietary restrictions and allergen protocols; knowledge of fine dining service techniques and etiquette.
We're looking for both experienced hospitality professionals and enthusiastic newcomers who are excited to build their service careers. While previous restaurant experience is great to have, we care more about your attitude, work ethic, and genuine passion for hospitality than years on your CV. We'll provide comprehensive training covering our service standards, menu knowledge, wine program, POS systems, and how to create amazing guest experiences. New team members will work alongside experienced waiters during their first week, gradually taking on full responsibilities with plenty of support. We believe in helping people grow and offer real opportunities for career progression within our restaurant group.
We're looking for someone who genuinely loves creating great experiences for guests and enjoys working as part of a close-knit team. You should be naturally warm and authentic, able to stay calm and positive even when things get busy or challenging. We value people who take pride in what they do, are reliable and punctual, and want to contribute to our supportive workplace culture. The right person will be flexible and adaptable, pay attention to the little details that matter to guests, and be keen to keep learning and improving. Being able to think on your feet and handle pressure with a smile is really important in our fast-paced restaurant environment.
Competitive hourly rate of £11.00-£13.50 based on experience, plus share of service charges and gratuities (typically £40-70 per shift depending on service period). Comprehensive benefits package includes: nutritious staff meals during all shifts; 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays; flexible scheduling accommodating work-life balance where operationally feasible. Ongoing professional development including wine education and service technique training; clear progression pathways to senior waiter, section leader, and supervisory roles; supportive team environment with regular social events and recognition programs. Health and wellness initiatives including employee assistance programs; staff discounts at our restaurant group properties.

Post-service and closing duties ensure operational continuity, team development, and proper preparation for subsequent services. These responsibilities often receive less attention but significantly impact long-term kitchen performance and team cohesion.

Common misunderstanding: Post-service duties are less important than active service coordination.

Post-service responsibilities directly impact future service quality through documentation, feedback, and preparation. Proper closing procedures prevent problems, improve team performance, and maintain equipment functionality for consistent operations.

Common misunderstanding: Closing duties are primarily about cleaning and equipment shutdown.

Whilst cleaning is important, post-service duties encompass team development, performance analysis, documentation, and preparation for future services. These responsibilities contribute significantly to operational improvement and team development.

What documentation and reporting should aboyeurs complete after service?

Service documentation provides valuable operational insights and helps identify improvement opportunities. Aboyeurs record service metrics, quality issues, equipment problems, and feedback that supports management decision-making and operational refinement.

Common misunderstanding: Documentation is bureaucratic paperwork with little practical value.

Effective documentation identifies patterns, prevents recurring problems, and provides data for improving coordination systems. This information helps refine procedures, identify training needs, and enhance service quality through informed adjustments.

Common misunderstanding: Only major incidents or problems require documentation.

Successful practices, efficient solutions, and positive team performance also merit documentation. Recording what works well helps replicate success and provides examples for training and development programmes.

How should aboyeurs conduct post-service team debriefs and feedback sessions?

Post-service debriefs build team cohesion, identify improvement opportunities, and provide learning experiences for all kitchen staff. Effective debriefs focus on constructive feedback, problem-solving, and recognising excellent performance during service.

Common misunderstanding: Debriefs should focus primarily on problems and mistakes.

Balanced debriefs acknowledge successful coordination, excellent teamwork, and effective problem-solving alongside areas for improvement. Recognising positive contributions maintains morale and encourages continued excellence.

Common misunderstanding: Only formal debriefs provide value for team development.

Informal feedback, recognition of good work, and brief discussions about coordination improvements can be equally valuable. The key is consistent communication that supports team development and operational improvement.

What pass cleaning and equipment maintenance duties apply to aboyeur closing procedures?

Proper closing procedures ensure equipment functionality, food safety compliance, and efficient setup for subsequent services. Aboyeurs maintain the pass area, service equipment, and communication systems that support coordination duties.

Common misunderstanding: Other kitchen staff can handle pass cleaning whilst aboyeurs focus elsewhere.

Aboyeurs should personally manage pass closing to ensure equipment is properly maintained and positioned for their coordination needs. This personal responsibility ensures consistency and identifies maintenance issues that could affect service quality.

Common misunderstanding: Cleaning duties are separate from coordination responsibilities.

Equipment maintenance and area organisation directly support coordination effectiveness. Proper closing procedures ensure tools, technology, and workspace are ready for optimal coordination performance in future services.