What pre-service duties should I include in aboyeur job descriptions?

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.

Pre-service duties form the foundation of successful aboyeur coordination during service. Proper preparation ensures smooth order flow, efficient communication, and quality consistency when service begins. These responsibilities require detailed planning and thorough coordination with all kitchen sections.

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

Proper pre-service preparation directly determines service success. Inadequate setup leads to communication delays, quality issues, and coordination problems throughout service. Thorough preparation enables aboyeurs to focus on coordination rather than troubleshooting setup problems.

Common misunderstanding: Pre-service tasks can be completed quickly without detailed attention.

Effective pre-service preparation requires systematic attention to multiple coordination elements. Rushing setup compromises service quality and creates unnecessary stress during busy periods. Detailed preparation enables smooth coordination from the first order onward.

What pass setup responsibilities should aboyeurs handle before service?

Pass setup ensures all equipment, plates, garnishes, and tools are positioned for efficient coordination during service. Aboyeurs organise the workspace to support rapid quality checking, proper plating, and smooth communication with both kitchen and front-of-house staff.

Common misunderstanding: Pass setup is primarily about organising plates and cutlery.

Whilst plate organisation is important, effective pass setup includes garnish stations, sauce containers, tasting spoons, cleaning supplies, and communication tools. Aboyeurs need easy access to everything required for quality control, final presentation, and order coordination throughout service.

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

Aboyeurs should personally manage pass setup to ensure everything is positioned according to their coordination preferences and service flow requirements. This personal setup enables efficient movement and quick access to all necessary tools during busy service periods.

How should aboyeurs coordinate with kitchen stations during pre-service preparation?

Pre-service station coordination ensures all sections are prepared for seamless service flow. Aboyeurs verify mise en place readiness, confirm equipment functionality, and brief stations on service expectations, special requirements, and timing protocols.

Common misunderstanding: Station coordination means simply checking if sections are ready.

Effective coordination involves understanding each station's specific preparations, identifying potential bottlenecks, and ensuring stations understand their role in service timing. Aboyeurs need detailed knowledge of station requirements to coordinate effectively during service.

Common misunderstanding: Experienced stations don't need pre-service coordination.

Even experienced teams benefit from pre-service briefings about special requirements, cover counts, timing expectations, and any operational changes. Consistent communication prevents assumptions and ensures coordinated service regardless of team experience levels.

What communication tasks should aboyeurs complete before service begins?

Pre-service communication establishes clear expectations, reviews special requirements, and ensures all team members understand service protocols. This includes briefing stations, coordinating with front-of-house, and verifying communication systems are functioning properly.

Common misunderstanding: Communication tasks are primarily about relaying information to kitchen staff.

Effective pre-service communication is bidirectional - gathering information from stations about readiness, potential issues, or special preparations whilst providing briefings about service expectations. This collaborative approach identifies and resolves potential problems before service begins.

Common misunderstanding: Technology eliminates the need for personal pre-service communication.

Whilst kitchen display systems and digital tools support communication, personal interaction remains crucial for understanding team readiness, addressing concerns, and building rapport that supports effective coordination throughout service.