If you run your own restaurant, you know that it is essential to help train your servers. They should all be able to take orders, deliver plenty of meals, and sort out the bill with professionalism and efficiency. However, a slew of different sidework in a restaurant must be done to keep the establishment running as smoothly as possible. It is essential to maintain a balance for servers between their sidework duties and tip-making tasks so they could be compensated correctly at the end of the day. Read on to learn how you can create a productive sidework task list to ensure that each of your restaurant’s duties are accounted for.

Identify Sidework Tasks from the Start

The first step to creating the server sidework checklist for the restaurant is to identify all the tasks that must be completed. Walk through each spot of the restaurant and write down each task you can think of; it doesn’t have to be in a particular order. You will want to be as specific and thorough as possible with your list so nothing will get neglected along the entire way. It might be helpful to finish this task with the shift managers to make sure that nothing is forgotten.

Assign the Tasks into Stations

Once you have a list of tasks, you will want to divvy them up into stations for the entire staff. This will ensure that all servers can focus on one station and accomplish the assigned responsibilities with the best efficiency. You can then separate the tasks into a few different stations, including:

• Carryout station: for stocking and cleaning
• Wine glass station: stocking and polishing
• Flatware station: for rolling and polishing
• Salad bar: for restocking and prepping
• Drink station: for stocking straws, garnishes, and glasses
• Dessert case – for cleaning and restocking
• Ice bins: refilling through shifts
• Outside dining: setting tables, handling umbrellas, and prepping caddies

End of the Night Shifts

Before servers decide to clock out for the day, there are a handful of responsibilities they could accomplish to lighten the load of those coming to fully relieve them. Make sure you’re cleaning tables, sweeping floors, vacuuming, restocking the bathroom with cleaning supplies and soaps, loading the dishwasher, and double-checking that everything is clean and ready for the next shift.

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