Chapter 18, Section 1

Bus Person Responsibilities

• Prepare for service.• Set tables.• Help restaurant servers provide high-quality

guest service.• Maintain tables.• Clear tables.• Create a friendly atmosphere where guests

can enjoy themselves.

Excellent Team PlayersAssisting hosts and hostesses:

Greet and seat guests.Answer the phone.Take reservations when hosts and hostesses are

busy.Assisting restaurant servers:

Set tables according to restaurant policy.Providing beverage service for guests when

servers are busy.Clear and reset tables promptly after guests leave.Check side stations periodically to make sure

they are stocked.

Superior Performance Standards

• Be familiar with all restaurant menu and food and drink offerings.

• Demonstrate professional behavior.• Make sure the dining room is a comfortable

temperature, is properly lit, and looks neat.• Approach guests quickly and greet them

warmly if restaurant servers and hosts or hostesses are busy.

• Be alert to safety procedures.

Superior Performance Standards, continued

• Keep tabletop items clean and attractively arranged.

• Keep coffee, tea, water, and other non-alcoholic beverages filled at each table.

• Clear and reset tables promptly after guests leave.

• Keep dining room floors neat and clean.

China

• Inspect all china carefully to make sure it is spotless and free of cracks or chips. Report any cracked or chipped china to a supervisor. Return spotted china to the dishwasher.

• Stock enough of each type of china in the side and other stations so guests receive food on the correct china.

Anticipating Guests’ Needs• Ask guests arriving with young children

whether they would like child seats or high chairs.

• Refill water glasses as soon as they are half full or less.

• Remove unwanted items from tables.• Notice when guests are looking around and

stop at their table and tell them their server will be right with them. Then tell the restaurant server that his or her guests need to see him or her.

Additional Bus Person Duties

• Prep side stations, condiments, and silverware.• Bus soiled linens, dishes, glasses, and silverware

from tables.• Assist servers and guests to ensure total guest

satisfaction.• Polish brass.• Adjust drapes and blinds.• Adjust environmental controls in the restaurant.• Set up serving trays.

Section 18.1 Quiz