Restaurant Employee Training Checklist

Use the Restaurant Employee Training Checklist to ensure that your servers are aware of service standards, quality and safety protocols, menu tasting, etc.

Restaurant Employee Training Checklist



Server Handbook

1. Is a server handbook or manual available?


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2. Is the handbook available for new hires?


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3. Are all staff irrespective of their experience actively encouraged to go through the handbook?


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4. Is the manual / handbook provided to every server at the time of joining?


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5. Are at least one or two copies available in the restaurant for referencing?


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6. Does the manual contain information regarding server etiquette, dressing, safety policies, amidst others?


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Server Uniforms

1. Are servers wearing clean, stain-free uniforms?


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2. Are servers wearing appropriate footwear?


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3. Are any guidelines relating to jewellery, hair, nails, piercings in place?


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4. Are servers meeting the all the above dress code requirements?


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Server Scripts

1. Are servers introducing themselves correctly to each new table?


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2. Are servers provided with a script to help them to remember to share specific information with guests?


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3. Are servers trained to upsell to guests?


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4. Are servers trained to encourage guests to order appetizers, desserts, etc.?


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Safety Policies

1. Are servers aware of the safety policies at the workplace?


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2. Are servers trained to identify hazards?


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3. Are servers trained to understand the importance of non-slip footwear?


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4. Are servers trained in the safe methods for carrying trays, ice buckets, bag-in-box sodas, or other heavy items?


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5. Are servers aware of emergency procedures and fire exit routes?


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Orientation For New Hires

1. Are new employees introduced to the mission statement and company history?


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2. Are new employees trained in the culture and concepts of the business?


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3. Are new employees given a complete tour of the facility?


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Goals

1. Are training goals set for all new serving staff?


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2. Is the training program consistent so that every server gets the same level of restaurant training?


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3. Is a training schedule provided to new servers?


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4. Are staff meeting the training benchmarks?


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Cross Training & Shadowing

1. Are servers cross trained with other employees to understand how the restaurant operates?


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2. Are servers cross trained with hosts / hostesses?


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3. By spending a couple shifts working with the host team, a server will quickly learn the dining room sections and the numbers of each table.


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4. Are servers able to attend to any guests that walk through the door, in the absence of a host or hostess?


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5. Are servers cross trained with food runners?


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6. Do the servers know where each table is and are they able to deliver the food to the correct guest(s)?


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7. Are servers introduced to the menu and able to identify what the different food items look like?


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8. Have new servers completed at least a few shadowing sessions with the most experienced servers?


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9. Are servers trained on taking orders?


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10. Are new servers aware of the most popular food items on the menu?


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11. Have servers completed a few practice runs - taking orders for each table, with the trainer acting as a guide in case any questions pop up?


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12. Are servers trained to use the POS system?


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Side-Work Rotation

1. Are servers trained to perform additional duties such as prep work like cutting lemons, stocking the salad bar, or stocking beverage stations, etc.?


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2. Are servers trained to make sure all the tables in their section are clean and that condiments are full at the end of their shift?


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3. Are servers trained to retrieve various items from dry and cold storage during their shift?


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4. Are servers trained to identify key routes to the most important parts of the facility?


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5. Are servers trained to close out before the end of their shift?


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Menu Tasting

1. Has the trainer completed a menu tasting with the new server(s)?


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2. Are new servers trained to identify flavours, textures, allergens across all items in the menu?


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3. Are serving staff able to explain each menu item in detail and also provide suggestions?


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4. Are serving staff able to recite any daily specials with ease, and answer all customer queries?


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Testing And Roleplay

1. The last step before a new server can work independently is to pass a final test. For some restaurants, this test might be very lengthy if there is a lot of memorization involved, as with extensive wine or beer lists.


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2. Have the new servers passed the written test?


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3. Has the new server waited on a manager (manager playing the role of a guest) before their training is complete?


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Ongoing Training

1. Are servers actively encouraged to learn which menu items are most popular, least expensive, most expensive, etc.?


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2. Are servers encouraged to acquire knowledge of weekly or daily specials?


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3. Are servers advised to successfully sell guests on appetizers or desserts?


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4. Are servers encouraged to find the right balance between too much and too little interaction with guests at their table?


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5. Are serving staff constantly improving awareness and multi-tasking skills?


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6. Are serving staff reading personalities/attitudes of guests and determining exactly which kind of service the guest desires?


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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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