Banquet Server

A Day in YOUR Life as a Banquet Server

Every person that enters a hotel should be greeted and feel like a guest This is YOU on your first day of work and every work day after that. You walk in with a smile, say hello to passing guests and acknowledge your colleagues perhaps with a smile, nod or salutation. You already have a feel for how your day is going to unfold based on the set-up of the event space, and you aren't even in uniform yet You make your way to the employee change room and transform into your sharp, sophisticated look with your professional uniform, punch in at the time clock and energetically join your teammates on the Banquet floor.

You may be preparing to set up for a corporate networking event, a buffet or a plated dinner party that is scheduled for the evening. Regardless of the time of day or length of shift, you are ready to meet every guest and every setup with exceptional service and care

At the beginning of each shift, you will go through the Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure you understand the table set-up and the food and beverage menu. Your direct report will assign tables for you and your teammates. You set up the tables, chairs and small wares following the BEO specifics, paying attention to the set up details and any special requests. You understand the various types of banquet style setups and you know where to look for all components. Is the tablecloth clean with no wrinkles? The flower arrangement is placed nicely on the table? All glassware is clean and free of spots? You confirm the food and beverage menu again, ensuring you understand all items and are able to explain what we will be serving to our guests. You ask our bartender if there are any special cocktails or craft beers to recommend to your guests. You are confident that all is set and you are ready to welcome your guests with a smile and cheerful attitude. As you know the menu thoroughly, your suggestions and recommendations will be an excellent addition to your prompt service. If it comes up you accurately pass a special request, such as a food allergy, to the kitchen team and follow up. Throughout the service, you will be in constant communication with your supporting team. You and your teammates keep an eye on your guest tables, checking in frequently to ensure glasses are always filled, they are enjoying their meals and drinks, all while scanning the room for any opportunities to assist. Perhaps you notice a guest drop their cutlery or napkin on the floor and you promptly bring them a replacement.

You may have to juggle some of the talents you have, make sure our guests know all the great products the hotel has to offer. You may recommend they try out our restaurant in the future, which has a great wine pairing menu. By the time you leave you are more than satisfied that your guests were all taken care of and had a great experience through the event.

Who you are and why is this important…

• Enthusiastic, Attentive and Approachable

o. Ensuring our guests and team mates feel comfortable.

• Organized & Communicative

p. Clear, concise communication between team members and guests alike creates a smooth operation.

• Effective Multi-Tasker

q. Personal interactions, phones, emails and on-going projects are always in play.

What happens behind the scenes of all those interactions…

• You follow company policies such as checking IDs, ensuring no one is over-served and any other requirements for the processes as outlined by your department leaders;
• Stay one step ahead of guest's needs including and not limited to recording and acting on their preferences, handling their orders, requests, questions and concerns;
• Maintain a calm and welcoming demeanor while multitasking to handle guest interactions at the same time as your daily cleaning and preparation tasks;
• Listen respectfully when guests have complaints. Empathize and work with the guest in an efficient manner to come to a resolution or loop in a manager if necessary to ensure the guest has a satisfactory resolution to their complaint;
• Follow all company and brand standards to sell the products available including and not limited to using the up selling approach to food and beverage orders.

What are we looking for…

• Some experience in guest/customer service and/or Food and Beverage.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.
• Work well under pressure in a fast paced environment.
• The understanding that SERVICE is the key to any successful business.
• Serving it Right (BC) or ProServe (AB) certification.