The skill set of food and beverage employees does change based on the type of business and service that the food and beverage operation utilize. This is because different types of businesses and services require different expertise and knowledge to be handled successfully (Indeed Editorial Team, 2020). For example, a high-end restaurant will require different skills than a fast-food chain serving burgers and fries (Longman, 2020). Similarly, a bar-style lounge specializing in craft cocktails will require different skills than a cafeteria-style cafeteria serving pre-made meals. Thus, the skill set of food and beverage employees always changes based on the type of business and service that the food and beverage operation utilizes.
Jobs in food and beverage management need constant communication with various people, including consumers, suppliers, senior management, other managers, and other managers. These encounters make excellent interpersonal skills and communication crucial for developing enduring professional partnerships (Indeed Editorial Team, 2022). A confident and outgoing communicator with excellent listening and empathy abilities is essential for this position. Additionally, knowing the menu is key to successful and effective performance. A server can deliver the menu with greater assurance if they know it. A visitor may feel awkwardly uncomfortable when a server gets up from the table to respond to a query, which may cause them to lose some confidence in the restaurant’s quality. The level of service is improved by the server’s expertise and assurance when they are familiar with the menu (Beddow, 2022). The customers notice this and feel more comfortable dining there, which might result in them spending more money (Beddow, 2022). Guests feel confident and trust the service team when servers are informed and confident in their abilities. Such trust and confidence in a place of business and its workers can improve patron loyalty and make them more likely to return.
On-the-job training is the norm for most employees, often lasting for many weeks. The training also covers good sanitary procedures, safe food handling methods, and fundamental customer service (Indeed Editorial Team, 2022). Some companies, especially those in fast-food restaurants, train new employees through self-study courses, online tutorials, multimedia presentations, or instruction manuals detailing food preparation and service processes. Nevertheless, most people who serve food and beverages and other related jobs learn their jobs by seeing and assisting more seasoned workers. For new dining room personnel, some full-service restaurants alternate periods of classroom instruction with on-the-job training. The training explains the restaurant’s operational philosophy, assists new hires in building personal relationships with other staff members, teaches formal serving procedures, and fosters a desire for teamwork among the workforce (Beddow, 2022). The state and municipal regulations governing the sale of alcoholic drinks may require training for some non-restaurant servers and bartender assistants who operate in places where alcohol is provided. Several states, counties, and towns require such training, which may be completed online or in person and usually lasts a few hours.
In order to effectively manage a food and beverage operation, employees must be trained on the type of business they are working in and the type of service they are providing. This means that employees must be knowledgeable about the menu items, the ingredients used, and the processes involved in preparing and serving meals (Beddow, 2022). They should also be familiar with the food safety and sanitation standards required in the particular type of establishment. Moreover, the staff has to be able to provide the type of customer service expected in the particular type of business. For example, employees in a fine-dining restaurant must be knowledgeable about the menu items, the ingredients used, and the processes involved in preparing and serving meals. Additionally, they might be able to interact with customers professionally and courteously, as well as have the ability to explain the menu and answer any questions.
Furthermore, employees in a bar-style lounge should be knowledgeable about the various types of cocktails, the ingredients used, and the processes involved in preparing and serving them. When recruiting a bartender for a nightclub, the manager should look for someone with experience working in a club, or at the very least with high volume, quick service, and a calm temperament (Restaurant Management 101, n.d.). On the other hand, if managers run a fine dining establishment, they want someone with expertise serving at white tablecloth events, solid wine knowledge, and the ability to clearly explain difficult dishes and provide wine and food match suggestions. Finding employees who have the exact abilities necessary to prosper in a given workplace will be made easier.
In conclusion, the skill set of food and beverage employees varies based on the type of business and service that the food and beverage operation utilize. Thus, employees must be trained and knowledgeable about the type of business they are working in and the service they provide to manage the operation effectively. Furthermore, they should be able to interact with customers professionally and courteously, as well as have the ability to explain the menu and answer any questions that customers may have. All of these skills are essential in order to ensure the success of a food and beverage operation.
References
Beddow, B. (2022). Training staff menu knowledge. Active Munes. Web.
Indeed Editorial Team. (2020). What are food service skills? Indeed. Web.
Indeed Editorial Team. (2022). Food and beverage manager skills: definition and examples. Indeed. Web.
Restaurant management 101. (n.d.). Backbar. Web.
Longman, H. (2020). 9 skills every bar manager should have. Glimpse. Web.