Waitrons work where food is served, for example, in restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and steakhouses.
Wine stewards serve wine and drinks to customers in hotel lounges, bars and in restaurant dining rooms.
Bar stewards or bartenders serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to customers or prepare drinks which waiters serve to customers. They mix drinks according to standard recipes or customer requests and usually collect payment for the drinks.
Waiters and waitresses work to satisfy patrons and give them the kind of attention that will make them repeat customers. Once the customers are seated, they present menus and might suggest or recommend certain items, inform them of any specials, along with providing information about dishes. They check to make sure that the correct dinnerware and uitensils are on the table (depending on the customer's choice,) e.g. cutlery for eating fish or steak. They take customers’ food and beverage orders and serve what has been ordered. They need to make sure that customers are satisfied and that they have everything they need. Between serving customers, they clear and clean tables and counters, replenish supplies and set up table service for future customers. When the customers are ready to leave, they calculate the bill, issue charge slips and receive the payment.
Waiters are also required to keep the service area well stocked with the necessary items and, in some instances, may even help with some phases of food preparation.
The main responsibility of wine stewards and bartenders is to establish what clients want to drink and to serve them accordingly. It is important that all drinks are served in the correct manner.
The level of responsibility in steward duties differs from one establishment to another. In more up-market establishments, wine steward are responsible for selecting, obtaining, storing, controlling and replenishing the stock of wines.
These wine stewards will also discuss wines with clients and assist them in making their selection.
Bar stewards keep their bars well supplied with spirits, beer, mixers, garnishes, ice and other supplies. They also clean and arrange glasses, bottles and mixers in an attractive yet convenient way. In addition the bar itself must be kept spotlessly clean.
Bar stewards need to know what type of glass each kind of drink is served in. They play a vital role in the running of any restaurant, hotel or bar. They deal directly with customers and should understand how to make people feel welcome and recognise them when they return.