Wait Staff Jobs in California
Wait Staff, also known as servers, are integral to the Hospitality Service industry as they are primarily responsible for serving food and beverages to customers, taking orders, and providing excellent customer service in restaurants, cafes, and other food-service establishments. Their tasks include handling cash transactions, cleaning tables, answering customer inquiries about the menu, and ensuring that the food service area is clean and well-stocked. They are the face of the establishment, as they directly interact with customers, making them crucial in maintaining the restaurant's reputation and overall guest experience.
Essential skills for Wait Staff include strong communication, ability to work under pressure, customer service skills, physical stamina, and multitasking. They must also have a good memory to remember orders and the layout of the tables. No specific certifications are generally needed, but having a Food Handler's Card or ServSafe certification can be beneficial, while some upscale restaurants might require formal training or a degree in hospitality or a related field. Before becoming a Wait Staffer, a person may have roles such as Host or Hostess, Busser, or Food Runner. These positions allow individuals to gain experience in the food service environment and customer service, preparing them for a server position.

Be Part of the Next Chapter from a World-Renowned Restaurant Brand An award-winning fine dining brand from a celebrated restaurateur is launching a bold new fast casual concept this September....

The Next Chapter from a World-Renowned Restaurant Brand An award-winning fine dining brand from a celebrated restaurateur is launching a bold new fast casual concept this September. Known for...
Compensation Type: Hourly Highgate Hotels: Highgate is a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the...
Schedule: Part-time, Flexible availability to work weekends and holidays Pay: $17.50-20/hr depending on experience The Waitstaff/Servers day-to-day work includes routinely setting up, clearing and...
Vi is recognized as a Great Place to Work and one of Glassdoor's 100 Best Companies to work for. Learn from the best and accelerate your career with Vi. What We Offer: Competitive pay Exceptional...
Schulte Companies is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Bartender to join our team! Schulte Companies is an organization whose success is rooted in its service culture. Our mission is to exude...
At California Pizza Kitchen, R.O.C.K.S is our philosophy for a culture that rocks! For over 35 years weve built a culture of Respect, amazing Opportunities, open Communication, acts of Kindness,...
At El Pollo Loco, passion is always on the menu—and as a Service Team Member, you bring the flavor to life. Whether you're greeting guests with a smile, assembling craveable orders, or helping...
At KFC, we feed the world. But we do more than fill people up. We fulfill their life. Our meals matter, and when we serve them with southern hospitality, we make our customer's day. So our jobs...
Join Our Team at The Cruisery! Are you passionate, outgoing, and ready to bring your energy to downtown Santa Barbara? The Cruisery is hiring for Busser/Host. Were seeking individuals who thrive...
BREEOSH is hiring experienced cashier/barista. Want to join a super fun team of coffee pros who have a blast making quality drinks for the community we love? - Available to work mornings and...
Nicolas Cocina de Herencia Lunch & Dinner Time Bussers
- Carmel by the Sea, CA
- 6 hours ago
- Carmel by the Sea, CA
- 6 hours ago
About us Nicolas Cocina de Herencia is a New Fine Dining Mexican Restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Our work environment includes: Fast pasted restaurant, serving lunch & dinner 3 days a week We...
WE ARE HIRING. $18 / hour + tips + free meals. Short Menu. We will train. The ideal candidate will: Be bilingual. Have experience in Customer Service. Live in the area. Be able to multitask. Have...
Momofuku is hosting an OPEN CALL for FOH hourly positions!
- Los Angeles, CA
- 6 hours ago
- Los Angeles, CA
- 6 hours ago
Momofuku is hosting an OPEN CALL for Assistant General Manager, FOH Managers, Servers, & Hosts Restaurant and hospitality experience REQUIRED. Momofuku was founded by chef David Chang in 2004 with...
Responsibilities: Provide warm, humble, and knowledgeable service throughout the property Greet guests and escort to seats Serve guests with attention to dietary restrictions Provide knowledgeable beverage...
Demographic Data for California
Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.
Wait Staff Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Wait Staff Jobs in California
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Wait Staff positions.
Highest Education Level
Wait Staffs in California offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Wait Staff position
- Military Background
- Wholesale
- Ordering Merchandise
- Banquet Catering
- Casual Dining
- Dishwashing
- Buffet
- Front of House
- Guest Service
- Back of House
- Food and Beverage Management
- Fine Dining
- Menu Planning
- Grilling
- Fryer
- Sanitation
- Food Handling
- Food Preparation
- Catering
- Courteous
- Baking
- Food Safety
- Health and Safety
- Point-of-Sale System
- Fitness
- Long-Term Disability
- Assembly
- Cooking
- Wellness
- Cashier Skills
- Merchandising
- Cash Handling
- Energetic
- Reimbursement
- Stocking
- Friendliness
- Closing
- Retail
- High School Diploma
- Punctual
- Driving
- Events
- Flexibility
- Interpersonal Skills
- Inventory Management
- Policy Development
- Team Building
- Multitasking
- English
- Regulations
- Teamwork
- Sales
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Wait Staff Related Career Advice Articles

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