The restaurant industry offers more and more job opportunities today. Each resto job has its own set of rewards and challenges. For many, working in a restaurant is a stepping stone to a long-term hospitality career. For that, here are some of the best and worst restaurant jobs that one can have.
The Best Restaurant Jobs
- Executive Chef – The executive chef is responsible for creating menus, overseeing kitchen staff, and ensuring the quality of food. This involves a high level of creativity, leadership, and expertise in culinary arts. Executive chefs enjoy high salaries, creative freedom, and significant influence over the restaurant’s offerings. They have the opportunity to innovate and set culinary trends, making this job highly rewarding.
- Sommelier – A sommelier is a wine expert responsible for selecting, recommending, and serving wines in a restaurant. They collaborate with the chef to create wine pairings that complement the menu. Sommeliers can enjoy a high salary and the opportunity to share their passion for wine. This role involves attending wine tastings and industry events and providing continuous learning.
- Restaurant Manager – The restaurant manager oversees the daily operations of the restaurant. These include staff management, customer service, inventory, and financial performance. They play a big role in ensuring the smooth running of the restaurant. They receive big salaries and benefits, as well as the chance to develop leadership and organizational skills needed for hospitality jobs.
The Worst Restaurant Jobs
- Dishwasher – Dishwashers, for the word itself, are responsible for cleaning dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They ensure that the kitchen remains clean and sanitary. They are also supporting the overall operation of the restaurant. However, the job is physically demanding and considered one of the least glamorous restaurant jobs. They work in hot, steamy conditions and handle dirty dishes for long periods.
- Busser – Bussers assist the waitstaff by clearing tables, refilling drinks, and maintaining the cleanliness of the dining area. This may not be ideal because bussing tables is physically demanding. It can involve long hours of standing and carrying heavy trays. The job is fast-paced and requires attention to detail and customer needs at all times.
- Line Cook – Lastly, line cooks prepare and cook food according to the restaurant’s recipes and standards. They work under the supervision of the executive or sous chef. For that, they are often assigned specific stations in the kitchen. The job is physically demanding and involves long hours, often in hot and stressful conditions. They must work quickly to keep up with customer orders, which can lead to burnout in the long run.