Description
Operate a workplace or institutional canteen by taking and fulfilling food and beverage orders, serving from counters or steam tables, preparing simple menu items, processing payments, and keeping the facility sanitary and well-stocked.
- • Greet patrons and assist with orders, questions, comments, and complaints.
- • Process payments (cash or cashless) and make change.
- • Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and equipment; clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
- • Sweep, mop, and wash dishes to maintain sanitation.
- • Balance receipts, cash drawers, and end-of-day reports.
- • Take and enter customer orders; compute bills using POS or order sheets.
- • Serve food, beverages, and desserts in workplace, school, or institutional canteens; handle takeout.
- • Prepare daily menu items and cook simple foods and beverages using safe, sanitary methods.
- • Clean and organize dining, service, and kitchen areas.
- • Monitor stock levels; order and restock supplies and food items.
- • Brew coffee and tea and fill beverage containers as requested.
- • Operate and restock self-service and vending stations.
- • Collect and return dirty dishes to the dishwashing area.
- • Wash dishes, glassware, and silverware.
- • Wrap items for service or takeaway, such as sandwiches, entrees, and desserts.
- • Notify kitchen staff of shortages, substitutions, or special dietary orders.
- • Prepare and serve cold drinks, shakes, or desserts using dispensing equipment.
- • Portion and place food items on plates, trays, or in takeout bags.
- • Replenish foods on the service line and at stations.
- • Supervise and train canteen staff as assigned.
- • Issue order tickets or pickup receipts as needed.
- • Set up and maintain the service line; distribute prepared items.
- • Set up dining areas for meals and clear them afterward.
- • Add relishes, condiments, and garnishes to orders per instructions.
- • Coordinate with the kitchen; pick up and serve orders when ready.
- • Arrange tables and simple decorations for events or meetings.
- • Plan, prepare, and deliver meals for patrons with special dietary needs.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Hospitality, Events & Tourism
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
