A food service worker is responsible for preparing and serving meals in coffee shops, grocery stores, and food courts. They are in charge of making sure that every meal is of the highest quality, and their duties include cleaning the stove for cooks, complying with food safety regulations, helping cooks prepare meals, and creating simple dishes such as salads. A food service worker doesn't need any experience, but a high school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred. Attention to detail and organization are two of the most important skills a food service worker will need to have.
They must be able to help the kitchen work effectively and efficiently. Food preparation workers perform a variety of tasks in addition to cooking, such as cutting meat and preparing coffee. Food and beverage service and related workers often learn their duties by observing and working with experienced staff. Their functions include preparing cold food, cutting meat, peeling and cutting vegetables, preparing coffee or tea, and performing many other food service tasks.
They also take and prepare orders, clean tables, and perform other tasks related to providing food and beverages to customers. Fast food and counter workers are mainly employed in limited-service restaurants, cafes and bars where customers generally order and pay before eating. In some kitchens, food preparation workers use a variety of commercial kitchen equipment such as dishwashers, blenders, slicers, or commercial shredders. In establishments that offer seasonal employment, food preparation workers may be hired for only a few months a year.
Food preparation workers must be able to chop vegetables, cut meat, and perform other tasks quickly and safely with sharp knives. They usually receive short-term on-the-job training which usually lasts several weeks. Food preparation areas in kitchens have potential safety hazards such as hot ovens and slippery floors. Because these workers are essential to the operation of a food service facility, they should continue to be in demand.
With experience they can grow up in jobs such as restaurant manager or cook.
