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Advantages of a Food & Beverage or Hospitality Career
Searching for a career that offers plenty of opportunity, a flexible schedule, competitive wages and the ability to showcase your finest customer service skills? Then look no further than a position in either the food and beverage industry or the hospitality business. Both careers are interesting, exciting and diverse enough that no two shifts are ever going to be the same.
Both these fields are full of outstanding opportunities and most positions don’t require a college degree unless you are interested in going directly into management or a specialized field such as food science or product development. Most other F&B jobs provide on the job training and the more experience you have, the more valuable you become to both your current and your future employer.
Once you get some experience under your belt, job security is never a worry. From food trucks to mom-and-pop diners, fine dining establishments to locally owned farm to table cafes, the F&B industry is growing at unprecedented rates all across the country. And with the uptick in national chains you are no longer limited in where you live and work. Moving to St. Louis from Florida or Massachusetts and currently employed by a nationally known restaurant or hotel? Chances are pretty good there will be a job waiting for you, making this the perfect situation for college students or families where one member is frequently transferred.
Like having cash in your pocket? Working as a restaurant server pretty much guarantees daily tips. Plus many restaurants offer a free or discounted shift meal along with an employee discount when not on the clock. Mandatory uniforms including shoes are often provided at no cost, saving wear and tear on your own personal wardrobe. Searching for ways to attract and keep the brightest and the best employees, many restaurants and hotels are also offering health insurance, retirement benefits and college tuition assistance.
If you’d like to explore F&B and hospitality job opportunities in and around the greater St. Louis area please contact Staffing One Services today for more information.
Hospitality Customer Service Tips
Want to provide outstanding customer service to each and every guest? You’ll be sure to shine when you follow these five simple customer service tips.
Always remember, first impressions do matter. Every day on the job put yourself in the shoes of your guest. Look them in the eye and greet them with a friendly sincere smile. Good first impressions can go a long way when it comes to smoothing out future problems.
Sir Richard Branson hit the nail on the head when he said “Stepford customer service-the rigid, phony, scripted service style…is such a turnoff.” Consumers want their experience to be real and authentic. They want to feel as though they are your most important guest of the day and that you are truly excited for them to be there. In today’s fast paced, often not so nice world, guests want to be recognized, acknowledged and appreciated.
Challenge yourself to become a “yes” person. That means going out of your way to make sure each and every interaction you have with a guest ends positively. And that as often as possible you figure out a way make the customer happy without having to pass them off to someone else or tell them a certain request can’t be fulfilled. Flexibility is key. Because every guest is different, no two days in the hospitality industry will ever be the same. Adopt an attitude of flexibility and make a point of always going the extra mile to make that guest happy.
Take pride in your job by taking pride in your appearance. Often people perceive how you look as a reflection in your attitude and competence. Plus we all know, dressing professionally is a great confidence booster which in turn gives you a measure of self assurance and a proactive approach to your day.
Practice empathy. Never take a guest’s anger personally. Put yourself in their place and try to understand their dissatisfaction. Apologize when necessary and if possible tactfully work on diffusing the situation. But never hesitate to call a superior if the situation continues to escalate.
For the best in temporary, part-time or full-time employment options in and around the greater St. Louis area, please connect with Staffing One Services today. Call 314.361.2444 and speak with one of our professional career counselors for additional information.
Dealing with Dietary Challenged Diners
These days chances are pretty good a table of four at just about any restaurant will have at least one person with some sort of food allergy or medical concern. From being gluten free, lactose intolerant or dealing with a peanut or shellfish allergy, serving restaurant patrons can be difficult. Then there are those who suffer from an allergy or intolerance from common ingredients such as onions, garlic and even salt. Here are some tried and true tips to help keep your customers happy and safe with their menu choices.
There is a difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. And no, as a server it isn’t your responsibility to know the difference; that is up to the customer. But you should make it your responsibility to educate yourself as to the ingredients in your restaurant’s most popular dishes. This way if someone asks if a particular menu item has anything from MSG to high fructose corn syrup, you’ll have the answer. Patrons appreciate servers who take the extra step to ensure their safety.
If asked if a dish has a certain ingredient and you don’t know, be honest and then go ask the chef. As tempting as it may be to fudge the truth, especially when the house is packed, it’s not worth it if your customer has a violent reaction. Also, there is a chance that both you and the restaurant could be held liable in civil court if a lawsuit is filed. Treat food allergies as seriously as when it comes to dealing with an intoxicated guest.
Clarify with your manager or head chef the policy on menu item substitutions. Often in the case of severe food allergies a patron may require their food be prepared with completely separate kitchen equipment to avoid any chance of cross contamination; something most restaurant kitchens aren’t able to provide. Then know the policy on how to inform the customer that the kitchen can’t accommodate their dietary needs. Generally this is something a manager will want to handle personally.
The service industry is booming in St. Louis and Staffing One Services is here to assist you with finding the perfect full-time, part-time or temporary job. Call us today at 314.361.2444 to speak with one of our professional employment consultants.
Contact Us
- 5615 Pershing Avenue, Suite 24, St. Louis, MO 63112-1757
- Phone: (314) 361.2444
- Fax: (314) 361.1611
- Open M-F, 7:30am to 4:00pm
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