What Does an Applebee’s Server Do?

Applebee’s is a casual dining restaurant chain that serves a variety of American-style dishes. It is one of the largest casual dining chains in the world, with over 2,000 locations in the United States and around the world.

A server at Applebee’s is responsible for providing excellent customer service to guests. This includes taking orders, delivering food and drinks, and ensuring that guests have a pleasant dining experience. Servers must also be knowledgeable about the menu and be able to answer any questions guests may have. Additionally, servers must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to multitask.

Applebee’s Server Job Duties

An Applebee’s Server typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Greet guests in a friendly and courteous manner, taking their orders accurately and efficiently
• Provide excellent customer service by anticipating guest needs and responding promptly to requests
• Ensure that all food is served according to company standards and specifications
• Maintain knowledge of menu items, ingredients, and preparation methods
• Follow proper cash handling procedures and adhere to safety and sanitation guidelines
• Monitor dining room for cleanliness and orderliness, clearing tables as needed
• Assist with stocking and restocking supplies as necessary
• Prepare drinks and other beverages according to recipes
• Process payments and provide change when appropriate
• Answer questions about the menu and make recommendations when requested
• Upsell additional products when appropriate
• Work closely with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of meals

Applebee’s Server Salary

The salary for a server at Applebee’s is determined by a variety of factors, including the number of hours worked, the level of customer service provided, and the amount of tips received. Additionally, the experience of the server and the location of the restaurant can also play a role in the salary. The restaurant may also offer bonuses or other incentives to servers who demonstrate exceptional performance.

• Median Annual Salary: $36,745 ($17.67/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $51,360 ($24.69/hour)

Applebee’s Server Job Requirements

To be hired as a server at Applebee’s, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous experience in the restaurant industry is preferred, but not required. Applicants must also be able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 25 pounds. Additionally, servers must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and have excellent customer service skills. A valid food handler’s card is also required.

Applebee’s Server Skills

Applebee’s Server employees need the following skills in order to be successful:

Cash Handling: Cash handling is the ability to handle money and make accurate change. This is an important skill for servers to have because it ensures that customers receive the correct amount of money for their purchases. It’s important to be able to make change quickly and accurately to ensure that customers are satisfied with their experience.

Food & Beverage Knowledge: Food and beverage knowledge is the ability to describe menu items and suggest pairings. This is an important skill for servers to have because it allows them to better serve customers. For example, if a customer asks about a certain dish, the server can describe the ingredients and how it’s prepared. This allows the customer to make an informed decision about what to order.

Inventory Management: Inventory management is the ability to track and organize the supplies and products a company has on hand. As an Applebee’s server, you may be responsible for maintaining the restaurant’s supply of drink and food items. This includes knowing where the items are stored, how much is left and when to reorder.

Verbal Communication: As a server, you should be able to communicate verbally with your customers. You should be able to answer questions about the menu, take orders and explain specials. You should also be able to communicate with your fellow servers and restaurant staff to ensure orders are accurate and customers are satisfied.

Restaurant Operations: As a server, you should have a basic understanding of restaurant operations, including how to operate a cash register, how to prepare and serve food and beverages and how to clean and maintain the restaurant. This knowledge can help you perform your duties more efficiently and effectively. You can also learn more about restaurant operations by taking a course in food service management.

Applebee’s Server Work Environment

Applebee’s servers work in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment. They are expected to provide excellent customer service and ensure that guests have a pleasant dining experience. Servers typically work 40 hours a week, but may be required to work additional hours during peak times. They may also be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Applebee’s servers must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 25 pounds. They must also be able to work in a team environment and handle multiple tasks at once. Applebee’s servers must be able to handle stressful situations and remain calm and professional in the face of customer complaints.

Applebee’s Server Trends

Here are three trends influencing how Applebee’s Server employees work.

Increasing Data Demands

As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, Applebee’s servers are being asked to do more with data. Servers must now be able to quickly and accurately input customer orders into a POS system, as well as track inventory levels and sales trends. Additionally, they must be able to use analytics tools to identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling items.

The increasing demand for data is forcing Applebee’s servers to become more tech savvy. They must learn how to navigate complex systems and understand the importance of accurate data entry. As technology advances, it will be important for servers to stay up to date on the latest trends in order to remain competitive.

Virtualization and the Cloud

Virtualization and the cloud are becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant industry. Applebee’s servers can now use virtualized systems to manage customer orders, track inventory, and process payments more efficiently. This technology also allows for remote access, so that servers can access their data from anywhere with an internet connection.

The cloud is also being used to store customer information, such as preferences and order history, which can be accessed quickly and easily by servers. This helps them provide a better experience for customers, as they can remember their favorite dishes and drinks and make recommendations accordingly. Virtualization and the cloud are important tools for Applebee’s servers to understand, as they will help them work faster and smarter.

Streamlined Infrastructure

Streamlined infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for Applebee’s servers. This trend involves the use of technology to streamline processes and make them more efficient. For example, servers can now use tablets to take orders directly from customers, eliminating the need for paper menus and order slips. Additionally, servers can use mobile apps to track customer preferences and provide personalized service.

This emerging trend is important for Applebee’s servers because it allows them to be more productive and efficient in their job. By using streamlined infrastructure, they can save time and energy while providing better customer service. In addition, this trend helps reduce costs associated with manual labor and paperwork.

Advancement Prospects

Applebee’s servers can advance their careers by taking on additional responsibilities. For example, they may become a shift leader, responsible for managing other servers and ensuring that customers are satisfied. They may also become a trainer, responsible for teaching new servers the ropes. With more experience, servers may become a manager, responsible for overseeing the entire restaurant. Finally, with enough experience, servers may become a district manager, responsible for overseeing multiple restaurants.

Interview Questions

Here are five common Applebee’s Server interview questions and answers.

1. Why are you interested in working at Applebee’s?

This question is an opportunity to show your passion for the restaurant industry and Applebee’s in particular. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of the company that you admire or something about the job that appeals to you.

Example: “I’m interested in working at Applebee’s because I love interacting with people and making them feel welcome. The atmosphere at Applebee’s seems like a fun place to work, and I think I would enjoy being part of a team that provides excellent service to customers. I also appreciate how much Applebee’s values its employees, which makes me excited to learn more about the company.”

2. Tell me about a time when you were working with a team member who was not performing well, how did you handle it?

Applebee’s servers often work with other team members, such as bartenders and cooks. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you can handle conflict in the workplace. In your answer, show that you are willing to help others improve their performance. Explain how you helped them learn new skills or overcome challenges.

Example: “I once worked with a bartender who was very slow at making drinks. This caused long lines of customers waiting for drinks. I asked him if he needed any help learning the drink recipes. He said he did not know all of the ingredients for some of the more complicated drinks on the menu. So, I offered to come over during his shift and teach him how to make those drinks. After a few days of practice, he became much faster at making drinks.”

3. Are you able to work nights and weekends?

Applebee’s is open for dinner and late-night meals, so the interviewer may ask this question to see if you’re comfortable working these hours. If you have previous experience working nights or weekends, explain why you enjoy it. If you haven’t worked nights or weekends before, consider explaining how you would feel about doing so.

Example: “I’ve worked evenings and weekends in my past position as a server at a local restaurant. I actually prefer working nights and weekends because it gives me more time with my family during the day. I’m also able to get more work done when I don’t have to rush out of work to pick up my kids from school.”

4. Describe a time where you went above and beyond for a guest or co-worker.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and willingness to help others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how the extra effort helped you or someone else achieve success.

Example: “At my previous job as a server at a local restaurant, I noticed one of our cooks was having trouble with his station. He was running low on food items and needed more prep work done before he could start cooking again. Instead of waiting for him to ask for help, I went over to his station and started helping him prepare more food. This allowed him to keep up with orders while also getting everything ready for the next rush.”

5. Why should we hire you instead of someone else?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight some of your unique qualities or skills that make you stand out from other candidates.

Example: “I am extremely passionate about customer service, which is why I love working at Applebee’s. I always go above and beyond to ensure my customers are happy and satisfied with their experience. In fact, I once had a guest who was dissatisfied with her meal, so I gave her another one on the house. She ended up leaving me a five-star review online because she appreciated my commitment to excellent service.”