Busser vs. Waiter: What Are the Differences?

Bussers and waiters are both front-of-house positions in the food service industry. Though they work together to provide excellent service to customers, there are several key differences between the two roles. In this article, we discuss the duties of bussers and waiters, the similarities and differences between them and offer tips for those interested in pursuing a career in the food service industry.

What is a Busser?

Bussers, often called Busboys or Food Runners, support other restaurant staff by cleaning dishes, clearing and setting tables, stocking supplies and helping guests. They work in a fast-paced culinary environment to clean and reset tables and make sure that flatware and plates are readily available. As customer service workers, they are responsible for ensuring that guests’ needs are either met or brought to the attention of waitstaff and management. Most Busboys work in restaurants, cafes or catering companies to lighten the workload of the wait staff.

What is a Waiter?

Waiters take orders and serve food and drinks to customers in restaurants. They greet customers as they arrive, escort them to their tables and provide them with menus. Once customers have made their selections, waiters relay the orders to the kitchen staff. They bring food and drinks to the customers’ tables, making sure to check that everything is to their liking. Waiters also handle payments and may make recommendations on food and drink choices. In some cases, they may also be responsible for cleaning tables and resetting them for the next customers.

Busser vs. Waiter

Here are the main differences between a busser and a waiter.

Job Duties

Bussers clean and clear tables, while waiters serve food and beverages to customers. A busboy or busser collects dirty dishes, cutlery and glasses from tables and washes them in the kitchen. They also wipe down tables and chairs and replace soiled tablecloths.

A waiter takes orders from customers at their tables and communicates these orders to the cooks in the kitchen. They may also suggest menu options to customers and provide general customer service such as offering napkins and refilling drinks.

Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for bussers or waiters, but many employers prefer candidates who have at least a high school diploma. Many restaurants also provide on-the-job training to teach new employees the skills they need to be successful in their roles. Bussers and waiters might also take classes offered by their employer to learn more about customer service, food safety or other topics that can help them excel in their jobs.

Work Environment

Bussers and waiters work in different environments. Bussers typically work in restaurants, bars or other food service establishments that have a fast-paced environment. They may spend their days cleaning tables, sweeping floors and taking out the trash.

Waiters work in more formal settings such as fine dining restaurants where they interact with customers to ensure they receive excellent customer service. Waiters often work long hours during dinner and lunch shifts, but they also work less during slower times of the day.

Skills

Both bussers and waiters need to have excellent customer service skills. This includes being able to greet customers, take orders, answer questions about menu items and provide general assistance. Bussers also need to be able to effectively communicate with the waitstaff and kitchen staff to ensure that food is delivered promptly and that dirty dishes are cleared from the tables.

Bussers need to have physical stamina as they are constantly on their feet and moving around the restaurant. They also need to be able to lift heavy trays of dishes and glasses. Waiters need to be able to stand for long periods of time and walk quickly between the dining room and the kitchen.

Bussers need to have good organizational skills to keep the dining room clean and tidy. They also need to be able to remember where different items are located in the restaurant so that they can quickly retrieve them when requested by a customer. Waiters need to have good memory skills to remember customers’ orders and preferences. They also need to be able to multitask and keep track of multiple orders at one time.

Salary

The average salary for a busser is $28,630 per year, while the average salary for a waiter is $34,524 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the location of the restaurant, the size of the restaurant and the level of experience the busser or waiter has.