20 Waffle House Interview Questions and Answers

Waffle House is a popular chain of restaurants in the United States, known for their all-day breakfast menu. If you’re looking for a job at Waffle House, you can expect to be asked some company-specific interview questions.

In this guide, we’ll give you some tips on how to answer common Waffle House interview questions. We’ll also provide sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Waffle House Interview Process

The interview process at Waffle House is relatively quick and easy. Most applicants report that the entire process, from start to finish, takes about a week.

The first step in the process is an initial phone screening. During this call, a representative from Waffle House will ask you a few basic questions about your qualifications and availability. If you pass this stage, you’ll be invited to come in for an in-person interview.

During the in-person interview, you’ll meet with a manager or supervisor. They’ll ask you more detailed questions about your experience and why you’re interested in the position. This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about the job or company.

Overall, applicants report that the interview process at Waffle House is fairly straightforward. There are no trick questions or difficult challenges to overcome. As long as you’re prepared to talk about your experience and why you’re a good fit for the job, you should do just fine.

1. Do you have any experience working in a fast-paced environment?

Working at a restaurant can be hectic, especially when it’s busy. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and that you have the skills necessary to succeed in their establishment. In your answer, explain how you handle stress and what strategies you use to stay organized.

Example: “I’ve worked in a few restaurants throughout my career, so I’m used to working in a fast-paced environment. When things get busy, I try to focus on one task at a time and prioritize which tasks need to be completed first. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I don’t forget any steps while preparing food or drinks.”

2. How would you handle an upset customer?

Working in the food service industry can sometimes involve dealing with upset customers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary to handle challenging situations. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication and conflict resolution skills to help calm an upset customer. Try to give a specific example of a time when you did this successfully.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they didn’t like their meal. I listened to them carefully and tried to understand why they were so upset. Then, I explained that we always try our best to ensure every meal is prepared correctly. The customer calmed down after hearing my explanation. They ended up leaving us a five-star review on Yelp.”

3. What do you think is the most important quality for someone who works at Waffle House?

Waffle House is a unique restaurant that requires its employees to be friendly and outgoing. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have the qualities they look for in their team members. When answering, think about what makes Waffle House different from other restaurants. You can also mention some of the specific qualities listed on the job description.

Example: “I believe the most important quality for someone who works at Waffle House is being able to work as part of a team. At Waffle House, we are always busy, so it’s important to be able to communicate with your coworkers. I am also very organized, which helps me keep track of orders and stay ahead of my tasks. Another important quality is having a positive attitude. Working in food service can be challenging, but I try to remain upbeat and helpful.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an unhappy customer, how did you handle it?

Working in the food service industry can sometimes mean dealing with unhappy customers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience handling these situations and how you react to them. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to help customers even when they’re upset. Explain what steps you take to calm a customer down or solve their problem.

Example: “I once had a customer who was very upset because her order wasn’t correct. She started yelling at me and demanding I fix it immediately. Instead of getting defensive, I calmly explained that we would remake her meal for free. I also offered her some coupons for future meals as an apology. After she calmed down, she thanked me for my kindness and apologized for being rude.”

5. Why should we hire you?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best candidate for the job. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you would be an excellent addition to their team. Consider mentioning any skills or experiences that relate to the position.

Example: “I am passionate about customer service and believe I can provide excellent support to customers at all times. In my previous role as a server, I received many compliments on my friendly demeanor and willingness to help others. I also understand how important it is to work well with others, so I will always treat my coworkers and managers with respect. I think these qualities make me the perfect candidate for this position.”

6. What are your thoughts on being part of a team?

Working in a restaurant can be a team effort. Employers ask this question to see if you are willing to work with others and how well you communicate. When answering, try to show that you enjoy working as part of a team. Explain what makes teamwork so important to you.

Example: “I love being part of a team because it allows me to learn from other people’s strengths. I think everyone has something unique to offer the group, and I am always excited to hear what my coworkers have to say. In fact, I find myself learning new things every day just by talking to my colleagues. Being on a team is also motivating for me because I know that we all want to succeed together.”

7. Describe your experience working with food preparation.

This question is an opportunity to show your experience with food preparation and how you use it in your work. You can describe a time when you prepared food for customers or other employees, such as at a restaurant or cafeteria.

Example: “I worked at a local diner during high school where I was responsible for preparing all of the meals that were ordered by customers. This included making sure all orders were correct and ready to be served, which required me to multitask between different orders. I also had to ensure that the kitchen was clean before leaving each night.”

8. Are you available to work flexible hours including nights and weekends?

Working at a restaurant can require you to work nights, weekends and holidays. Employers ask this question to make sure you are willing to do so if necessary. In your answer, let the employer know that you are flexible with your schedule. Explain that you would be able to work any hours needed as long as they are within the law.

Example: “I am available to work any hours that are legal. I understand that working nights and weekends is part of this job. I have no problem doing so as long as it’s not every single night or weekend. I am also happy to take on extra shifts when needed.”

9. What was one time where you went above and beyond for a coworker?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your teamwork skills. Showcase how you support others and encourage them to do their best work.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed one of my coworkers was having trouble with a project deadline. She had been working on it for several days without taking any breaks or asking for help. I asked her if she needed any assistance, but she said she could handle it. After she left for the day, I took over her project and finished it by the next morning so she wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore. When she returned to work, she thanked me for helping her out.”

10. Provide an example of a time when you showed initiative and took the lead on something.

Employers ask this question to see if you are a self-starter and how you handle taking on new responsibilities. When answering, think of an example that shows your leadership skills and the positive outcome of your actions.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed we were running low on supplies in the kitchen. Rather than waiting for someone else to notice, I took it upon myself to order more supplies. This helped us avoid any delays or inconveniences for customers. My proactive approach saved the company money and ensured our customers had a great experience.”

11. What would you do if you noticed that another employee was not following company policy?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would handle a situation that could affect your work or the company’s reputation. In your answer, describe what steps you would take to address the issue and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Example: “If I noticed another employee not following policy, I would first speak with them privately about the issue. If they were aware of their mistake but continued to do so, I would document the incident in case it happened again. If they didn’t realize their mistake, I would explain the policy to them and give them an opportunity to correct their behavior before taking further action.”

12. As a cook you will be handling knives, can you describe your experience using kitchen knives?

Waffle House is a fast-paced environment, so it’s important that you can handle the pressure of working in a kitchen. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using knives and other sharp objects safely. In your answer, share an example of how you use knives in the kitchen. Explain what steps you take to ensure your safety when handling these tools.

Example: “I’ve worked as a cook for five years now, so I am very comfortable with using knives in the kitchen. When preparing food, I always make sure my hands are dry before touching any utensils or ingredients. This helps me avoid slipping while holding a knife. I also keep all my fingers on one side of the blade at all times. This way, if I accidentally cut myself, it will only be a small injury.”

13. If hired as a server, what style of service would you use?

Waffle House servers need to be able to provide excellent customer service. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with different styles of service and which one you prefer. Use your answer to highlight your interpersonal skills, communication abilities and ability to work as part of a team.

Example: “I believe that providing quality customer service is essential for any server. I would use a style of service where I am friendly but professional. I would make sure my guests are comfortable while also making sure they receive their food in a timely manner. I think this balance is important because it allows me to ensure customers get what they want without taking too long.”

14. Have you ever worked a late night shift before?

Working a late night shift is common at Waffle House. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in the evening hours. If you haven’t worked a late night shift before, explain why and what your experience was like. If you have worked a late night shift before, describe how you handled it.

Example: “I’ve never worked a late night shift before, but I’m excited for the opportunity. I know that working a late night shift can be challenging, so I am prepared to stay focused on my work. I also plan to take breaks when I need them to help me stay energized.”

15. Do you have experience operating a cash register?

Working as a server at Waffle House requires you to be able to operate a cash register. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with operating a cash register and how comfortable you are doing so. If you have previous experience, share an example of when you used your skills to help the business. If you don’t have any experience, explain that you’re willing to learn.

Example: “I’ve worked as a server for five years now, but I only started working with a cash register two years ago. At my current job, we use cash registers to ring up customers’ orders. When I first started using the register, I was nervous because it was different from the system I had been using. However, after practicing on my own time, I became very comfortable using the register.”

16. What type of schedule were you hoping to get?

Waffle House is a 24-hour restaurant, so it’s likely that you’ll be working some late nights and early mornings. The interviewer wants to make sure you’re okay with this type of schedule before they hire you. If you have any flexibility in your schedule preferences, let the interviewer know.

Example: “I’m available for whatever hours are needed. I understand that Waffle House is a 24-hour establishment, so I am prepared to work whenever you need me. My only request would be to get at least one day off per week. I’ve worked two jobs before, so I’m used to having a lot of responsibility.”

17. At Waffle House we want out servers to be knowledgeable about our menu items. Are you comfortable talking to customers about these items?

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and knowledge of the menu. Interviewers want to know that you can confidently answer questions about their menu items, so be prepared to talk about a few different options when answering this question.

Example: “I am very familiar with the Waffle House menu because I have worked here for five years. When customers ask me what my favorite item on the menu is, I tell them it’s the Chicken Fajita Omelet. It has chicken, peppers, onions and cheese in it, which makes it delicious. I also like the Country Ham Steak & Eggs because it reminds me of home.”

18. We like to promote from within, what types of positions are you interested in pursuing long term?

This question is a great way to show your interest in the company and its culture. It also allows you to demonstrate your career goals, which can be an important factor for employers when making hiring decisions. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight any skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the position you’re interviewing for while also showing your interest in moving up within the organization.

Example: “I would love to work my way up to server one day. I’ve worked as a server at several restaurants before, so I have experience with taking orders and interacting with customers. I think I could use these skills to help me excel in this role. I’m also interested in working toward becoming a shift manager. I know how to manage multiple tasks at once, and I feel like I have the interpersonal skills necessary to lead a team.”

19. Do you prefer working alone or in teams?

Working in a restaurant can be a social job, so employers want to know if you’re comfortable working with others. They also want to make sure that you have the skills necessary to work on your own when needed. When answering this question, explain which situations you prefer and why.

Example: “I enjoy both working alone and in teams. I find it’s nice to get some tasks done by myself because it gives me time to think about how to do my best work. However, I also like collaborating with other team members to come up with new ideas for improving our processes or making customers’ experiences better. In my last position, I worked mostly alone but was part of a small group that came up with new recipes.”

20. What do you know about Waffle House? What makes us different than other restaurants?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the company and its culture. It also shows that you have done some research on the restaurant before applying for a position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention what makes Waffle House unique from other restaurants.

Example: “I know that Waffle House has an open-door policy where anyone is welcome at any time. I think this is a really important aspect of the company because it allows customers to feel comfortable no matter their situation. Another thing I know about Waffle House is that servers are expected to memorize the entire menu. This is something I am excited to do as a server.”