10 Things You Learn From Working In A Restaurant | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Things You Learn From Working In A Restaurant

Patience, team work and communication are just a few of the skills you will learn.

1486
10 Things You Learn From Working In A Restaurant
Pexels

Working in the restaurant business is an experience of its own, with skills from maintaining a charming personality with customers, to physical labor, being expected of you daily. Whether you are new to the industry or have spent years learning the ins and outs of working in restaurants, you learn some valuable lessons about yourself, communication and society in general. Here are few things you learn from working in restaurants.

1. There is a sub-language that lurks behind the door of every kitchen.

Words such as 86, line, fire, new day, and ramekin are common. The list goes on and on. If it is your first restaurant job you may think everyone is a little crazy at first.

2. You learn to speak sweetly and with respect to even the harshest customers.

Your mantra is: Kill them with kindness.

3. You learn how to raise hell in the kitchen.

When you fired your ticket 45-minutes ago and still only have one of the seven dishes in the window ready to go, there is only one thing you can do. Motivate the line!

4. You can recall long lists of specials and desserts.

You can list 30 menu items and the daily special without issue.

5. But can never seem to remember what you walked into the kitchen for.

Hmm, I know I was back here to get or do something.

6. You become a speed walker from hell during your shift, making sure tables are bussed, running food, taking orders and washing dishes.

Everything is a race. Whether hustling to be a good server or to keep the kitchen running, doing things in a timely manner is crucial.

7. Customers never take you seriously when you warn them a dish is hot, so you learn to live without fingerprints.

Reiterate until they move their small plate or you drop their dish on them. As in, I'm not kidding when I say it's hot. Move and don't touch the thing!

8. You learn a lot about balance; whether it be in your schedule, the number of tables you can take or the number of plates on a tray.

You learn how to prioritize. You learn how to balance out your life in a way that accounts for work and play.

9. Every day is arm day when you're running food.

While you want to drop that heavy tray walking across the dining room, just remember there is probably 80 dollars worth of food on that tray and it's building your upper body strength.

10. Walking into the walk-in is like a breath of fresh air; until you sit there and can't seem to find what you are looking for.

All in all, experience working in a restaurant can really aid your social skills, communication skills, team work and even help you find a sense of happiness after helping a table have a particularly enjoyable meal. Plus, it makes you super aware of any restaurant you enter and allows you to give your server a well informed tip, rather than a ballpark number scribbled on a tiny line.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24831
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10357
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7598
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments