Fast Food and Counter Workers
What is a Fast Food and Counter Worker?
Fast food and counter workers are essential personnel in the food service industry, primarily responsible for providing customers with a quick and efficient dining experience. They typically work in fast food restaurants, cafes, and other eateries, where they take orders, prepare food, and serve meals to patrons. These workers are often the first point of contact for customers, making their role crucial in creating positive first impressions and ensuring customer satisfaction.
A typical day for a fast food and counter worker involves operating cash registers, handling cash and credit transactions, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining area and food preparation zones. They may be required to work in various areas within the establishment, including front counters, drive-thru windows, or kitchen stations, depending on the business's layout and needs. The job can be fast-paced and requires the ability to work efficiently under pressure, particularly during peak hours when customer volume is high.
In addition to customer service and food preparation tasks, fast food and counter workers may also be responsible for adhering to health and safety regulations, managing inventory, and restocking supplies. Effective communication and teamwork are vital skills in this field, as workers often collaborate with colleagues to ensure that every aspect of service runs smoothly. Overall, fast food and counter workers play a critical role in the food service industry, contributing not only to customer satisfaction but also to the overall efficiency and success of their place of employment.
Tasks
- Communicate with customers regarding orders, comments, and complaints.
- Scrub and polish counters, steam tables, and other equipment, and clean glasses, dishes, and fountain equipment.
- Accept payment from customers, and make change as necessary.
- Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, mopping, and washing dishes, to keep equipment and facilities sanitary.
- Balance receipts and payments in cash registers.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Computer based training software
- Quizlet
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Point of sale POS software
- Aldelo Systems Aldelo for Restaurants Pro
- Foodman Home-Delivery
- Intuit QuickBooks Point of Sale
- Plexis Software Plexis POS
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
Tools Used
- Commercial use ranges
- Bar code reader equipment
- Commercial use food slicers
- Commercial use food warmers
- Magnetic stripe readers and encoders
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Clean food preparation areas, facilities, or equipment.
- Clean tableware.
- Process customer bills or payments.
- Communicate with customers to resolve complaints or ensure satisfaction.
- Take customer orders.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$22190.0 - $36880.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years and will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.