Running a smooth and successful hospitality venue depends on far more than just a visionary at the helm. Restaurants (or any venue for that matter) rely heavily on a team with varying skill sets and areas of focus.
There’s no doubt that as a restaurant owner or manager, you have an implicit understanding of the differences between servers, supervisors and managers. But have you ever stopped and REALLY thought about how these different roles truly piece together? Taking some time to consider the distinct roles of servers, supervisors, and managers will help you create a well-oiled team and improve your day-to-day operations.
Let’s break down these three key roles and explore how they each contribute to the guest experience and your venue’s success.
Servers/Bartenders: The Stars of the Show
Servers are the frontline performers who greet guests with a smile and create memorable dining experiences. They take orders, offer recommendations, and ensure each guest feels cared for throughout their visit. Their energy and attentiveness make a huge difference in how customers remember your venue.
They are the frontline – the ones that guests remember, and the ones that can make or break each individual experience.
Supervisors: The Conductors
Think of supervisors as the conductors who keep the performance running smoothly. They support the servers by handling day-to-day challenges, solving problems on the spot, and making sure standards don’t slip from guest to guest. Supervisors adapt quickly, coordinate shifts, and jump in wherever needed to keep service flowing.
If servers keep each individual guest satisfied, then the role of a supervisor is to make sure that the service as a whole flows, ensuring that servers have both the tools and capacity to provide that exceptional service time and time again.
Setting new supervisors up for success requires more than just operational knowledge – you want them to develop soft skills like leadership and communication. While our Supervisor Soft Skills Training Program is still coming soon, it’s designed to help new supervisors and their mentors build those critical skills for long-term success.</p>
Managers: The Choreographers
Managers take a step back and see the big picture. They set the direction, establish long-term goals, and create systems that reduce the likelihood of repeat problems. Their role isn’t about putting out every fire, but preventing fires in the first place through smart planning and strategic leadership.
>
Recap: Understanding Your Team
- Servers connect directly with guests and make the experience memorable.
- Supervisors manage daily operations and keep the team coordinated.
- Managers plan ahead and create systems for sustainable success.
By empowering each role with the right tools and training, you set your not just for individual success, but as a cohesive team with everyone focused on driving the business forward.
P.S. Want to dive deeper into training your front-of-house team? Grab our free Restaurant Training Resources to get a head start with helpful onboarding cheat sheets.
