Restaurant Bussing and Guest Walk-in Procedures

Question-and-answer flashcards covering purposes, skills, steps, safety measures, and supplies for bussing tables and walking guests into a restaurant.

What is the primary purpose of bussing tables in a dining room?

To clear dirty glassware quickly so tables can be reset and re-seated for new guests.

During a guest’s meal, what practice should servers follow to make final bussing easier?

Pre-bussing—removing dirty plates and items throughout the meal so only glassware remains when guests leave.

Name three key skills developed by bussing tables.

Teamwork, strength & stamina, and attentiveness.

Why is teamwork important when bussing during busy hours?

Coordinating with coworkers allows multiple tables to be cleared and reset quickly, which one person could not do alone.

What physical ability is required to carry 10–15 partially full glasses safely?

Sufficient strength and stamina to lift and transport the heavy, awkward load repeatedly throughout the shift.

Outline the basic steps for bussing glassware once a dirty table is located.

Find a tray, place glasses strategically, carry the tray to the dish area, and load glasses into the correct washing racks.

Why are nonslip shoes essential in the dish area?

The floor often becomes wet and slippery; nonslip shoes help prevent falls while carrying fragile glassware.

What container should be used for the safe disposal of broken glass?

A designated sharps container.

What is the main supply needed to buss glassware efficiently?

A sturdy tray designed for carrying glassware.

Which prior knowledge makes starting a bussing shift smoother?

Knowing how to balance and carry a tray properly.

What is the primary purpose of walking guests to their table?

To greet them, create a positive first impression, and seat them correctly so service can begin.

Which three interpersonal skills are enhanced while walking guests in?

Communication skills, memorization of the floor plan/table numbers, and good manners.

Why must a host memorize the restaurant’s floor plan when walking guests?

So guests are seated at the correct table assigned to their reservation.

List the standard steps for walking guests to their table.

Greet at host stand, ask about celebrations/allergies, confirm reservation and assigned server, escort guests while conversing, remove extra settings, inform the server about the new table.

What safety precaution should be placed along a potentially slippery walkway to a table?

A wet floor sign to prevent guest slips and falls.

What materials should be provided to guests when they are seated?

One menu per guest (plus kids’ menu if needed) and a wine list.