The restaurant and café business is as much about delivering outstanding customer experiences as it is about keeping costs under control. A pivotal element of this success lies in how you craft and execute server job descriptions. Beyond listing duties, an effective job description empowers servers to act as brand ambassadors while keeping a sharp eye on profitability.

But let’s take it a step further. Managing Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and equipping your team with a robust point-of-sale system like EPOS Now can transform your operations. By doing so, you’ll streamline workflows, improve customer interactions, and make cost management more straightforward.

This blog post explores how to create a results-driven server job description, the significance of managing COGS, and the undeniable impact of leveraging EPOS Now in boosting efficiency and profitability.

Learn How EPOS Now Boosts Sales  

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The Anatomy of a Perfect Server Job Description

A well-defined server job description acts as a framework for excellence. It attracts skilled candidates, sets clear expectations, and fosters consistent service quality.

Key Elements of a Server Job Description

1. Role Summary
   Clearly define the server’s role, emphasizing not only the tasks but also their impact on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Include:
   • Taking orders accurately.
   • Delivering exceptional service.
   • Managing tasks with an understanding of COGS.
2. Core Responsibilities
   • Greet and seat guests professionally.
   • Recommend menu items strategically to increase check averages and manage waste.
   • Handle payments swiftly using tools like EPOS Now.
3. Required Skills
   Outline communication, multitasking, and technical know-how—such as operating a modern POS system—to ensure servers are well-prepared.
4. Expectations
   Provide clarity on punctuality, dress code, customer interaction, and the importance of understanding how every action influences costs.

Ready to Revolutionize Your Operations? Get Started with EPOS Now Today!

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Industry Examples of Effective Server Job Descriptions

Danny Meyer, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group

Meyer highlights hospitality and cost-consciousness in his descriptions. His focus? Building a strong connection with customers while ensuring profitability.

“The server delivers authentic hospitality, ensures seamless service, and proactively manages their impact on the restaurant’s costs.”

Thomas Keller, Chef-Proprietor of The French Laundry

Keller emphasizes professionalism and precision in both service delivery and cost awareness. His descriptions ensure servers contribute to the restaurant’s brand and bottom line.

“Servers must anticipate guest needs while presenting dishes with confidence. Each interaction should align with our cost-control strategy.”

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Mastering Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): The Cornerstone of Profitability

What Is COGS?

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) represents the expenses directly related to producing menu items—ingredients, beverages, and other consumables. Managing COGS efficiently ensures you maintain healthy profit margins.

COGS Formula:
$\text{COGS}=\text{Beginning Inventory}+\text{Purchases During the Period}-\text{Ending Inventory}$

Why Does COGS Matter to Servers?

Educating servers about COGS connects their roles to your profitability. For example:

• Promoting high-margin items increases your bottom line.
• Minimizing waste—such as over-portioning—directly reduces costs.

Discover How EPOS Now Simplifies COGS Tracking

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Training Servers for Success

Training programs are pivotal to aligning your team with business goals. Focus on these areas:

1. Role-Playing Scenarios
   • Practice upselling high-margin items.
   • Simulate challenges like managing large tables while minimizing waste.
2. Menu Knowledge
   • Educate servers on ingredients and preparation methods.
   • Run sessions where they identify which dishes maximize profitability.
3. Technology Integration
   • Equip your team to use EPOS Now effectively for real-time order management, sales tracking, and inventory control.

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EPOS Now: Your Partner in Optimizing Operations

EPOS Now isn’t just a point-of-sale system—it’s a comprehensive solution for managing inventory, sales, and team performance.

Key Benefits of EPOS Now for Restaurants:

• COGS Tracking in Real Time
  Get instant insights into ingredient usage, waste, and profitability.
• Optimized Stock Management
  Never run out of your best-selling dishes with automated stock alerts.
• Improved Team Efficiency
  Reduce server errors with intuitive interfaces, speeding up service and enhancing the customer experience.

See EPOS Now in Action – Book a Demo

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Data-Driven Results: How EPOS Now Impacts Sales

Graph: Increased Sales with EPOS Now
(Bar chart comparing average sales before and after implementing EPOS Now, highlighting efficiency gains from streamlined operations and better stock management.)

Case Study Example

A mid-sized café in Melbourne adopted EPOS Now, resulting in:

• A 15% increase in upselling due to real-time menu prompts for servers.
• A 10% reduction in COGS through better stock control.

These improvements added thousands to their monthly profits.

Boost Your Sales Today – Sign Up for EPOS Now

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