Waiters and Waitresses

Waiters and Waitresses

Main Topic: Human Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview:  Waiters and waitresses, or servers, are typically the point of contact between restaurants and customers. As that point of contact, they ensure that customers have a pleasant experience by providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment and while managing several tables at once. They work with other restaurant staff including other servers, chefs, hosts, and busboys to ensure a steady and smooth flow of service.

Food and dining are very geographic in the sense that servers may work in restaurants that specialize in an international cuisine and embraces the culture and traditions of the country/region of origin, but they may also serve international customers. They must also be skilled communicators both to customers, but also to chefs if there are any issues with meals or any allergies that they must be aware of.

Geographers at work: Human geographers, cultural geographers, food geographers

Recommended College Courses: Introduction to Cultural Geography, World Geography, Research Methods in Geography, Geography of Food and Agriculture

Skills: Communication, customer service, local geography, world and regional geography, understanding geographical variations in language and culture

Occupation Group: Food Preparation and Serving

Learn more about Waiters and Waitresses from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/waiters-and-waitresses.htm#tab-1