A Guide to Restaurant Sidework

Folks privy to the restaurant industry know there is much more to a server’s world than just taking and delivering food and drink orders. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of responsibility! Sidework can encompass anything from rolling silverware to stacking plates, all in the name of keeping their stations fully stocked and operating efficiently. Sidework is the reason your guests aren’t using dirty silverware, reading from sticky menus, or tripping over tossed napkins. Read on for a guide to restaurant sidework that will help make quick work of your servers’ other duties.

Taking Inventory

Before you begin making a checklist of sidework for your servers, start by noting all the tasks that need to be completed each day. Physically or mentally walk from each area of your restaurant to the next. Take into account everything each area requires in order to run smoothly, and be specific: wipe down booth seats; refill sugar canisters; replace candles, etc. Once all tasks are noted you can break them down into categories: Opening tasks, end-of-shift tasks, continuous tasks, and closing tasks, for example.

A checklist will help guide your employees, so they know exactly what to do before, during, or after their shifts—without having to ask anyone. This is helpful in that it allows your staff to feel empowered, and it lets you and your shift managers focus on keeping the restaurant running throughout the day.

Types of Sidework

Table sidework tasks include wiping down tables, refilling salt/pepper/sugar packets, restocking napkins, cleaning under chairs and booth seats, etc. Behind-the-scenes work can be anything from cleaning around the register to wiping the windows—the small tasks that aren’t specific to a table setting.

Finding a Format

There are loads of great templates online for sidework checklists. Downloadable versions are available from places like Touch Bistro and Web Restaurant Store, or you can do a simple search on Pinterest for ideas. It’s important to keep your checklist clear and easy to understand so servers can quickly absorb their tasks and get on with their duties. And if you don’t know where to start with your checklist, these online templates offer great starting points.

Revisit and Revise

As time goes on, you may find tasks that need to be added or removed from your list. Some tasks might even need to be broken out into smaller individual jobs. That’s perfectly fine! The idea of a sidework checklist is to be agile – welcome feedback from the staff actually completing these to-dos, and work together to make changes as needed. Sidework is a team effort.

For over 2 decades, ARF Financial has been a leading lender for restaurant owners across the country. Our team of seasoned loan consultants has helped thousands of small businesses secure millions in funding, working hand-in-hand with our clients to build a loan product that works best for their needs. Our clients get funds quickly, with fixed payments that won’t increase as revenue grows. Interested in learning more? Stop by today!