Waitress

A waitress is a female server who works in dining establishments such as restaurants, cafes, and bars. The primary responsibilities include taking customer orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring guest satisfaction. In many regions, the gender-neutral term "server" is preferred, and some venues avoid gendered titles altogether.

Typical duties include greeting customers, presenting menus, answering questions about dishes, noting dietary restrictions, taking orders, relaying orders to the kitchen, delivering meals, refilling drinks, clearing used plates, and processing payments. Waitresses must often manage several tables at once, coordinate with cooks, bussers, and bartenders, and handle special requests or complaints. They may upsell items and monitor for guest comfort throughout the meal.

Work conditions and training: This role is commonly part-time and involves evening and weekend shifts. Wages vary by country and jurisdiction and are often supplemented by tips or service charges. Training is usually on the job and covers customer service, food safety and handling, alcohol service where permitted, and the use of point-of-sale systems.

History and context: The effective role of dining room staff expanded with modern restaurants in the 19th and 20th centuries. While the work has historically drawn many women, contemporary staffing uses inclusive language and may employ people of any gender. The profession is closely tied to tipping practices in many economies, which can influence earnings and service dynamics.