Turning Tables: Lessons from Restaurant Professionals That Can Transform Careers #1

Turning Tables: Lessons from Restaurant Professionals That Can Transform Careers  

 

The average American spends approximately $3,500 a year dining out or grabbing takeout. That's a significant sum, and for most people, it's more than just paying for food; it's an investment in an experience.Whether you're rushing back to your desk after lunch, catching up with friends over dinner, or sharing a moment on a special date, you expect to be cared for and treated well. But have you ever considered what servers and bartenders do daily to make these experiences memorable? Observing their dedication sheds light on some invaluable business and life lessons. For those hiring adaptable employees or looking for leadership rooted in service, this industry is a gold mine of talent waiting to be utilized. Here's why.  

 

Why Hiring Servers and Bartenders Makes Sense  

 

Lou Kadiri, director of Virginia Operations for U.S.Senator Mark Warner, understands the value of restaurant experience when hiring. "If someone has restaurant experience on their resume,I will generally try to make sure we interview them," Kadiri shares."Anyone with a solid background in restaurant service—not just a summer job for a couple of months but extensive experience—is probably someone who can hustle, multitask, and knows how to interact effectively with the public." And I couldn't agree more. Restaurants and bars operate at a unique pace. Servers and bartenders are customer-focused multitaskers who thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments. They also tend to be highly adaptable employees who know how to work collaboratively with others. These skills make them incredibly valuable in a variety of industries beyond hospitality. How Restaurant WorkersShowcase Adaptability and Leadership. For many servers and bartenders, the interactions they have with people, the flexible schedules, and the constant buzz of activity are what they enjoy most about their jobs. More than that, the profession also offers them an opportunity to build noteworthy skills, such as adaptability, customer service expertise, and the ability to work under pressure. If you're currently working in food service, take a moment to consider what makes you stand out from the crowd in your field. Is it your ability to hustle through a packed dining room while maintaining a positive attitude? Or maybe it's your knack for anticipating customer needs before they even ask? These traits aren't just useful in the restaurant industry; they're transferable skills that hiring managers in other fields actively seekout.  

  

Why Restaurant Experience is a Game-Changer for Career Growth  

 

Hiring managers across industries are constantly searching for ways to fill open positions with qualified, capable applicants. The truth is that individuals with restaurant experience may already possess the skills they need to excel in roles that require public interaction and multitasking. 

  • Adaptability: Restaurant employees are experts at navigating shifting priorities and unexpected challenges.  
  • Customer-Focused Leadership: They're amazing at reading people, solving problems on the fly, and ensuring customer satisfaction—even in high-pressure situations.  
  • Teamwork and Initiative: Many hospitality workers know when to jump in and help, whether it's serving a table, running food, or cleaning up during a rush.  

 

These attributes showcase leadership potential and an ability to hit the ground running, qualities any organization would value.  

  

A Call to Action for Hiring Managers  

 

If you're struggling to find adaptable employees for roles that involve working with people, consider broadening your search to include individuals with restaurant experience. Even if the role doesn't directly involve food service, the qualities many hospitality professionals possess make them capable of excelling in a wide variety of settings. Of course, a server might not be the right fit if the position requires specific technical expertise. However, these professionals bring immense value to roles that require strong people skills, the ability to multitask, and a team-oriented mindset.  

  

What Food Service Skills Mean for Your Career  

 

If you're currently in the world of food service and considering a change, know that your restaurant experience has equipped you with sought-after abilities. Hustling through a fully booked night of service, juggling orders, and handling difficult customers aren't just part of the job; they're proof of your resourcefulness, resilience, and leadership potential. Ask yourself how you can leverage your experience to grow your career beyond the restaurant. Whether it's advancing within the hospitality industry or transitioning into a new field entirely, the skills you've developed are a foundation for success. For hiring managers and job seekers alike, recognizing the transferable power of restaurant experience is a game-changer. Leadership from service is leadership that adapts, listens, and delivers results. Are you ready to harness the potential of restaurant experience for your business or your career? Whether you're hiring servers or exploring growth opportunities, the lessons learned in food service can turntables into thriving next steps.

You can purchase Turning Tables:Everything I Needed to Know about Business I Learned as a Server here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/turning-tables-bruce-c-bryan/1147090537?ean=9781636987293

 

To learn more and to schedule a Speaking Engagement, visit the following website: www.brucecbryan.com

Share this post

GET IN TOUCH ✍️

Contact Bruce for speaking engagements, book signings, or an interview.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.