Role of a Busser
In North America, a busser, sometimes known as a busboy or busgirl, works in restaurants clearing tables, taking dirty dishes to the dishwasher, setting tables, refilling drinks, and assisting the waiting staff. Bussers play a vital role in ensuring efficient service and enhancing the dining experience for customers by maintaining a clean and efficient dining area and assisting servers to ensure a pleasant customer experience.
Responsibilities and Impact
Bussers are responsible for promptly clearing tables after customers leave by removing dirty dishes and wiping down the tables and chairs so that waitstaff can focus on providing good service to guests. Bussers typically earn lower salaries than other restaurant employees. However, bussing can be a good way to get started in the restaurant industry, learn customer service basics, and train for waiting staff positions without needing prior experience.
Compensation
Although bussers don’t get direct tips, some restaurants share a percentage of server tips with support staff like bussers and hosts.