A busser clears and resets tables, refills water, and helps servers keep the dining room clean and turning. This role sits at the support level of the front of house and is a common starting point for restaurant careers. Here is what the job looks like across a shift, in the order it happens.
Opening duties
- Wipe and sanitize tables, chairs, and booth seats
- Set tables with silverware, napkins, and glassware
- Stock server stations with silverware, napkins, and supplies
- Fill water pitchers and check bread or condiments
- Sweep the dining room floor and check restrooms
During service
- Clear dirty dishes, glasses, and silverware as guests finish
- Refill water glasses before they are empty
- Reset tables fully and quickly after guests leave
- Notify the host that tables are ready
- Carry bus tubs to the dish station without slowing the floor
- Help servers run food and drinks during rushes
- Spot-clean spills, crumbs, and the floor throughout service
Closing duties
- Clear and sanitize all tables, chairs, and booths
- Restock server stations for the next shift
- Sweep and mop the dining room floor
- Take out trash and recycling from the dining room
- Check restrooms and wipe down high-touch areas
Weekly duties
- Deep clean booths, baseboards, and under-table areas
- Polish glassware or silverware as assigned
- Reorganize storage for napkins, linens, and supplies
- Review new menu items or table setup changes with the manager
Writing a posting? The busser job description turns these duties into a ready-to-paste template. For shift planning, try the free restaurant schedule template.