What Would I Do?

Food Counter attendants and food preparers take customer orders, accept payment and serve customers at food counters. They may also prepare, heat and finish cooking simple food items. As a food counter attendant / food preparer, your duties can include:

• use a cash register to take customer orders, accept payment and give change
• answer customer questions about menu items and serve customers at counters or buffet tables
• preparing food such as sandwiches, hamburgers, salads, milkshakes, ice cream dishes and beverages, including coffee-type drinks
• clean, peel, slice and trim food items using manual and electric appliances
• stock refrigerators, cupboards and salad bars
• keep records of the quantities of food used
• clean and sanitize kitchen areas including, work surfaces, cupboards and storage areas, as well as dispose of kitchen garbage
• clear and clean tables, trays and chairs
• reset tables with clean tablecloths, napkins, silverware, glasses and dishes

Kitchen helpers, food service helpers and dishwashers: usually clear tables, clean kitchen areas and wash dishes and help workers who prepare or serve food and beverages.

As a kitchen helper or a food service helper, your duties may include:

• wash work tables, meat blocks, cupboards, walls and appliances and clean kitchen work areas, equipment, utensils and dishes
• sweep and mop floors, and perform other duties to assist cook and kitchen staff
• remove and clear kitchen garbage
• remove dishes before and after courses, scrape and stack dishes, carry linen to and from laundry area
• clear and clean tables and trays in eating establishments
• bring clean dishes, flatware and other items to serving areas and set tables
• refill condiments and other supplies at tables and in serving areas
• unpack and store supplies in refrigerators, cupboards and storage areas

As a dishwasher, your duties may include:

• wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots and pans either with a dishwasher or by hand
• place dishes in storage areas, sweep and scrub floors, sort and remove garbage and wash garbage cans
• may also clean and prepare food, keep kitchen work areas clean and orderly, load and unload trucks picking up or delivering food and supplies

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