Buffalo Wild Wings Server: Job Description, Responsibilities, and What to Expect

Are you looking for a fast-paced, energetic environment where you can be part of a team and interact with sports fans? A server position at Buffalo Wild Wings (B-Dubs®) might be the perfect fit for you. This role is more than just taking orders; it’s about creating the Ultimate Social Experience for Sports Fans. Let’s dive into what it means to be a Buffalo Wild Wings Server.

Key Responsibilities of a Buffalo Wild Wings Server

As a Buffalo Wild Wings Server, your primary responsibility is to provide exceptional guest service. This encompasses everything from the moment guests walk in until they leave satisfied and ready to return. Here’s a detailed look at the essential duties, broken down into key stages of the guest experience:

Wow ‘Em In: The First Impression

The first few moments are crucial in setting the tone for a guest’s visit. As a server, you’re expected to:

Greet Guests Promptly and Enthusiastically: Within 45 seconds of guests being seated, you should approach the table with a warm and genuine greeting. A smile and energetic welcome are essential.
Personalize the Service: Engage with guests to understand the purpose of their visit. Are they a family, a business group, or die-hard game day fans? Tailoring your service to their needs enhances their experience. For example, you might ask if they are there to watch a specific game or if they are celebrating a special occasion.
Consider Time Constraints: During the busy lunch hours (11 AM – 2 PM, Monday to Friday), be mindful of guests’ time. If it’s lunchtime, politely inquire if they are on a tight schedule to ensure efficient service.
Set the Stage: Flag the table with beverage napkins immediately after seating guests to signal that the table is being served and to prepare for drink orders.

Quench & Assist: Taking Orders and Providing Recommendations

Once the initial welcome is complete, the focus shifts to beverages and taking food orders. This stage involves:

Beverage Suggestions and Knowledge: Offer specific beverage recommendations, highlighting specials, popular beers, and soft drink options. Demonstrating knowledge of the drink menu and being able to describe different options is key.
Alcohol Service and Compliance: Adhere strictly to alcohol service policies. Card anyone who appears to be 40 years old or younger to verify legal drinking age. Understanding and implementing the 2-2-2 beer approach (checking back after 2 minutes/2 sips, offering a second drink when the first is half empty, and suggesting a final drink with the meal) is important for maximizing beverage sales and guest satisfaction.
Upselling and Customization: Inform guests about daily specials and ongoing promotions to enhance their choices and potentially increase sales. Make genuine suggestions for shareable appetizers to start their meal. Guide guests through sauce and seasoning customization options for wings and other menu items, showcasing your menu expertise.
Order Accuracy and Confirmation: Repeat the entire order back to the guests to ensure accuracy and avoid any misunderstandings. This step is critical for order fulfillment and guest satisfaction.
Prompt Drink Delivery and Initial Setup: Deliver drinks within two minutes of taking the order. Ensure the table is properly set up with all necessary supplies like roll-ups (silverware wrapped in napkins), boats for sauces, extra napkins, and any other items they might need to start their meal comfortably.

Deliver it N.O.W.: Food Delivery and Initial Check-in

Efficient and correct food delivery is crucial. Servers need to:

Order Confirmation and Placement: When delivering food, confirm each dish as you place it in front of the correct guest. Position the main protein or entrée at the 6 o’clock position for each guest, a subtle touch of professional service.
Beverage Refills and Needs Assessment: Check if guests need beverage refills as you deliver food. Offer refills proactively or suggest trying another beverage option. Ask if they have everything they need to enjoy their meal, such as extra sauces or napkins.
Friendly Farewell (for now): Leave guests with a friendly closing remark like “Enjoy your meal!” or “Let me know if you need anything else.”

Are We Blazin’?: Checking Back and Dessert Service

Maintaining attentiveness throughout the meal is vital for guest satisfaction. This involves:

Two-Minute/Two-Bite Check-back: Check back with guests within two minutes or two bites after food delivery. This is the perfect time to ensure they are satisfied with their meal and to address any issues immediately. During lunch hours (11 AM – 2 PM M-F), drop the check during this check-back, informing them who to pay to expedite their departure if they are on a schedule.
Satisfaction Verification: Specifically ask if everything is to their satisfaction. This shows you care about their experience and gives them an opportunity to voice any concerns.
Proactive Beverage Refills: Continue to offer beverage refills throughout the meal, anticipating their needs.
Dessert Upselling: Make a genuine suggestion for a specific dessert to entice guests to extend their dining experience. Highlight popular or seasonal desserts.
Pre-bussing and Dessert Service: As appropriate and if possible, pre-buss the bar rail or table to keep the area tidy. When serving dessert, provide fresh utensils and napkins to ensure a pleasant dessert experience.

Wow ‘Em Out: Payment and Farewell

The final interaction is just as important as the first. Servers are responsible for:

Efficient Payment Processing: Process payments promptly and accurately. Return any cash change immediately to the guest.
GEM Survey Explanation (if applicable): If the restaurant uses a Guest Experience Measurement (GEM) survey, briefly explain it to guests and encourage them to provide feedback on their receipt.
Thank You and Invitation to Return: Thank guests for their visit and genuinely invite them to come back again. A positive and appreciative farewell leaves a lasting impression.
Table Resetting: Reset tables quickly and appropriately within two minutes of guests leaving to prepare for the next guests and maintain efficient table turnover.

General Service Standards Knowledge

Beyond the direct guest interactions, a Buffalo Wild Wings server needs to understand and apply general service standards, including:

Understanding the B-Dubs® Mission: Articulate the importance of providing the Ultimate Social Experience for Sports Fans at Buffalo Wild Wings. This understanding should guide your service approach.
Applying the 2-2-2 Beer Approach: Demonstrate consistent application of the 2-2-2 beer service guidelines.
The 5-10’ Rule: Implement the 5-10’ rule, which typically means acknowledging guests within 10 feet and verbally greeting them within 5 feet, showing attentiveness and hospitality.
Efficient Workflow: Work your station efficiently, combining steps and tasks to minimize trips to the bar or kitchen (Heart of House – HOH).
Guest Engagement: Engage easily and enthusiastically with guests within your station, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
Stocking and Cleaning: Demonstrate knowledge of and perform stocking and cleaning tasks throughout your shift to maintain a clean and well-supplied service area.
Teamwork: Work effectively and cooperatively with other team members, including servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff, to ensure smooth operations.
Menu and Bar Knowledge: Possess solid menu knowledge, including ingredients, preparation methods, and allergens. Similarly, have good bar knowledge, including beer, wine, spirits, and drink recipes.
Administrative Processes: Understand the process for submitting schedule change requests and the procedure for calling off a shift when necessary.
Adaptability: Be prepared for other duties as assigned or as they become evident in the dynamic restaurant environment.

Skills and Qualifications for a Buffalo Wild Wings Server

To excel as a Buffalo Wild Wings Server, certain skills and qualifications are essential:

Guest Service Mentality: A genuine desire to serve customers and ensure they have a positive experience is paramount.
Customer Service Skills: Ability to manage difficult or emotional customer situations with composure and tact. Respond promptly and effectively to customer needs and requests.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal communication and active listening skills. Speak clearly and persuasively, listen attentively, and provide and receive feedback constructively.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: Contribute to a positive team environment, support team goals, and work effectively with colleagues. Show respect and sensitivity to cultural differences.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Focus on solving conflicts rather than assigning blame. Adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands, and handle unexpected events calmly.
Responsibility and Dependability: Be punctual and reliable. Take responsibility for your actions and commitments. Complete tasks in a timely manner and ask for help when needed.
Attention to Detail and Quality: Monitor your own work to ensure quality and accuracy. Meet productivity standards and work efficiently.
Safety and Compliance: Observe safety and security procedures, report potentially unsafe conditions, and use equipment and materials properly.
Basic Math and Language Skills: Ability to perform basic math calculations related to orders and payments. Ability to read and understand instructions, menus, and memos, and communicate effectively in English.
Education and Experience: A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Basic knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and standard drink recipes is required, or a willingness to learn this within two months of hiring.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role of a Buffalo Wild Wings Server is physically demanding and takes place in a lively environment:

Physical Requirements: Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Expect to be on your feet for the majority of your shift, walking and standing frequently. The role involves using hands for handling, reaching, talking, and hearing. Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling might be required.
Vision Requirements: Close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus are necessary for taking orders, handling payments, and navigating the restaurant environment safely.
Work Environment: The work environment is typically characterized by moderate noise levels due to customer conversations, music, and sports broadcasts.

Conclusion

Becoming a Buffalo Wild Wings server is an excellent opportunity for individuals who thrive in a dynamic, customer-focused, and team-oriented setting. It’s a role that demands energy, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to providing outstanding service. If you are passionate about creating memorable experiences for guests and enjoy the excitement of a sports bar atmosphere, a server position at Buffalo Wild Wings could be a rewarding career choice.