Management & Operations

What Is a Busser in a Restaurant? Responsibilities, Best Hiring Practices & More

The Rezku Team

Jun 24, 2025

What Is a Busser in a Restaurant? Responsibilities, Best Hiring Practices & More

Bussers are the unsung heroes of any restaurant operation. While they may not take orders or cook the meals, their behind-the-scenes work keeps service running smoothly.

From clearing and resetting tables to helping servers turn over dining room seats faster, a great busser can directly impact both guest satisfaction and team efficiency.

So, what is a busser in a restaurant—and how do you hire the right one?

TL;DR

• Bussers support servers and maintain dining room flow by clearing, resetting, and cleaning tables.
• They don’t typically take orders, but they play a crucial role in the guest experience.
• Hiring the right busser means knowing what to look for and providing clear expectations.

What Is a Busser in a Restaurant?

What is a restaurant busser, and what is a busser job? A restaurant busser, also known as a busboy or busgirl, is responsible for cleaning and resetting tables, restocking service areas, and assisting servers. Their role is all about speed and cleanliness—they ensure quick table turnover and a pleasant environment for guests.

While bussers don’t usually interact much with customers directly, their work is vital to keeping the dining room organized and supporting a seamless guest experience. The job may vary based on restaurant size and style, but core responsibilities are fairly consistent across the industry.

What Does a Busser Do in a Restaurant? Main Busser Responsibilities

The role of a busboy or busgirl is integral to an establishment’s smooth operation. But what does a busser do at a restaurant? What’s the difference between a busser and a server? Let’s take a look at the busser’s main responsibilities.

Clearing and Resetting Tables

What do bussers do first and foremost? They clear dirty dishes, wipe down tables, and reset them with fresh place settings. A quick and efficient busser can help reduce wait times and improve guest flow, especially during peak hours.

Restocking Service Stations

Bussers ensure that service areas are stocked with clean silverware, napkins, plates, condiments, and glassware. In a busy casual restaurant, this keeps servers focused on guests instead of running back and forth to refill items.

Assisting With Guest Comfort

While they don’t serve food directly, bussers may refill water glasses, bring extra napkins, or respond to light guest requests when servers are busy. A responsive busser helps elevate the overall dining experience.

Supporting Cleanliness Standards

Bussers often sweep floors, clean up spills, and sanitize surfaces. In high-traffic restaurants, keeping the environment clean and safe isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a health code requirement.

Coordinating With Servers and Hosts

Bussers work closely with front-of-house staff to coordinate table turnover. If a large party is arriving or a table needs to be prioritized, bussers help ensure it’s ready on time.

How Much Do Bussers Make?

How much does a busser make? This depends on the location, experience, and type of restaurant. On average, bussers earn between $10 and $15 per hour in base pay, with some cities offering higher minimum wages.

Full-time bussers may also receive benefits like health insurance, depending on the employer. Entry-level bussers often start with part-time roles that offer flexible schedules and opportunities for advancement.

Do Bussers Get Tips?

Do bussers make tips? Yes, in most restaurants, bussers receive a share of the tip pool. This is called a “tip out” and is calculated as a percentage of total sales or tips earned by servers.

For example, a server may tip out 15% of their tips to bussers and other support staff. This helps recognize the behind-the-scenes work that contributes to a positive dining experience.

Does Your Restaurant Need a Busser?

If your service team is overwhelmed during peak hours or guests are waiting too long for clean tables, you likely need a busser. Restaurants with high seat turnover, such as fast-casual or busy full-service spots, benefit most from having dedicated bussing staff.

Bussers allow servers to focus on selling and engaging with guests. Their presence improves cleanliness, service speed, and team morale, making them a worthwhile investment even for smaller operations.

5 Best Practices to Hire a Good Busser for Your Restaurant

Good bussers are essential to the smooth running of a restaurant. Here are five best practices to stick to when hiring a busboy or busgirl for your establishment.

1. Write a Clear, Concise Job Description

Start with a well-written job post that clearly outlines the essential responsibilities, including clearing and resetting tables, maintaining cleanliness, restocking supplies, and assisting servers.

Be honest about physical demands such as long shifts on foot and lifting heavy trays. Clarify expected shifts and whether tips are included in compensation.

Clear job descriptions attract candidates who understand the expectations upfront, saving time in the interview process.

2. Look for Team Players With a Hustle Mentality

Being a great busser requires more than speed—it demands awareness, hustle, and the willingness to jump in wherever needed. In interviews or resume screenings, look for candidates who describe themselves as dependable, hardworking, or detail-oriented.

Previous roles in fast-paced environments (like retail or other service jobs) can indicate adaptability and drive. A good busser isn’t just fast—they’re observant, helpful, and ready to act without being asked.

3. Use Situational Interview Questions

Go beyond yes/no questions and ask about real-world scenarios. For example: “What would you do if three tables needed clearing at once?” or “How would you help a guest who spilled a drink while their server is busy?”

These questions assess how well candidates think on their feet and demonstrate their ability to solve problems and prioritize tasks. The goal is to find someone who remains calm and effective under pressure.

4. Offer Shadowing or Trial Shifts

Hiring based on a resume alone can be risky in fast-paced roles. A short trial shift allows you to see how candidates respond to real conditions, how they interact with the team, and whether they meet your standards for speed and cleanliness.

It also gives the candidate insight into what the role demands, reducing turnover from unmet expectations.

5. Set Clear Expectations and Provide Onboarding

Even experienced bussers benefit from training tailored to your restaurant’s specific flow. Use onboarding checklists to teach table reset standards, communication protocols with servers and hosts, and safety practices. For example, they’ll need to know the answer to “What does 86 mean in a restaurant?” and how to respond in that scenario.

Reinforce expectations early and follow up regularly. A confident, well-trained busser will be faster, more efficient, and more invested in the team’s success.

What Is Bussing in a Restaurant: Key Takeaways

What do bussers do in a restaurant? Bussing is the behind-the-scenes backbone of the dining experience. Bussers keep tables clean, dining rooms organized, and service running smoothly.

They support both staff and guests, and when hired and trained well, they improve operational flow and guest satisfaction.

For establishments focused on customer satisfaction, efficiency, and professionalism, it’s not just about effective restaurant bookkeeping, creating the ideal menu, and using the best POS system for a restaurant. Hiring a great busser is a strategic move that’s guaranteed to enhance the operation of their business.

FAQs

How much do bussers get tipped out?

Bussers typically receive 10–20% of the server’s total tips as a tip out. This varies by restaurant and tipping structure.

Is being a busser hard?

Yes, it’s physically demanding. Bussers are on their feet for long hours, often lifting, bending, and moving quickly during peak service. It requires stamina, speed, and attention to detail.

Is specific education or any certifications required to become a table busser?

No formal education is needed, but food handling certifications can be a plus. Most training happens on the job.

What skills do bussers need?

Speed, teamwork, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential. Being proactive and responsive also helps.

How to write a good busser job description?

Be clear about duties, expectations, physical requirements, and scheduling. Mention opportunities for growth and any tip-out policies.

What are the qualities that make a good food busser?

Efficiency, reliability, a positive attitude, and the ability to stay calm under pressure make a standout busser.

Busser vs server: What’s the difference?

Bussers focus on clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables, while servers take orders, deliver food, and interact directly with guests.

Is a restaurant busboy the same as a busser?

Yes, “busboy” and “busser” are interchangeable terms. “Busser” is more modern and gender-neutral.

Do bussers clean restaurant bathrooms?

Not typically. Bussers clean dining areas, but janitorial staff usually handle restrooms. However, this varies by restaurant policy.