Nobody can live without food, and the foodservice industry is booming with opportunity! This career field is full of talented and hardworking people, all of whom have different skills and tools that they use to succeed. So what do you need to join them? You can start with these ten things:
1. Have a passion for food and hospitality
Arguably the most important thing you need to succeed in the foodservice industry is a true passion for food and hospitality. This means having a deep understanding and appreciation for good food, as well as knowing how to create a hospitable and welcoming environment for guests.
It doesn’t matter if you’re running a fine dining restaurant or a small business selling mango sauce snack cups for kids. If you’re not genuinely passionate about food and hospitality, you’ll likely find it challenging to succeed in this field.
2. Possess necessary technical skills
While passion is definitely key, you’ll also need to have the necessary technical skills to be successful. This includes having expertise in cooking and baking and being able to operate restaurant equipment. You should also be able to cook with various cooking techniques, including frying, grilling, poaching, and steaming, among others.
3. Be able to work long hours
In the foodservice industry, long hours are pretty much a given. So if you’re not comfortable working 12-hour shifts or more, this may not be the industry for you. Even if you’re not working the floor of a busy restaurant, there’s still a lot of work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, from prepping ingredients to washing dishes or filing taxes and payroll.
4. Be able to handle physical demands
Another thing you’ll need to be successful in the foodservice industry is the ability to handle physical demands. This includes being able to lift heavy objects, stand for long periods, and work in a hot and cramped kitchen. That’s why it’s essential to be in good physical shape before pursuing a career in this field.
5. Have excellent communication skills
Good communication skills are essential in any industry, but they’re necessary in the foodservice industry. You’ll often be interacting with guests and co-workers, so it’s crucial to communicate effectively with both groups.
You should also have excellent customer service skills to provide top-notch service to guests. After all, your customers are the lifeblood of your business. So, it’s essential to make them feel welcome and valued while going the extra mile to ensure they have a great dining experience.
6. Be able to work independently
In the foodservice industry, you’ll often be working independently, which means you’ll need to manage your time and tasks effectively. This includes being able to work efficiently without constant supervision. Besides, when you’re the boss, it’s up to you to make things happen.
7. Be able to handle stress
Often, things don’t go according to plan, and you’ll be under pressure to fix them. Working in the foodservice industry can be pretty stressful, especially if things are busy. So if you’re someone who can’t handle stress and doesn’t deal well with last-minute changes, then this may not be the right career for you.
8. Be able to stay organized
In the foodservice industry, staying organized is key. This includes keeping your work area clean and organized, as well as being able to keep track of orders and supplies. Your responsibility for keeping everything running smoothly will be a lot easier if you can stay organized.
You should have a system in place for organizing your time, tasks, and workspace. This will help you stay on top of things, even when things get hectic. So, if you’re a bit of a neat freak, this may be the industry for you.
9. Have a positive attitude
A positive attitude is essential in the foodservice industry, as it can help you deal with the stress and long hours of this career. So if you’re always upbeat, this may be the right field for you. Of course, you don’t need to be a ray of sunshine all the time, but it’s crucial to stay positive when things get tough.
10. Be a team player
Finally, one of the most important things you’ll need to succeed in the foodservice industry is the ability to work well as part of a team. Even if you’re the business owner, you’ll still need to be able to work cooperatively with your employees to achieve common goals.
These are just a few of the many skills and tools you’ll need to succeed in the foodservice industry. With passion, hard work, and the proper training, you can achieve great things in this field. So if you’re considering a career in this industry, be sure to keep these things in mind!
