Jobs in Demand: Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, including Fast Food

Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers were among the first workers affected by the emergence of COVID-19 and subsequent executive orders that closed the businesses that employ these workers.  As many restaurants and bars have re-opened, these workers are in high demand on the front lines doing specific tasks such as taking customer orders, relaying that to the cooks, and cleaning and organizing eating, service and kitchen areas. 

The main tasks for food preparation and serving workers include, but are not limited to, communicating with customers and accepting payment from them, gathering food items from storage, cooking and reheating items, serving food to customers, and washing dishes, glassware and silverware after meals.  Because jobs in this occupational group require large amounts of social interaction, it is necessary for workers in this occupation to have strong interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving skills, and stress tolerance. Occupations in this group can also require basic technology skills, such as Point of Sales software or operating cash registers.  

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