An Expeditor Plays A Pivotal Role In Ensuring A Smooth Service From The Kitchen To The Floor. Here are 5 Skills You Need To Be A Great Expo.
Expediting is not all garnishes and wiping plates, the Expo can make or break any shift. You could say it is the most crucial role in a restaurant. What the Conductor is to the orchestra, the Expo is to the line—setting the pace and tone for a smooth service.
The expeditor serves as a link between the kitchen and front-of-house staff. You call out orders, clarify weird tickets, fire or hold tables, and are the last QA check before the food leaves the pass. You ensure that dishes are perfectly prepared and delivered to the correct tables.
An expo’s responsibilities include:
- Communicate with the line, paying attention to special requests and allergy information
- Communicating 86’d menu items to front-of-house staff
- Assisting the service staff if needed
- Adhering to food safety standards
Though the exact responsibilities may vary, the most valued traits are universal. Take your restaurant career to the next level by mastering these 5 skills needed to be a great Expeditor.
Strong Knowledge of Menu and Ingredients
A great expo needs to have in-depth knowledge of the menu and the ingredients used in each dish. You will be asked 21 questions throughout your shift regarding dishes, so this knowledge enables you to communicate specific details, modifications, and special requests to the best of your ability.
A comprehensive understanding of ingredients is crucial to address allergens and prevent cross-contamination. 32 million Americans experience food allergies as a life-threatening medical condition. Expos can safeguard customers with allergies by ensuring that specific dietary needs are communicated to the kitchen, and proper precautions are taken during the prep.
Organization is Key
The key to your success when leading the pass is to stay organized. Expos must manage multiple orders simultaneously and keep track of various dishes with various fire times. Good expos are detail-oriented multitaskers with strong communication skills to mediate between FOH and BOH.
Attention to detail is paramount in expediting to guarantee each dish meets the restaurant’s quality standards, as you are the last line of defense before it goes to the guest.
A great expeditor will carefully review each order and catch any issues before dishes leave the kitchen, preventing mistakes that could impact the dining experience, whether it be a smudged fingerprint on the rim of the plate or missing sauce.
Calm Under Pressure
The ability to remain calm under pressure is a vital skill to have for all restaurant workers, but it is detrimental to the expo’s success. You have to navigate high-stress situations with composure, preventing stress from affecting your decision-making or communication with the rest of the team.
Your calm demeanor will set the tone for the entire team. You’ll get what you give if you are a dick to your cooks. When things start to get heated, try taking a deep breath before yelling out the next ticket.
Adaptability
Unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden surge in orders, kitchen equipment malfunctions, or unexpected staff shortages, can occur. An adaptable expeditor remains unfazed in the face of these challenges, making quick decisions and adjusting priorities to maintain a consistent flow of service.
Menu changes, customer preferences, and special requests require flexibility. An adaptable expo can incorporate these changes seamlessly without pissing off the line. Adaptability is not just about responding to challenges but also about embracing change and improving.
Team Leadership
Expo’s often take on a leadership role in the kitchen, orchestrating the efforts of the kitchen staff and collaborating with the front-of-house. As a central figure, a strong expeditor with even stronger leadership skills can set the tone for cohesion and efficiency.
Lead by example by motivating and guiding team members. Treat your line (and FOH) respectfully by offering breaks, knowing their names, saying thank you’s, or bringing them beverages or clean towels.
A great expo is the backbone of any successful restaurant if you can maintain control. You have one of the most high-pressure roles in a restaurant, but incorporating these skills into your next Expo shift will take your career to the next level.
