What does a chef de rang do, and what qualities would an employer be looking for in one?
A chef de rang is the waiter in charge of a station in a restaurant. Customer service is, therefore, the prime focus of the role. Excellent organisational skills are required, as you would be looking after the waiting team working from that particular station. Monitoring all aspects of the customers' experience - from the restaurant layout before they arrive to the experience they receive while there, which will, hopefully, make them want to return - is a skill that can be achieved only with impeccable personal appearance, a calm attitude and a genuine desire to provide the best customer care. Add the need for sound numerical aptitude and a talent for managing people and it soon becomes clear that a good chef de rang is worth their weight in gold.
Wendy Bartlett, director, Bartlett Mitchell
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