What Is a Back Waiter?

Echo/Cultura/Getty Images

A back waiter performs small tasks to assist the front waiters, including filling bread baskets and water glasses and clearing empty plates, according to the Houston Chronicle. This position is also referred to as a commis waiter in some establishments.

The position of back waiter is an entry-level job that many individuals perform while they learn the workings of food service. Back waiters are assigned to work with veteran servers who teach them the skills of proper service. Some large restaurants have multiple back waiter positions, and each employee specializes in only one area of service, such as delivering food or clearing plates.