What does a Sandwich Artist have to do with Customer Service?

Why a "Sandwich Artist®" Can be Key to Your Customer Service...

We can learn a lot from Subway when it comes to customer service. And while we may think the title "Sandwich Artist®" is a little silly, the job description and qualifications make a lot of sense and can teach us how to hire and handle employees.

Sandwich Artist® Qualifications

The following is an actual Subway job description:

A Sandwich Artist® greets and serves guests, prepares food, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, and handles or processes light paperwork. Exceptional customer service is a major component of this position.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Prepares food neatly, accurately and in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates a complete understanding of menu items and explains it to guests accurately.
• Exhibits a cheerful and helpful manner when dealing with guests.
• Checks products in sandwich unit area and restocks items to ensure a sufficient supply throughout the shift.
• Cleans as directed.
• Greets guests and prepares their orders, uses Point of Sale system/cash register to record their order, collects payment from guests and makes change.
• Understands and adheres to all quality standards, formulas and procedures.
• Accounts for cash flow and inventory during the shift.
• Understands and adheres to proper food handling, safety and sanitization standards while preparing food, servicing food and clean up.
• Maintains professional appearance and grooming standards as outlined in the Operations Manual.
• Performs light paperwork duties as assigned.
• Completes online coursework on the University of Subway® as directed.
• Complete all other assigned duties or tasks.

Prerequisites

• Education: Some high school or equivalent.
• Experience: Ability to understand and implement written and verbal instructions.
• Physical: Must be able to work any area of the restaurant when needed and to operate a computerized Point of Sale system/cash register. Position requires bending, standing and walking the entire work day. Must have the ability to lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Now, What Do You Have a Problem With?

Okay, those are the qualifications for a Subway Sandwich Artist®. The question I am going to pose to you is this: What is wrong with any of this, and why should it be something to make fun of? Sounds like outstanding customer service, a willingness to learn new tasks, and a commitment to customer service.

Is this how it works in your restaurant? If it isn’t, maybe you should consider hiring a sandwich artist.