Counter attendants work at counters in coffee shops and small restaurants. They also work in cafeterias.
There is a famous episode of the hit TV show "Seinfeld" where each character becomes obsessed with a certain restaurant's soup. It seems the whole city lined up to get a bowl of the bisque to go. Yet, the counter attendant and chef had very strict rules about talking and ordering. If you didn't follow them precisely, you heard the dreaded words: "No soup for you!" Thankfully, in real life it's a little less stressful to order your favorite soup, sandwich, or iced coffee drink.
Counter attendants greet customers and write down meal orders on tickets. If coffee or other beverages are ordered, counter attendants pour and serve them. They take or call food orders to the kitchen. They may prepare sandwiches, salads, and other items from the menu. If necessary, they add garnishes, such as fruit, to the plate. After the food is prepared, counter attendants serve it to customers. In some restaurants, they call out customers' names so they know to pick up their orders. Sometimes counter attendants wrap food so customers can take it with them.
Counter attendants take food out of storage and place it in serving displays. Sometimes they cook or reheat food. Counter attendants refill beverages such as water, coffee, or soda. They brew coffee and prepare desserts for customers. When the meal is finished, counter attendants compute bills and give them to customers. They may also operate cash registers, receive payment, and make change. At the end of the day, they balance the cash register and keep records of the day's receipts.
Counter attendants clean counter tops and food-serving areas. They sweep floors and clean equipment. When containers of salt, pepper, and sugar are running low, attendants restock them. They order items such as napkins when supplies are low.
In cafeterias, counter attendants make sure food-serving containers are full. They notify kitchen workers when food is running low or if special orders are necessary. Sometimes they carve and serve meat. They ladle soup and serve other items to customers.