LESSON 2. PREPARE SERVICE STATIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Welcome to Preparing Service Stations and Equipments!

In this lesson, you will learn how to efficiently prepare service stations and handle all tools, equipment, and supplies used in food and beverage service. Proper preparation ensures a clean, organized, and professional dining environment for guests.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

1.     Identify the different food and beverage service tools, materials, and equipment.

2.     Clean, sanitize, and store tools, equipment, and supplies properly.

3.     Understand legislation on Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and food

hygiene.

4.     Prepare service stations and equipment in a safe and professional manner.

This lesson combines theoretical knowledge about tools and equipment with practical demonstrations on proper cleaning, arrangement, and preparation of service stations. You will also learn the correct hygiene and safety measures required in food service.

Before we begin the lesson, try the activity “Spot the Service Tools!” by finding all the words in the word search.

Once you’re done, answer the 5 multiple-choice questions below to check what you already know about the topic. Click Start when you’re ready!

Great job on the pretest! Before we dive into the full lesson, let’s go over some key technical terms you’ll need to know. These definitions will help you understand the tools, equipment, and procedures used in food and beverage service.

Definition of Technical Terms

• Mis-en-place – A French term meaning “everything in its place,” referring to all preparations done before setting up and serving food and beverages.

• Dinnerware – Plates and bowls used for serving main dishes, side dishes, soups, salads, breads, or desserts.

• Flatware – Utensils used for cutting, serving, and eating food, such as spoons, forks, and knives.

• Glassware – Various types of glasses used for serving beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

• Service Station – A designated area in the dining room where servers store and organize tools, equipment, and supplies needed for service.

• Table Linens – Fabrics such as tablecloths, napkins, and runners used to enhance table appearance and protect surfaces.

• Chinaware – Ceramic or porcelain plates, bowls, and cups used for serving food and beverages.

• Cutlery – Tools such as knives, forks, and spoons used by guests for eating and by servers for portioning or serving.

• Polishing – The process of wiping and shining tableware, glassware, and cutlery to remove moisture, fingerprints, and watermarks.

• Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) – Guidelines and regulations that ensure safe working conditions and prevent hazards in food and beverage service operations.

LESSON INFORMATION

Dinnerware

Dinnerware refers to plates and bowls used for serving main dishes, side dishes, salads, breads, and various hot or cold desserts.

Flatware

Flatware refers to utensils used during a meal for eating, serving, and cutting food. Some items are used to transfer food from chinaware or dinnerware, while others assist in serving or cutting.

Glassware

Glassware refers to the different types of glasses used for beverages or liquids. These include glasses for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Other Specialized Utensils

These utensils assist in serving food to guests. Some are used directly by guests, while others serve as tools for waiters or servers.

Table Service Utensils, Linens, and Other Restaurant Supplies

These materials are used to enhance the table’s appearance and add elegance to the table setup. Table skirting may also be used, especially in buffet-style service. A well-prepared table relies heavily on proper linens and accessories.

Cleaning, Wiping, and Polishing Tableware

Proper cleaning and polishing of tableware ensure hygiene and maintains a professional appearance.

1. Prepare wiping cloths – Use clean, dry cloths. Separate cloths for wiping utensils and service equipment from those used for hands or tables.

2. Dry flatware and chinaware – Use a clean, dry cloth. Avoid using electric fans, as circulating air may carry dust or dirt.

3. Wipe and polish chinaware and glassware:a. Use a sizable polishing cloth to thoroughly wipe and polish all surfaces of plates and glassware.b. Wipe the rims carefully to remove all moisture and finger marks.c. Wipe the back of plates to ensure all surfaces are dry.d. For glassware, clean the inside surfaces thoroughly.e. Wipe the rim and base, avoiding any finger marks.

4. Polish cutlery – Place cutlery inside the wiping cloth and wipe thoroughly, including handles, knife blades, spoon bowls, and fork tines.

Sanitation Measures During Mis-en-place and Set-Up

1. Only clean and sanitized glasses, cutleries, chinaware, and other service equipment should be set up and used for service.

2. Keep equipment protected from contamination by storing them in closed drawers or cabinets.

3. All service equipment must be air-dried to prevent watermarks.

4. Ensure all glassware, chinaware, and cutleries are completely dry before placing them in the service station.

5. When setting cutleries, carry them on a tray or plate lined with a tablecloth to avoid direct hand contact.

6. Never place cutleries directly on tables or counters; always use a tablecloth.

7. Always place bowls on an appropriate underliner plate and avoid touching the rim with your fingers.

8. Do not set up or return to the station any cutlery that has fallen on the floor.

9. Wash all wares within 30 minutes after use.

10. Handle glasses and dinnerware properly by avoiding contact with surfaces that come into contact with food or the mouth.

Mis-en-place

Mis-en-place, a French term meaning “everything in its place,” refers to all basic preparations done before table setup and before the service of food and beverages. This includes:

1.     Gathering and assembling all needed service equipment and supplies.

2.     Setting up the service station.

3.     Cleaning and polishing chinaware, glassware, flatware, and hollowware.

Video Demonstration: Preparing Service Station & Equipments 

Now it’s time to reflect on what you’ve learned through the following questions.

Processing Questions: 

Now that you have reflected on the lesson through the processing questions. Let’s take a moment to check your understanding of today’s lesson. Complete this self-check to see how much you have learned. Click ‘Start’ to begin.

SELF-CHECK!

ACTIVITY 2 Now that you have completed the Self-Check, it’s time to apply what you’ve learned through a performance task. Please follow the instructions carefully and complete the activity as required. Your performance will be evaluated by your subject teacher using the rubric provided below.

Preparing Service Stations and Equipment

I.  With the available table appointments at the FBS Laboratory, perform this activity with the given situation below.

Situation:

Lea is a newly hired server in restaurant. She is on probation for one month as waitress and needs to meet the expectations of her supervisor.

II. Performance Criteria

The following skills to be observed during the preparation of service station.

1. Service or waiter's stations are stocked with supplies necessary for service.

2. All tableware and dining room equipment are cleaned, wiped and put in their proper places

3. Special tent cards and similar special displays are put up for promotion.

4. Cleanliness and condition of all tables, tableware and dining room equipment are checked.

5. Water pitchers and ice buckets are filled.

   Electrical appliance or equipment like coffee pots, tea pots, plate warmers etc. in the dining area are turned on and kept ready.

6. Condiments and sauce bottles are refilled and the necks and tops of the bottles are wiped clean and dry.

RUBRICS

Performance of the learners will be rated using this rubric

Reflections: Reflect on how this quote applies to your role in preparing service stations and ensuring a professional dining experience and share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” – Bobby Unser