The Steward Role: A Guide to Pros, Cons & How to Get Started

The steward, often called a dishwasher or kitchen porter, is a critical role in the hospitality and restaurant industry, ensuring cleanliness and smooth operations. This guide explores the benefits, challenges, and pathways to becoming a steward.

What Does a Steward Actually Do?

The work of a steward might seem simple, but it’s actually quite important. They take care of all the dirty dishes – plates, forks, glasses, you name it. They use big dishwashers to get them clean and ready to use again. Besides washing dishes, stewards also help keep the kitchen clean. They might wipe down counters, clean ovens, take out the trash, and make sure the storage areas are neat and tidy. Sometimes they even help with simple food prep, like chopping vegetables. It’s all about keeping things moving smoothly.

Pros of Being a Steward

The steward role, while physically demanding, offers numerous advantages for individuals seeking entry into the hospitality sector. Here’s what makes this position appealing:

Entry-Level Opportunity: It’s an excellent way to begin a career in hospitality without needing prior experience or extensive qualifications. This is perfect if you’re looking for a chance to get into the industry quickly.
Hands-On Training: New stewards learn practical skills directly on the job. These include proper cleaning procedures, organization strategies, and team collaboration. It’s all about doing and learning as you go.
Physical Fitness: The job keeps you active, on your feet, and moving, which can be a great alternative to more sedentary work.
Fast-Paced Work: If you thrive in a dynamic and high-energy environment, the busy kitchen setting can be very engaging.
Teamwork Experience: You’ll work closely with other kitchen staff, experiencing the value of collaboration and support.
Career Progression: Opportunities for advancement are plentiful with hard work and dedication. Moving up in the kitchen or in different areas is within reach.
Consistent Schedule: Knowing your start and end times makes planning for other life aspects easier.

Cons of Being a Steward

The position also presents some challenges that should be considered before accepting a role. Here are the less appealing aspects of being a steward:

Physically Demanding: Requires prolonged periods of standing, lifting, and repetitive movements. It is not a job that can be done while sitting down.
Repetitive Tasks: The work can be monotonous, especially during peak hours when the volume of dirty dishes is very high.
Exposure to Mess: Working with food waste and chemical cleaning supplies can be unpleasant for some.
Stressful Periods: The fast-paced environment during rush hours can lead to high levels of stress and pressure.
Lack of Recognition: Stewards may not receive the same public acknowledgement as front-of-house staff.
Risk of Injury: There’s a risk of cuts, burns, and strains from handling heavy or sharp objects and equipment.
Inflexible Schedule: The role requires a commitment to be present when needed, with little flexibility.

How Much Money Can You Make?

The pay for a steward can vary. You might start at or just above minimum wage. With more experience, you can earn a bit more, especially in larger or fancier places. Some places may also share tips with the kitchen staff, which could add to your earnings.

How Do You Become a Steward?

Becoming a steward is usually pretty straightforward:

No Special Schooling: You don’t need any special education or training.
Apply for Jobs: Look for job postings online or ask at restaurants and hotels.
Show Your Strengths: When you apply, be sure to show them that you are reliable, hard-working, and focused on cleanliness.
Have a Simple Interview: You will likely have a conversation with someone to see if you are a good fit.
Start Your Training: Once you get the job, you’ll be trained on everything you need to know.
Be Patient: It’s a hard job, but one that can give you opportunities to grow.

Questions People Often Ask (and Simple Answers):

Is Being a Steward Really That Hard?

It can be tough, yeah. You’re on your feet a lot, moving quickly, and dealing with lots of dirty dishes. It gets especially busy during peak hours, like lunch or dinner rush, and that can make it pretty intense. But, if you’re someone who likes to stay active and you’re okay with the fast pace, it could be a good job for you. It’s not for everyone, but lots of people find it a rewarding way to be part of a team and contribute to making a restaurant run smoothly.

What Skills Do I Need to be a Good Steward?

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist for this job! What’s really important is that you’re reliable. That means showing up on time and ready to work. You’ll also need to have some stamina, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking and moving. A good work ethic means you’re willing to do your share and keep things clean, and you’ll need to pay attention to the little things to make sure everything is properly cleaned and organized. Being a team player is key, as you’ll work with the kitchen team. A positive attitude and a willingness to learn are also helpful.

Can I Get Tips as a Steward?

This one’s not so simple, it really depends on the restaurant or place you’re working at. Some places share tips with the kitchen staff, which could include you as a steward. Other places don’t have this system. So, if tips are important to you, you should definitely ask about it when you’re applying for the job. It’s good to know what to expect from the start.

Can I Move Up to a Different Job in a Restaurant After Being a Steward?

For sure! Lots of people who are now chefs, cooks, or even managers got their start as stewards. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and learn how a restaurant works from the ground up. If you’re willing to work hard and learn, there are plenty of chances to move up to a different role. It’s like paying your dues and learning the ropes, which gives you a good understanding of the business.

What’s the Best Thing About Being a Steward?

For most stewards, it’s the feeling of being part of a team. You’re a key player in making sure that everyone else can do their job well. There’s a good feeling that comes when you’re finished with a busy shift and have kept things running smoothly, especially during rush hours. You can also learn valuable skills along the way that can open up different opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Is There a Lot of Heavy Lifting Involved?

Yes, there can be! You might be lifting heavy boxes of dishes, pots and pans, or racks of clean items. It’s important that you learn how to lift safely to avoid hurting yourself. When you start working, the people there will teach you how to lift correctly, so you can do the job without any problems.

How Can I Make My Work Easier?

One of the best ways to make the job easier is to get organized and make a good system. Find ways to do your tasks efficiently so you’re not wasting time. Prioritize the most important tasks and keep your workplace clean and organized. Also, ask your co-workers or supervisor if you have questions or need advice. They’ve likely got some good ideas and are usually happy to help.

The Bottom Line

Being a steward is a demanding job, but it’s also a vital one. If you’re looking for a way to get into the hospitality industry, enjoy staying active, and don’t mind hard work, then being a steward could be a good fit for you. You’ll learn valuable skills, be part of a team, and have a chance to grow in your career.