Restaurant/food service industry: fast food employees, dishwashers, bussers, Line Cooks/ Cooks/ Grill Operators, bartenders, waiters/waitresses/servers, line cooks, kitchen prep staff
The restaurant industry is known for its fast-paced and often physically demanding work environment. Several positions within this sector require significant physical stamina, strength, and endurance. Below are some of the most physically difficult jobs in the restaurant industry:
1. Line Cooks/ Cooks/ Grill Operators
Line cooks are responsible for preparing meals during service hours, which involves standing for long periods, lifting heavy pots and pans, lifting heavy bags of ingredients (such as flour or potatoes), and working in hot environments, making it uncomfortable to work for extended hours. Additionally, cooks must maintain a high level of speed and efficiency to meet customer demand during peak hours. They must be quick on their feet to keep up with orders while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality. The job often requires repetitive motions such as chopping, stirring, and plating dishes, which can lead to physical strain over time.
2. Dishwasher
Dishwashers play a crucial role in maintaining the flow of a restaurant by ensuring that all dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment are cleaned promptly. This position involves standing for extended periods at a sink or dishwasher station, lifting heavy loads of dirty dishes, and enduring wet and steamy conditions. The physical demands can be intense as dishwashers often have to scrub pots and pans that are heavily soiled or burnt.
3. Server
While serving may not seem as physically demanding as cooking or dishwashing at first glance, it involves considerable physical activity. Servers spend most of their shifts on their feet, moving quickly between tables to take orders and deliver food. They often carry heavy trays filled with multiple plates and drinks while navigating crowded dining areas. The job also requires good posture and balance to prevent injuries from carrying awkwardly shaped items.
4. Bartender
Bartenders face a physically demanding environment as they mix drinks while standing for long hours behind the bar. They must lift kegs or cases of liquor, reach for bottles on high shelves, and maintain a clean workspace by washing glassware frequently. The fast-paced nature of bartending also requires quick movements to serve customers efficiently during busy periods.
5. Kitchen Prep Staff
Prep cooks assist chefs by preparing ingredients before service begins. This role includes chopping vegetables, marinating meats, measuring ingredients, chopping vegetables, assembling sandwiches, and cleaning work areas. This position requires constant movement—bending down to reach low shelves or lifting items above shoulder height—and can be physically taxing over an entire shift. The need for speed in preparation also adds pressure that can lead to exhaustion—all tasks that require repetitive motions over long periods. Additionally, prep staff must lift heavy bags of flour or boxes of produce regularly.
6. Food Runner
Food runners support servers by delivering food from the kitchen to the dining area quickly and efficiently. This position requires running back and forth between the kitchen and tables while carrying multiple plates at once—often under pressure during peak service times—which can be physically taxing.