Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Sandwich Artist

🎯 Role Definition

Welcome! We are on the lookout for a vibrant and customer-focused individual to join our team as a Sandwich Artist. In this pivotal role, you are the face and hands of our brand. You're not just making food; you're creating a personalized experience for every guest who walks through our door. Your mission is to prepare fresh, delicious, high-quality sandwiches, salads, and wraps while delivering friendly, fast, and exceptional service. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys a dynamic, team-oriented environment and takes pride in their work.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School or College Student
First-time Job Seeker
Retail or Customer Service Associate

Advancement To:

Shift Leader / Shift Supervisor
Assistant Manager
General Manager or Store Manager
Franchise Owner

Lateral Moves:

Catering Coordinator
Barista
Line Cook

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Greet and welcome all customers with a genuinely friendly and enthusiastic attitude upon their entry into the restaurant to create a positive first impression.
Expertly guide customers through the ordering process, clearly explaining menu items, daily specials, and customization options to enhance their dining experience.
Prepare and craft a variety of food items including sandwiches, salads, and wraps with strict adherence to established recipes and precise customer specifications.
Demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of all menu items and accurately explain ingredients, portion sizes, and potential allergens to guests.
Maintain a high level of speed and accuracy while assembling orders to minimize customer wait times and ensure 100% order correctness, even during peak hours.
Operate cash registers and modern Point of Sale (POS) systems proficiently, handling all cash, credit, and loyalty program transactions with accuracy and integrity.
Practice effective upselling and suggestive selling techniques by recommending add-ons, combo meals, and promotional items to increase average ticket size and enhance the customer's meal.
Maintain a pristine, organized, and well-stocked workspace, including the front counter, service line, and dining area, throughout the entirety of your shift.
Follow all local and brand-mandated food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handwashing, consistent glove use, and diligent temperature control for all ingredients.
Skillfully prepare fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses for the service line, including slicing, dicing, and chopping, while ensuring proper rotation and minimizing waste.
Monitor inventory levels of all food and paper products, proactively communicating shortages to the shift manager to ensure the service line is always fully stocked and operational.
Bake bread according to the company's precise standards, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, high-quality product is always available for service.
Handle customer inquiries, concerns, and occasional complaints in a professional, calm, and courteous manner, escalating complex issues to management to ensure a satisfactory resolution.
Perform comprehensive opening and closing duties as per a detailed checklist, including cleaning all equipment, restocking supplies, and preparing the store for the next business day.
Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with all team members to ensure smooth and efficient restaurant operations, providing support and assistance where needed.
Adhere strictly to all restaurant safety and security policies and procedures to create and maintain a safe environment for both employees and valued customers.
Manage the toasting station with precision, ensuring sandwiches are heated to the correct temperature and desired level of crispness without compromising quality.
Assemble and package large catering orders with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, confirming they are complete and ready for timely pickup or delivery.
Routinely check, clean, and maintain the self-service beverage station, condiment bar, and all customer dining areas to ensure a spotless and inviting atmosphere.
Control food costs by meticulously following portion control guidelines, minimizing waste through careful preparation, and correctly logging all spoiled or discarded items.
Wrap and label finished orders correctly to ensure that customers receive the right items, especially during high-volume periods with multiple concurrent orders.

Secondary Functions

Assist in local marketing efforts by distributing flyers, promoting specials, and engaging with the community to drive customer traffic.
Contribute valuable ideas and feedback during team huddles for improving efficiency, enhancing customer service, and boosting overall store performance.
Provide guidance and on-the-job training to new team members, demonstrating proper food preparation techniques and customer service standards.
Perform basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, such as cleaning nozzles or recalibrating scales, and report larger issues to management promptly.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Food Preparation Techniques & Knife Skills
Point of Sale (POS) System Operation
Accurate Cash Handling & Credit Card Processing
Food Safety Certification (e.g., ServSafe or local equivalent)
Order Accuracy and Verification
Speed of Service Execution
Basic Inventory Management
Knowledge of Food Quality & Freshness Standards
Operation of Kitchen Equipment (Commercial Ovens, Slicers)
Basic Math for Transactions and Measurements

Soft Skills

Exceptional Customer Service
Clear and Positive Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
Strong Attention to Detail
Time Management and Multitasking
Ability to Thrive in a Fast-Paced Environment
Proactive Problem-Solving
Adaptability and Flexibility
A Positive and Energetic Attitude
Reliability and Punctuality

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

No minimum education required; a high school diploma or equivalent is a plus.

Preferred Education:

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
Culinary Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years in a food service or customer-facing role. We are happy to train motivated candidates with a great attitude!

Preferred:

6+ months of experience in a quick-service restaurant (QSR), deli, or similar fast-paced food environment is highly regarded.
Previous cash handling and customer service experience is a strong asset.