History of HomeTown Buffet

Buffets, Inc. was started by Roe Hatlen and C. Dennis Scott in 1983. The two gentlemen had the idea to start a buffet style restaurant that would provide a large variety of foods to accommodate the whole family. Scott left to go on his own and start what is now known as Home Town Buffet. The two buffets merged together in September 1996 and finally they acquired Ryan’s Grill Group November 1, 2006.

This addition of restaurants added more than 340 more buffet style restaurants to the group’s amount of restaurants. This merger also included the Fire Mountain Grills. The chains all each have their own history. Ryan’s Restaurant Group was founded by Alvin A. McCall in 1977. Then it was acquired by Buffets, Inc. on November 1, 2006. Today there are over 200 restaurants in 23 states operating under the Ryan’s Grill, Buffet and Bakery and Fire Mountain Grill names. Ryan’s is located in the Southern and Midwestern parts of the United States. Home Town Buffet operates 168 locations throughout the United States and is known under the names of “Old Country Buffet” or “Country Buffet,” and of course the flagship name Home Town Buffet.

Hours of Operation:   Mon-Thurs: 11:00am-8:30pm; Fri: 11:00am-9:00pm; Sat: 8:00am-9:00pm; Sun: 8:00am-8:30pm

Minimum Age to Work Here:   16 years old

Positions Available:   Project coordinator, Area Director, Compensation and Benefits Analyst, Account Payable Specialist, Benefits Manager, Project Lead, CAD Operator, Director of Construction, Cashier, Host/Hostess, General Manager, Carver, Mascot, Baker, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Dishwasher, Food Bar Restaurant Manager, Hospitality Manager, Area Facility Manager, Construction Manager, Restaurant Service Manager, General Manager, Kitchen Manager

Background Check Required?  Yes

Negotiation:   There is no room for negotiation since the salary rate is already set.

Job Description/Average Wage

Hostess: The hostess greets people when they enter the restaurant and helps to seat them according to the amount of people in the group. The hostess also lets the crew member on duty if anyone in the group needs any special help. The average wage for an employee is $8 an hour.

Food Bar Manager: Working the food bar, you’re going to be in charge of making sure that the buffet is stocked at 100%.   You’re going to add food, clean up the bar area, as well as make sure that everything is hot and fresh.   You will also help assist those that need help with their order.   The average wage is anywhere from $8 to $13 a hour.

Dishwasher: You’re going to be in charge of cleaning up tables, cleaning up the lobby, as well as making sure that the dishes are cleaned and restocked out front.   You’re going to find that you will also be in charge of mopping, sweeping and assisting the staff with any issues that they may have.   The average wage is anywhere from $7 to $9 a hour.

Cashier: The cashier is responsible for charging the customers when they enter the restaurant. They apply charges for the type of meal that is serving such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner and they also must charge for any drinks that the customers want. The cashier receives payment in the form of cash, credit card or debit card. The average wage for a cashier is $8 an hour.

Manager: Managers who work for the restaurant chain must have experience in management knowing how to operate all facets of the restaurant. This persons wage and benefits are discussed at the time of hire-in.

Benefits

The employees are offered a very lucrative amount of benefits along with a good wage. There is an employee handbook that explains everything that the employ will receive.

Atmosphere and Perks

HomeTown Buffet prides to offer unique e-club not only for the guests but also for the workers. The company is career oriented proving new avenues for career advancement and professional growth. Workers even of entry level position will get access to competitive rates, flexible hours and for eligible employees they will receive comprehensive benefits packages like retirement benefits and financial planning; health and wellness perks, paid time off and a lot more.

Interview Questions

Why did you apply here?

How long will you be working here?

Do you think the company can offer you the best job benefits?

How would you see yourself 10 years from now?

What are your skills that you think are needed by the company?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

How will you deal with difficult customers?

What will you do to address customer’s complain?

How will you encourage the customers to keep coming back to the restaurant?

Describe quality customer service.

Can you work late at night? How flexible is your schedule?

Interview Tips

Before you will be scheduled of ran interview, you need to submit yourself for personality tests, background checks, drug test and behavior exams. The series of interview includes phone interviews, then one-on-one or panel interview. The interview questions will gauge you of your personality and skills in handling restaurant operations and in dealing with the tasks assigned to you. You should show that you have excellent personality in dealing with people since the restaurant jobs call for such kind of attitude. If you are asked if you are willing to work for longer hours make sure to show willingness. Since you go for flexible schedule, assure the interviewer that you have a good transportation that will not interrupt your duty time for the restaurant.

How to apply

If you are interested in a position of one of the many “Buffet Restaurants” you should visit their website at:

http://www.oldcountrybuffet.com/careers

>> Download Hometown Buffet Job Application