OPT Waiter Jobs
Waiter jobs can work on OPT, but most restaurant employers aren't familiar with F-1 work authorization. Your OPT EAD card is your proof of employment eligibility. Roles must be full-time during OPT and directly related to your field of study for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Dave & Buster’s is different from everywhere else. No two days are ever the same. Time will fly by serving hundreds of people with flexible schedules you can accommodate school or other jobs. Plus, your co-workers are awesome!
Dave & Buster’s offers an attractive benefits package for many positions, including medical, dental, vision, 401K, FREE GAMES and more.
POSITION SNAPSHOT: Ensures Guests have an unparalleled experience by providing fast, friendly service and being attentive to Guests’ needs.
NITTY GRITTY DETAILS:
- Deliver an unparalleled Guest experience through the best combination of food, drinks and games in an ideal environment for celebrating all out fun.
- Keeps immediate supervisor promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters of significance. Takes prompt corrective action where necessary or suggests alternative courses of action.
- Creates a warm, fun atmosphere for Guests and Team Members.
- Adheres to company’s sanitation procedures.
- Maintains responsibility for personal bank and ensures all financial transactions are accurate by operating credit card machines correctly, calculating and returning appropriate change and maintaining adequate cash and coin for making change.
- Follows alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and dealing with intoxicated Guests.
- Assesses Guest demeanor and identifies when behavior should be called to the attention of a Manager.
- Greets newly seated Guests in a friendly and timely manner.
- Accurately takes Guests’ food and drink orders.
- Maintains a thorough understanding of all menu items and is able to answer questions regarding food and drink items and their preparation.
- Enters orders into Micros quickly and in proper sequence, using appropriate modifications and charges.
- Ensures food is properly garnished and delivers trays to designated table server’s own section, as well as other sections in the restaurant, as needed.
- Works quickly and efficiently adhering to “Full hands in, Full hands out” philosophy.
- Assists in party set up and breakdown. Busses and resets tables as needed.
- Assists other Team Members as needed or as business dictates.
- Responsible for all sales on personal Micros keys and completing station side work at the beginning and end of their shift.
- Participates in all incentives and contests, driving sales and promoting the brand.
- Follows portion guidelines to ensure cost control, while maximizing the Guest experience.
- Ensures ongoing Guest satisfaction by checking back after delivery of food, maintaining drink levels, removing clutter, pre-bussing as necessary, and responding to Guest needs in a timely manner.
- Keeps station clean, sets up and takes down station tables appropriately.
- Maintains a favorable working relationship with all other company Team Members to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate and help keep high morale, productivity and efficiency/effectiveness.
- Must be skilled in effectively communicating with Guests in order to generate enthusiasm about the D&B experience.
- Must demonstrate ability to operate Micros, make changes, accurately conduct credit card transactions, and account of all monies at the end of each shift.
- Must be able to read and communicate in English.
- Listen to hear Guests’ orders and needs, and then communicate with Guests verbally and with other Team Members verbally via Micros system.
- Dressed in proper dress code requirements, looking neat, clean and professional at all times.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
Requirements
STUFF OUR ATTORNEYS MAKE US WRITE: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the Team Member will regularly be required to:
- Work days, nights and/or weekends as required.
- Work in noisy, fast paced environment with distracting conditions.
- Read and write handwritten notes.
- Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Move about facility and stand for long periods of time.
- Walk or stand 100% of shift.
- Reach, bend and stoop frequently.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.
As an equal opportunity employer, Dave & Buster’s is dedicated to our policy of nondiscrimination in all aspects of employment, and we comply with all Federal, State and Local laws regarding nondiscrimination.
Salary Range: 16.9 - 16.9
We are an equal opportunity employer and participate in E-Verify in states where required.
INTRODUCTION
Dave & Buster’s is different from everywhere else. No two days are ever the same. Time will fly by serving hundreds of people with flexible schedules you can accommodate school or other jobs. Plus, your co-workers are awesome!
Dave & Buster’s offers an attractive benefits package for many positions, including medical, dental, vision, 401K, FREE GAMES and more.
POSITION SNAPSHOT: Ensures Guests have an unparalleled experience by providing fast, friendly service and being attentive to Guests’ needs.
NITTY GRITTY DETAILS:
- Deliver an unparalleled Guest experience through the best combination of food, drinks and games in an ideal environment for celebrating all out fun.
- Keeps immediate supervisor promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters of significance. Takes prompt corrective action where necessary or suggests alternative courses of action.
- Creates a warm, fun atmosphere for Guests and Team Members.
- Adheres to company’s sanitation procedures.
- Maintains responsibility for personal bank and ensures all financial transactions are accurate by operating credit card machines correctly, calculating and returning appropriate change and maintaining adequate cash and coin for making change.
- Follows alcohol awareness procedures for preventing intoxication and dealing with intoxicated Guests.
- Assesses Guest demeanor and identifies when behavior should be called to the attention of a Manager.
- Greets newly seated Guests in a friendly and timely manner.
- Accurately takes Guests’ food and drink orders.
- Maintains a thorough understanding of all menu items and is able to answer questions regarding food and drink items and their preparation.
- Enters orders into Micros quickly and in proper sequence, using appropriate modifications and charges.
- Ensures food is properly garnished and delivers trays to designated table server’s own section, as well as other sections in the restaurant, as needed.
- Works quickly and efficiently adhering to “Full hands in, Full hands out” philosophy.
- Assists in party set up and breakdown. Busses and resets tables as needed.
- Assists other Team Members as needed or as business dictates.
- Responsible for all sales on personal Micros keys and completing station side work at the beginning and end of their shift.
- Participates in all incentives and contests, driving sales and promoting the brand.
- Follows portion guidelines to ensure cost control, while maximizing the Guest experience.
- Ensures ongoing Guest satisfaction by checking back after delivery of food, maintaining drink levels, removing clutter, pre-bussing as necessary, and responding to Guest needs in a timely manner.
- Keeps station clean, sets up and takes down station tables appropriately.
- Maintains a favorable working relationship with all other company Team Members to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate and help keep high morale, productivity and efficiency/effectiveness.
- Must be skilled in effectively communicating with Guests in order to generate enthusiasm about the D&B experience.
- Must demonstrate ability to operate Micros, make changes, accurately conduct credit card transactions, and account of all monies at the end of each shift.
- Must be able to read and communicate in English.
- Listen to hear Guests’ orders and needs, and then communicate with Guests verbally and with other Team Members verbally via Micros system.
- Dressed in proper dress code requirements, looking neat, clean and professional at all times.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
Requirements
STUFF OUR ATTORNEYS MAKE US WRITE: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the Team Member will regularly be required to:
- Work days, nights and/or weekends as required.
- Work in noisy, fast paced environment with distracting conditions.
- Read and write handwritten notes.
- Lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Move about facility and stand for long periods of time.
- Walk or stand 100% of shift.
- Reach, bend and stoop frequently.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.
As an equal opportunity employer, Dave & Buster’s is dedicated to our policy of nondiscrimination in all aspects of employment, and we comply with all Federal, State and Local laws regarding nondiscrimination.
Salary Range: 16.9 - 16.9
We are an equal opportunity employer and participate in E-Verify in states where required.
See all 1,505+ OPT Waiter Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Waiter
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
When applying, emphasize that your Employment Authorization Document lets you work legally without employer sponsorship. Most restaurant managers don't know what OPT is, so framing it as straightforward work authorization reduces hesitation before interviews.
Confirm the role meets your field of study
For STEM OPT extensions, your waiter position must connect to your degree. Hospitality, food service management, and nutrition graduates have the clearest case. Document how the role aligns with your academic background before accepting any offer.
Target employers with multiple locations
Restaurant groups and hotel food and beverage operations tend to have HR departments that have processed work authorization before. Independent diners often have no process at all, which can slow your start date or create unnecessary complications.
Get your offer letter and start date in writing
Your OPT must be activated before you start working. Confirm your EAD start date and ensure your employer's proposed start date falls within your authorized period. A written offer protects you if timelines shift unexpectedly.
Track your hours carefully for STEM OPT compliance
STEM OPT requires at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying role. Restaurant schedules fluctuate, so confirm with your manager that your position is structured as consistent, full-time equivalent work rather than variable on-call shifts.
Report your employer to your DSO promptly
Once you accept a waiter position, report the employer name, address, and start date to your Designated School Official immediately. Delays in updating your SEVIS record can put your OPT status at risk, even if you have a valid EAD.
Waiter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a waiter on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a waiter on OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study and you have a valid Employment Authorization Document. Hospitality, culinary arts, nutrition, and food service management graduates have the clearest connection. Working in a role unrelated to your degree can jeopardize your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility.
Do waiter employers need to sponsor my visa?
No sponsorship is required during your OPT period. Your EAD card authorizes you to work for any employer, including restaurants, without them filing any visa petition. Employers only need to verify your authorization through standard I-9 documentation. If you later need H-1B visa sponsorship to stay in the U.S., that is a separate process and most restaurant employers do not offer it.
How do I find waiter jobs that accept OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate to find waiter and hospitality roles from employers who are familiar with OPT work authorization. Many food service positions list work authorization requirements upfront, which saves time during outreach. Filtering by role type and authorization status helps you focus on employers worth contacting.
Does a waiter job qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. A waiter role can qualify for STEM OPT if your field of study is classified as STEM and you can demonstrate a clear connection between the position and your academic training. A student with a degree in food science or nutrition working in a research-focused food service environment has a stronger case than a general hospitality graduate. Confirm with your DSO before relying on this path.
What happens to my OPT if my waiter job ends?
You have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire OPT period, not per job. If your waiter position ends, that clock starts running immediately. You must report the change to your DSO and actively seek new employment. Exceeding 90 cumulative days of unemployment during OPT will end your authorized stay, so move quickly.