Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for F&B Supervisor Roles – 2025

Preparing for an interview for an F&B Supervisor position? This guide offers a comprehensive list of questions that will help you demonstrate your skills in managing food and beverage operations, team leadership, and customer service. Whether you're looking for a supervisory role in a restaurant, hotel, or catering company, these questions cover all essential aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience working in the food and beverage industry.
  Having worked in the food and beverage industry for X years, I have gained extensive knowledge in food preparation, customer service, and safety regulations. I have also held various positions, including server, bartender, and assistant manager, which have given me a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
• 2. How do you handle difficult customers?
  I believe in approaching difficult customers with empathy and patience. First, I listen to their concerns attentively and acknowledge their feelings. Then, I try to find a solution that satisfies both the customer and our establishment. If needed, I involve a manager to address the issue.
• 3. What are your strengths as an F&B Supervisor?
  My strengths in this role include strong communication and problem-solving skills, ability to multitask and prioritize tasks, and a hands-on approach to leadership. I also have a deep understanding of food and beverage operations, which allows me to make informed decisions quickly.
• 4. How do you stay updated on industry trends and best practices?
  I regularly attend industry events, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in the food and beverage industry. I also subscribe to relevant industry publications and follow influential leaders in the industry on social media.
• 5. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a difficult situation at work?
  In my previous role as an F&B Supervisor, a guest at a wedding reception became violently ill after consuming our food. I immediately took charge by calling the kitchen to stop serving that dish, notifying the manager, and ensuring the guest received proper medical attention. I then coordinated with the guests, offered a sincere apology, and arranged for a free room upgrade for the couple as a gesture of goodwill.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell me about a time when you had to resolve a conflict between team members.
  During a busy shift, two servers had a disagreement over who should handle a large table. I called them aside and listened to both sides before suggesting a solution that allowed each server to take turns serving the table. I also reminded them that we are a team and need to support each other in such situations.
• 7. Share an experience when you went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.
  One evening, a customer came in, visibly upset and demanding to speak to the manager. Instead of getting the manager, I approached the customer and listened to her concerns. I discovered that she had a bad experience with our restaurant before, and her order was incorrect again. I immediately had her order fixed, offered a complimentary meal, and made sure she had a positive experience this time.
• 8. Describe a time when you had to quickly adapt to changes in a work environment.
  In my previous role as a banquet supervisor, the head chef became ill on the day of a big event. I had to quickly step in, coordinate with the kitchen team, and ensure the food was prepared and served on time. I also had to communicate the changes to the rest of the team and delegate tasks to ensure smooth operations.
• 9. Give an example of a time when you had to handle a dissatisfied employee.
  One of our servers consistently arrived late to work and had negative attitudes towards customers. I called her in for a one-on-one meeting, listened to her concerns, and gave her specific suggestions to improve her performance. I also reminded her of our standards and expectations as a team. After that, I noticed significant improvements in her performance.
• 10. Share an experience when you had to work with a difficult team member to achieve a common goal.
  While working on a catering event, one of my team members had a disagreement with another team member on the menu presentation. Instead of taking sides, I facilitated a conversation and guided them to find a solution that satisfied both parties. In the end, we were able to deliver a successful event together.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where an employee is consistently underperforming?
  I would schedule a one-on-one meeting with the employee to discuss their performance and evaluate any possible roadblocks that may be affecting their work. Then, I would set clear performance expectations and provide any necessary support or training. If the underperformance continues, we would follow our company's disciplinary processes.
• 12. Imagine a customer has a food allergy and wants to order a dish off the menu. How would you handle the situation?
  I would first check if our restaurant has alternatives for the dish that cater to the customer's allergy. If not, I would consult the kitchen staff and see if the dish can be modified to accommodate the customer's needs. If all else fails, I would suggest a different dish and assure the customer that their safety is a top priority for us.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where a customer is dissatisfied with their meal?
  I would apologize sincerely to the customer and ask them to describe their concerns. Then, I would offer a replacement meal or a different dish at no cost and ensure the issue is resolved to their satisfaction. If the issue is not resolved, I would involve a manager to find a solution that meets the customer's expectations.
• 14. Imagine there is a sudden increase in customer traffic during a slow shift. How would you handle the situation?
  I would first assess the situation and determine if we have enough staff to handle the increase in traffic. If not, I would call in additional staff or delegate tasks to the current team members to ensure smooth service. I would also communicate any changes to the team and monitor operations closely to address any issues that may arise.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where a customer complains about the price of an item?
  I would apologize for the customer's dissatisfaction and explain the reasons behind the pricing, such as the quality of ingredients or the skill and effort needed to prepare the dish. If the customer is still not satisfied, I would offer to pass their feedback to our management team for consideration.

Technical Questions

• 16. What do you understand by FIFO and why is it important in the food and beverage industry?
  FIFO stands for "first in, first out" and refers to the practice of using the oldest stock first and the newest stock last when preparing food. This is crucial in the food and beverage industry to maintain food safety and avoid food waste.
• 17. How do you handle food spoilage in a restaurant?
  I regularly monitor inventory levels and expiration dates to minimize food spoilage. If I notice any spoiled food, I immediately report it to the kitchen team and dispose of it according to food safety protocols. I also make sure to have proper storage and labeling procedures in place to prevent food spoilage.
• 18. How would you handle a situation where a customer has a complaint about the quality of their food?
  I would first apologize to the customer and investigate the issue by tasting the food myself and checking it with our kitchen staff. If the food is not up to our standards, I would take immediate corrective action, such as replacing the dish or offering a complimentary meal.
• 19. How do you manage inventory and supplies in a food and beverage establishment?
  I regularly track inventory levels, place orders for supplies, and monitor usage to ensure accuracy and minimize waste. I also work closely with vendors to negotiate prices and ensure timely delivery of orders. I also conduct regular audits to identify any discrepancies and make necessary adjustments.
• 20. Can you describe a time when you had to enforce food safety regulations in the workplace?
  In a previous role, I noticed a server not wearing gloves while handling food. I immediately reminded them of the importance of wearing gloves and explained the potential risks and consequences. I also provided them with gloves and reinforced this practice with the rest of the team. I also regularly monitored and trained employees on food safety practices to ensure compliance.