Prepare yourself for your Steak n Shake interview with our complete guide including the best interview questions and expert answers. Discover the company culture, work expectations, and advice on how to highlight your strengths. Gain confidence and have a greater chance of being employed at Steak n Shake!

Steak n Shake Interview Questions & Answers:

1. What makes you want to work at Steak ‘n Shake?

ANS: Having been an employee at Seasoned restaurants in the past, I’m looking forward to the challenge of working in Steak ‘n Shake, a legendary American restaurant with a long-standing heritage of producing great burgers and milkshakes.

The company’s zeal for crafting memorable meals and following customary fast-casual rules is the most attractive aspect of it. My experience in the food service industry has taught me to deliver excellent customer service, work at a high level of speed in a high-volume situation, and pursue a team-oriented work ethic.

I appreciate Steak ‘n Shake’s emphasis on utilizing fresh ingredients and their award-winning steakburgers, which have been a customer favorite for decades. The ability to work with such a highly regarded brand in the restaurant sector is very exciting for me, and I look forward with great enthusiasm to discussing how my passion for customer satisfaction and teamwork can benefit the Glenview community.

2. Can you tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult customer?

ANS: At Seasoned in Portage, MI, I had once experienced a customer complaint regarding a slow order. I heard them out and noticed how frustrated they must have been and let them be heard. I apologized genuinely and informed them there had been a surprise delay because we had received a surprise influx of orders simultaneously.

To compensate, I immediately coordinated with the kitchen staff on expediting the meal and gave them a complimentary extra side dish in an act of apology for the interruption. The customer was grateful for the prompt action and the extra gesture, and upon the conclusion of the meal, paid and left smiling and even commented on how well we served. This experience reinforced again the importance of teamwork, active listening, and effective communication, all of which are skills I am ready to implement at Steak N Shake in Glenview, IL.

3. How would you describe your experience with customer service?

ANS: I possess excellent customer service skills, having worked previously with Seasoned in Portage, MI. There, I dealt with customers on a daily basis, making sure that they were served with great service in a high-energy setting. I prided myself in making customers feel at home, taking orders efficiently, and solving any problems with a smile. One such instance was when a customer requested a complex order request because of dietary limitations.

I cooperated with the kitchen staff to adjust to their demands, and they departed with a sense of gratitude for the added effort. My perception is that excellent customer service is about listening, patience, and an enthusiasm to make each visitor’s stay pleasant.

4. Why do you want to work in the food industry?

ANS: I am thrilled to be a part of Steak ‘n Shake because I am driven by the desire to provide great customer service and serve great quality food that brings individuals together. As I have previously worked in the restaurant business at Seasoned, I have had substantial hospitality experience and knowledge of what really makes a meal worthwhile.

I think my ability to offer nurturing service, perform well within a high-energy work environment, and maintain a clean and safe working environment would be an asset to the employees of Steak ‘n Shake. I am attracted to the quality, freshness, and customer service emphasis of the company, and I would be happy to apply my experience and ability to assist with ensuring success within the Glenview store.

5. How would you handle a situation where a customer sends their food back to the kitchen?

ANS: In any restaurant environment, managing an experience in which a customer returns food can be a turning point. At Steak ‘n Shake, where customer satisfaction is the priority, it is important to deal with the situation with empathy and professionalism.

If a customer returns food, my initial action would be to remain calm and focused. I would step forward to the customer with a friendly smile and request their opinion, truly seeking the cause of the problem. This makes them feel that I am concerned about their experience.

For instance, if a burger has been undercooked, I would sincerely apologize for the error and assure them that their complaint is justified. I’d then propose to replace the dish immediately, ensuring that I communicate with the kitchen to prioritize their order. I would also consider providing a complimentary item, such as a drink or dessert, to compensate for the trouble.

In the course of this, I would maintain the line of communication open, informing the customer of how their new order is going. This not only puts them at ease but also converts a negative experience into a positive one. My final aim would be to make sure that the customer departs having been satisfied, feeling heard and being treated with respect. By treating cases such as these with sensitivity and expediency, I think we can build loyalty and promote repeat business, which is essential to the success of Steak ‘n Shake.

6. Can you work in a fast-paced environment?

ANS: Absolutely! In my previous role at Seasoned in Portage, MI, I thrived within a high-pressure environment where multitasking was the name of the game—like juggling order accuracy, accelerating meals during rushes, and juggling customer needs simultaneously.

I learned to juggle tasks under pressure, whether it was navigating a busy counter during lunch rushes or adapting to unforeseen changes in demand, all while staying calm and composed. Being a friendly person counted; I ensured to smile warmly and collaborate with staff members, even under challenging circumstances. I realize that Steak ‘n Shake is a business about being efficient and satisfying customers, and I’m keen on taking the same energy, flexibility, and team attitude to make service speedy, friendly, and effortless here in Glenview.

7. What are your availability and flexibility like?

ANS: My schedule is extremely flexible, and I’m willing to work whatever hours are required to assist the team. Due to my prior experience at Seasoned, I value that hospitality requires flexibility, particularly when it’s high volume.

I can work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays if necessary. I’m open to altering schedules and last-minute changes that may arise based on staffing requirements.

I usually have an evening and morning break, and I am specifically accustomed to working weekends from my experience at Seasoned where weekends were our peak hours.

I do my best to be as available and dependable when the restaurant is most busy, whether that involves lunchtime service, evening service, or events.

At Steak N Shake, I’m happy to be flexible with my schedule to ensure that we’re adequately staffed for all of our operating hours, and I’m happy to give adequate notice in the case of any scheduling conflict.

8. Can you tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team?

ANS: When I worked at Seasoned in Portage, MI, I helped my team when it was a busy weekend with a large crowd from a nearby festival. During this time, our manager quickly had a team huddle to assign tasks and prepare for the large influx of people.

I took charge to coordinate activities, so everyone knew their job and felt confident. During the shift, I maintained open communication—when we almost reached depletion of a well-liked dish, I notified the kitchen and offered alternatives to satisfy customers. My initiative coupled with support from the staff assisted us in delivering excellent service during pressure. The experience taught me the value of teamwork, effective communication, and swift thinking in stressful situations.

9. What are your long-term career goals?

ANS: In the long term, my career goal is to develop within the Steak ‘n Shake business and be part of its success and developing my skills in the fast-casual restaurant business. I can see myself beginning as a team member where I can have the chance to become immersed in the company culture and learn the business operation dynamics.

As I become more experienced, I would like to be in leadership roles, i.e., shift supervisor or manager, where I can mentor new employees and assist in building a good working atmosphere. I am especially attracted to Steak ‘n Shake’s emphasis on quality and customer service, and I would like to work with a team that prioritizes these values.

Ultimately, I would like to help the brand expand and thrive and advance my career in a manner that serves the best interests of the company’s objectives. I feel my past experience with Seasoned has provided me with knowledge that would be of use to Steak ‘n Shake, and I look forward to creating something together.