Around The Clock
Restaurant & Bakery
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Server Pre-Hire
Training Manual
2026
5011 Northwest Hwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 459-2100

Welcome to Around The Clock

We are glad you selected Around the Clock as your potential employer.

This manual will assist you in reaching your goal as one of our servers.

What's the Process

As an Around the Clock server there are some requirements that you must meet before being hired:

  1. Knowledge of Our Menu
  2. Knowledge of Our Food
  3. Knowledge of Handling Guests with Special Requests/Needs

This Pre-Hire packet has all the information you will need to meet those three requirements. Please take the time to review the materials in this packet and write down any questions that you have as you go along.

When you return for your follow-up interview, our manager will answer all your questions and then examine how well you know our three requirements.

If you do not answer 80% correctly your first try, there are two options:

  1. Option 1: Go home and continue studying the material until you learn it and pass the test.
  2. Option 2: The Manager can assign you a personal trainer that will help you meet your goal.
Important: You are not hired or on the payroll until you have met the 80% test criteria.

Thank you for choosing Around the Clock as your potential employer. We are very proud of our dedicated staff. Our philosophy is: Customers are our #1 priority. Nothing but the best for our customers. Our customers deserve nothing but the best!

We look forward to having you as part of the Around the Clock family.

Fano Theofanous — General Manager
Steve Theofanous — Co-Owner
Patty Stapleton — Manager

Table of Contents

1. SandwichesPage 4
2. Salads & SuchPage 5
3. Light & LivelyPage 5
4. Dinner EntreesPage 6
5. BreakfastPage 7
6. Daily FeaturesPage 9
7. Know Your FoodPage 10
8. Breakfast Questions & AnswersPage 12
9. Breakfast Special RequestsPage 13
10. Lunch Questions & AnswersPage 14
11. Lunch Special RequestsPage 14
12. Dinner Questions & AnswersPage 15
13. Fountain & BakeryPage 16
14. BeveragesPage 17
15. Customer ServicePage 18
16. Situation HandlingPage 19
17. Required FormsPage 20
18. Pre-Hire Test ChecklistPage 20

1. Sandwiches

Below are the headings from all the sections listed on our menu and what you should know about each section. We recommend that you read the following pages with a menu opened to the section that is being described.

Soups

Know: The three soups we have each day — French Onion, a Chicken Style soup, and a Feature Soup of the Day.
Note: We only offer two soups on weekdays. Cream of Chicken Rice on Wednesday & Sunday.

Sandwich Basics

Read the menu to find the garnish that is served with each sandwich group.

Deluxe Sandwiches

Served with garnish, complimentary cup of soup (when available, no substitutions), and your choice of side:

Sandwich Upgrades

Note: We normally sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of French Onion Soup.

Signature Sandwiches

KNOW: The different types.

Question to Ask: "Would you like to make that Deluxe?" — Offer the options with deluxe sides: French Fries, Onion Rings, or Fresh Fruit, etc. If yes, ask for their choice of soup.

Burgers

All our burgers are 1/2 lb. Guests can enjoy a 1/3 lb Burger for $0.75 less.
KNOW: The types of burgers.
Question: "How would you like your burger prepared?" (Medium is the default temperature for the 1/3 lb burgers.)

Wraps

KNOW: The different types.

Question: "Would you like to make that Deluxe?" — Offer deluxe sides. If yes, ask for choice of soup.

Sandwiches

KNOW: All the types of sandwiches and the different varieties.

Question: "Would you like to make that Deluxe?" — Offer deluxe sides. If yes, ask for choice of soup.

Croissant Sandwiches

Garnished with fresh fruit.

KNOW: The different types.

Question: "Would you like to make that Deluxe?" — Offer deluxe sides. If yes, ask for choice of soup.

Hot Sandwiches

KNOW: The types of hot sandwiches. Served open face on white bread, with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Includes a Cup of Soup.

2. Salads & Such

Salad Dressing Choices

Know your dressings: Bleu Cheese, French, Thousand Island, Creamy Garlic, Italian (Spices & Herbs), Ranch, Honey Mustard, Fat-Free Raspberry Vinaigrette

Served with bread upon request.

KNOW: The different types of dressings available.

3. Light & Lively

KNOW: The different types of menu items in this section.

4. Dinner

These are the sections listed on our Dinner page of the menu.

Soups

KNOW: The soups we have each day — French Onion, a Chicken Style soup, and a Feature Soup of the Day.

Condiments by Dish

KNOW the condiments served with various dishes:

Entrees

The following entrees are served with: Bread, Potato & Complimentary Cup of Soup (when available, no substitutions). Vegetable on request. Broccoli & Spinach add $0.99. Entrees with pasta or rice do not include potato.

From the Broiler

KNOW: The different types.

QUESTION: Ask about temperature on steaks.

Favorites

KNOW: The different types and their condiments.

Seafood

KNOW: The different types and their condiments.

Pasta

Choice of Pasta: Spaghetti, Fettuccine & Angel Hair
Choice of Sauce: Marinara Sauce, Meat Sauce, Alfredo (Cream Sauce)

5. Breakfast

These are the sections listed on our Breakfast menu and what you should know about each section.

Toast Choices

Know your toast options:
White • Wheat • Rye • Raisin • English Muffin

Signature Breakfast Items

KNOW: The 3 different signature items and what they include.

QUESTIONS: "How do you like your eggs?" — For Beltbuster, also ask: "What type of juice?"

Steaks & Eggs

KNOW: The types of steaks.

Questions to ask:

  1. How would you like your steak cooked?
  2. How would you like your eggs prepared?
  3. What type of toast?

Egg Dishes

Served with American Fried Potatoes, Buttered Toast & Jelly.

Small Plate of Fruit instead of Potato — $2.95 extra

Egg Substitute or Egg Whites may be substituted for any egg entree — $1.25 extra. Two Pancakes may be substituted for toast — $0.99 extra.

Omelettes

KNOW: The different ingredients in the various omelettes. Special focus on the Vegetarian omelettes listed in our Breakfast Menu, which has a larger selection of breakfast choices.

Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast

KNOW: They are served with syrup. (Place syrup container on plate — called an underliner.)

Skillets

Our skillet dishes are layered with American Style Potatoes, your choice of ingredients, cheddar cheese and topped with two eggs (any style), served with buttered toast. Bagel $0.50 extra.

KNOW: The different types, especially the Vegetarian Skillets.

Homemade Pies

KNOW: The types of Fruit, Cream & Sugar Free Pies we have available.

Juices

Know the types of juices available:
Orange • Grapefruit • Tomato • Apple • Cranberry

Know: Fruit plate ingredients and cost.

Fruit plate includes: Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Orange, Grapes.

Coffee & Tea

KNOW: The types of teas & specialty coffee drinks that we have available.

Beverages

KNOW: The types of Soft Drinks, Iced Teas, and other beverages that we have available.

Side Orders

KNOW: The types of sides we have available.

Appetizers

KNOW: The different types.

Ice Cream

Know your ice cream flavors:
Chocolate • Vanilla • Strawberry • Peppermint • Rainbow

KNOW: The different types of ice cream items and how they are made.

6. Daily Features

These are Chef Creations for Lunch and Dinner that are different each day of the week. Breakfast features change with the seasons.
KNOW: What is included with each feature.

Children's Menu

KNOW: The different items we offer for children.

7. Know Your Food

You should be able to identify and describe most popular menu items.

Breakfast Menu — Key Items

Eggs Benedict Variations

Signature Breakfast Items

Vegetarian Omelettes

Skillets

Breakfast Menu Specials

Lunch Menu — Key Items

Sandwiches

Burgers: Our hamburgers are 1/2 lb. Guests can substitute a 1/3 lb burger for $0.75 less.

Wrap Sandwiches: Three different types — know them all.

Croissants: Know the ingredients in each one. Served with Fresh Fruit.

Salads

Light & Lively

Dinner Menu — Key Items

Steaks & Entrees

8. Breakfast Questions & Answers

Q: How many eggs in an omelette?
A: 3

Q: What is included with egg orders and omelettes?
A: Potato & Toast

Q: Name the types of toast available.
A: White, Wheat, Rye, Raisin, English Muffin. (*Bagel, Thick Toast, Bakery Muffin, Gluten Free Toast or GF Pancakes — extra charge)

Q: Do egg beaters or egg whites cost extra?
A: Yes — $1.25

Q: Can I have a bakery muffin in place of toast?
A: Yes — $0.50

Q: What is the extra charge for a bagel?
A: $0.50. Bagel with cream cheese — $0.75

9. Breakfast Special Requests

Q: Can I have ham for Jackpot or Beltbuster instead of sausage and bacon?
A: Yes, no charge.

Q: Can I have tomatoes instead of potatoes?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I have fruit instead of potatoes?
A: Yes — 3 pieces of oranges or a small cup of sliced peaches. Or for $2.95 extra, a small fruit plate.

Q: Can I have pancakes in place of toast or potatoes?
A: For toast — add two pancakes for $0.99.

Q: Can I have all bacon or all sausage?
A: Yes.

Q: If I don't have any Potatoes or Toast can I have something else instead?
A: We can substitute the fruit items listed above for potatoes, and we offer a variety of bread types for toast. Anything else may be substituted for an additional charge.

Q: How do you charge if someone wants additional ingredients in their Omelette?
A: Meats — $1.25 • Vegetables — $0.75 (except Onion, no charge) • Extra Cheese — $0.50 • Feta Cheese instead of other cheese — $1.00 extra • Feta Cheese in an omelette that has no cheese — $1.00 extra

Our Philosophy on Substitutions

We are here to make our customer's experience a pleasant one and will accommodate most special requests. We are not here to play "Let's make a deal" with our guests.

10. Lunch Questions & Answers

Q: Which sandwiches come with soup?
A: Deluxe sandwiches.

Q: Can I have a bowl of soup instead of a cup?
A: Yes — $0.50 more.

Q: What is the difference between a BLT Club and a BLT sandwich?
A: Club has three layers, BLT has two.

Q: What salad dressings do you have?
A: Bleu Cheese, French, Thousand Island, Garlic, Italian, Ranch, Caesar, Honey Mustard, and Fat-Free Raspberry Vinaigrette.

Q: What's the difference between Leaner & Meaner and Low-Cal Plate?
A: Leaner and Meaner has Chicken Breast. Low-Cal has Hamburger Steak.

Q: What's inside the Statue of Liberty Croissant?
A: Turkey, Bacon and American Cheese.

Q: What is the difference between the Chicken Fajita Pita and the Chicken Stir-Fry Pita?
A: Fajita has Onions, Green and Red Peppers. Stir-Fry has Stir-Fry Vegetables.

Q: What question do you ask if someone orders a burger?
A: Temperature of meat and plain or deluxe.

11. Lunch Special Requests

Q: Can I have juice instead of soup?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I have cottage cheese, coleslaw, or salad instead of soup?
A: No. Our soup is complimentary and I will be glad to bring you a small glass of juice in place of the soup.

Q: Can I have cottage cheese or coleslaw instead of the deluxe potato?
A: Yes.

Q: Fresh Fruit Plate instead?
A: Yes — $1.99 upcharge.

Q: Can I have Chili instead of the free cup of soup?
A: Yes. Cup — $0.75 more. Bowl — $1.50 more.

12. Dinner Questions & Answers

Q: Does Veal Parmesan get potato?
A: No. Pasta dishes do not get potato.

Q: Can I have bacon and onions with my baby beef liver?
A: Yes — $2.95.

Q: What is included with dinner entrees?
A: Soup, Potato, Bread.

Q: Can I have a salad instead of soup?
A: No.

Q: What is the difference between Marinara Sauce & Meat Sauce?
A: Marinara only has Tomatoes. Meat Sauce has Ground Beef & Tomatoes.

Q: What condiment is served with each dish?

Q: What questions do you ask if someone wants a steak?
A: The meat temperature, the choice of soup, and the choice of potato.

Q: Name your three pastas.
A: Fettuccine, Spaghetti & Angel Hair Pasta.

Q: Name your three sauces.
A: Marinara, Meat Sauce, Alfredo Sauce.

13. Fountain & Bakery

Fountain Items

Fountain Questions

Q: How do you make an ice cream soda?
A: First whipped cream, soda water, add syrup, blend in shake machine, strain in large glass, add scoop of vanilla ice cream on glass, whipped cream and cherry. Straw half opened.

Q: How many scoops in a Love Boat?
A: 4 scoops.

Q: What container do you use for a Banana Split?
A: Glass Boat.

Q: Where do we keep the Hot Fudge?
A: In a heated metal warmer by the shake machine.

Q: How many scoops in a Sundae?
A: 3 scoops.

Q: Do you need an underliner when serving a Soda?
A: Yes. Use underliners for ALL items.

Bakery

Q: What are the 3 berries in Triple Berry Pie?
A: Blueberry, Raspberry & Cherry.

Q: Custard vs. Bavarian Crème?
A: Bavarian Crème is custard with whipped cream.

Q: What is a Shannon?
A: Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting & Chocolate Sprinkles.

Q: For a birthday, what do you serve?
A: Shannon or cupcake.

Q: Name the three cakes.
A: German Chocolate, Cyclone, Carrot.

Q: What is a Cyclone?
A: Chocolate Cake filled and frosted with Chocolate Mousse, topped with Chocolate Ganache and swirls of Chocolate.

Q: Where are the pie cutters?
A: Below the pick-up counter by the revolving pie case.

Q: How many slices in our pies?
A: 6.

Q: How many slices in sugar free pies?
A: 6.

Q: How many slices in our cheesecake?
A: 12.

Q: How big are the pies?
A: 9 inch.

Q: What is a Morning Glory muffin?
A: Carrots, Raisins, Walnuts & Cinnamon.

Q: What muffins have nuts?
A: Cranberry & Morning Glory.

Features Questions

Q: What are the two main soups that we have each day?
A: French Onion and a Chicken Variety.

Q: Do plain sandwiches on features get soup?
A: Yes.

Q: Do plain sandwiches on features get French fries?
A: No.

Q: Do the Dinner Features include potato?
A: Yes.

14. Beverages

Carbonated Beverages

Coke • Diet Coke • Cherry Coke • Sprite • Mr. Pibb • Barq's Root Beer • Orange

Non-Carbonated Beverages

Iced Tea • Raspberry Iced Tea • Lemonade • Cranberry Juice

Tea Varieties

Made by Pickwick:
Chamomile • Earl Grey • Peppermint • English Blend • Lemon • Peach • Raspberry • Orange • Green Tea

15. Customer Service

These are key points that servers should follow when serving Around the Clock guests:

16. Situation Handling

How do you handle these situations:

A customer says food is cold.

  1. Ask if they would like to have it warmed up or order something else.
  2. Let the manager know about the incident.

A customer says the steak is too well done or undercooked.

  1. Apologize, offer to have it re-prepared to the correct temperature.
  2. Let the manager know about the incident.

A customer found a foreign object in the food.

  1. Apologize sincerely, remove the plate immediately.
  2. Let the manager know about the incident right away.

You spilled water on the customer.

  1. Alert a busboy or another coworker to assist you in getting the table and the customer cleaned up as soon as possible.
  2. Let the manager know about the incident.

You dropped a glass in the ice and it broke.

Your customer's small child is screaming/crying.

Make yourself available to see if the parents need any assistance. Ask permission from the parents and offer crackers, toys, or any other distraction techniques.

17. Required Forms

The following forms must be completed before you can begin work:
  1. Application — with home and cellular telephone numbers
  2. New Hire Employee Form — emergency contact information
  3. I-9 Form — we need 2 forms of ID: Social Security Card and Driver's License (or equivalent form of ID)
  4. W-4 Form
  5. Days & Shifts of Availability
  6. Safety Form
  7. Meal Deduction Agreement Form
  8. Tip Credit Form

18. Training Packet Kit Includes

Pre-Hire Test Checklist

You will be tested on all of the following areas. Check off each one as you study:

Acknowledgment of Receipt

I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the Around The Clock Restaurant & Bakery Server Pre-Hire Training Manual (2026 Edition).

I understand that:

Employee Name (Print):

Employee Signature:

Date:

Manager Signature:

Test Score: Pass / Fail (circle one)