Restaurant Server

Job Overview:

The Restaurant Server at Encore Hospitality provides exceptional dining service by attending to the needs of guests in a timely, professional, and friendly manner. The server is responsible for presenting the menu, answering questions, making recommendations, taking orders, and delivering food and beverages. A focus on providing a memorable dining experience, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring guest satisfaction are central to the role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Guest Service:
   • Greet guests warmly, introduce them to the restaurant, and present menus.
   • Provide attentive, personalized service by anticipating guest needs and delivering a seamless dining experience.
   • Answer questions regarding the menu, dietary restrictions, and beverage selections.
   • Offer suggestions and upsell specials, beverages, and desserts to enhance the guest experience.
   • Take accurate food and beverage orders and communicate special requests to the kitchen.
2. Order Delivery & Presentation:
   • Serve food and beverages to guests in a prompt and professional manner.
   • Ensure the presentation of food and drinks aligns with restaurant standards.
   • Refill beverages and attend to any additional needs of guests throughout their meal.
   • Clear tables efficiently and reset them for the next guest.
3. Menu Knowledge & Recommendations:
   • Maintain in-depth knowledge of the menu, daily specials, ingredients, and preparation methods.
   • Offer informed recommendations based on guests’ preferences, dietary needs, or inquiries about allergens.
   • Stay up-to-date on wine, beer, and cocktail lists to offer pairing suggestions for guests.
4. Cleanliness & Sanitation:
   • Ensure that tables, dining areas, and serving stations are clean, organized, and well-maintained.
   • Follow proper hygiene and sanitation procedures when handling food and beverages.
   • Assist with general cleaning duties such as polishing silverware, folding napkins, and maintaining a tidy service area.
5. Team Collaboration:
   • Work closely with other servers, kitchen staff, and bartenders to ensure smooth and timely delivery of orders.
   • Communicate any guest concerns, special requests, or dietary restrictions to the kitchen and management.
   • Help fellow team members by running food, clearing tables, or addressing guest needs as needed.
6. Billing & Payment:
   • Prepare guest checks and accurately process payments, ensuring correct billing of orders.
   • Handle cash, credit card, and digital payments responsibly, providing receipts and exact change as needed.
   • Manage the closing of checks promptly, ensuring guests are thanked and invited to return.
7. Problem-Solving & Guest Complaints:
   • Handle guest concerns or complaints with professionalism and empathy, resolving issues in a timely manner.
   • Escalate any major issues to the Restaurant Manager or supervisor if further assistance is needed.
8. Sales & Upselling:
   • Maximize sales through effective upselling techniques, such as promoting daily specials, suggesting complementary dishes, and offering dessert or after-dinner drinks.
   • Meet or exceed personal and team sales goals while maintaining guest satisfaction.

Qualifications and Skills:

1. Education:
   • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
2. Experience:
   • Prior experience as a server in a restaurant, hotel, or catering environment is a plus, but not required.
   • Familiarity with restaurant point-of-sale (POS) systems is preferred.
3. Skills:
   • Excellent customer service and communication skills, with a friendly and outgoing demeanor.
   • Strong multitasking and organizational abilities to manage multiple tables and orders simultaneously.
   • Knowledge of food, beverage, and service standards within a fast-paced dining environment.
   • Ability to work effectively in a team, contributing to a positive dining experience for all guests.
   • Basic math skills for handling transactions, calculating tips, and making change.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move around the restaurant for extended periods.
• Ability to carry trays of food and beverages weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced restaurant environment, often requiring servers to work under time pressure.
• Collaborative atmosphere with frequent interactions between kitchen staff, bartenders, and servers.
• Indoor setting, with occasional outdoor service depending on the location.

Opportunities for Growth:

Encore Hospitality is committed to promoting from within. The Restaurant Server role offers opportunities to grow into positions such as Lead Server, Restaurant Supervisor, or other hospitality roles across the property.

Encore Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

This job description outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.