Captain

The Alinea Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,817 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) match

Dining discount

Referral bonus

Job summary

The Alinea Group in Chicago seeks a Captain to lead the front-of-house team. You will ensure exceptional guest experiences by applying expert hospitality knowledge, guiding service, and mentoring junior staff.

This full-time, hourly role requires five days a week, strong communication, and the ability to manage opening/closing tasks, train staff, and uphold the highest standards in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 1 year of captain experience in fine dining.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, chef-driven environment.
• Strong communication and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work five days per week, 40+ hours.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of reservations and special instructions.
• Guide guests through menus and pairings.
• Lead closing duties and assign tasks to staff.
• Coach and mentor junior team members to uphold service standards.
• Own opening/closing checklists and ensure accuracy.
• Monitor inventory and maintain par stocks.
• Set up guest-facing areas before service.
• Deliver courses and descriptions at the table.
• Maintain knowledge of all menus and ingredients.
• Communicate special requests and pace guest experiences.
• Greet guests and ensure a positive dining experience.
• Ensure service conforms to standards and lead a service team.
• Navigate POS to process payments timely.

Skills

Leadership in dining

Communication skills

Team collaboration

High-pressure performance

Tray carry ability

Tools

POS system

Job description

Description

The Captain has the senior-most role on the front-of-house team. They provide excellent guest experiences by lending their expert hospitality knowledge to develop enriching guest experiences. This is a full-time position paid hourly. Candidates must be willing to work five days a week (40+ hours per week), but open availability is preferred.

A concept founded by Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, Alinea has been globally praised for its molecular gastronomy techniques and innovative approach to modernist cuisine, pushing boundaries in a multi-sensory dining experience. It has also been named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler, the Best Restaurant in North America by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and the Best Restaurant in the U.S. by Gourmet and Business Insider. Driven by the notion of doing the unexpected, guests can be assured to leave the dining room feeling inspired.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge of reservations (PONs (People of Note), restrictions, or other special instructions)
• Focuses attention on guest needs and responds promptly
• Provides expert knowledge of food and beverage menus to guests, guiding their experiences
• Leads the completion of closing duties by utilizing the team and assigning them to tasks.
• Coaches and mentors the junior team members to help develop the service culture at TAG
• Ownership of the opening/closing checklists to ensure the standards are delivered accurately
• Monitors inventory and control systems to ensure adequate par stocks of linen, stationery
• Sets up guest-facing areas before service, including seating area, credenzas, and side stations
• Delivers all courses and course descriptions at the table when they arrive in the dining room
• Maintains complete knowledge of all menus, including ingredients and techniques used
• Communicates special requests and paces the experience of all guests in their section
• Maintains complete knowledge of table and seat numbers
• Greets and acknowledges all guests, providing a positive dining experience
• Monitors and ensures that all aspects of service conform to departmental standards
• Leads a team of staff members through an intricate service (Next and Alinea only)
• Navigates the POS system to charge and process payments in a timely manager
• Maintains a complete working knowledge of all the pairings utilized in any given current menu
• Trains others and upholds the standards set by the Chefs and Managers
• Anticipates the needs of all management figures (Chef) and guests and responds promptly
• Takes direction from Chefs, Expo, Bar, and dining room team
• Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager

Requirements

• Unprecedented work ethic
• One plus years of experience as a captain in fine dining
• Works well in a fast-paced, chef-driven environment
• Works collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail
• Thinks quickly and efficiently in high-pressure situations
• Ability to carry a tray with food and/or drinks

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours
• Must be able to move, pull, or lift at least 35 pounds
• Must be able to climb stairs multiple times per shift
• Must be able to carry a full tray with either hand

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage at$26.00 - $26.50/hour
• Medical, vision, dental and life benefits available on the 1st month following full-time employment
  • 50% company contribution to single HMO during the first 2 years of full-time employment, 100% contribution available after 2 years
• Paid time off
• 401(K) with a company match of up to 4% of deferred earnings
• CTA/Ventra discount available after 1 month of full-time employment
• Employee Dining Discount, 20% to any Alinea Group restaurant
• Referral Bonus Program available

The Alinea Group is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, life experiences and ideas. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and strive to provide an inclusive culture that embraces diversity.

Must be eligible to legally work in the United States. We use E-Verify.