Front Of House - Server

Back of The House Inc.; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

401(k)

Phone allowance

Shift meals

Health insurance

Paystubs portal

Transit benefits

Gym membership

Career development

On-Demand Pay

Job summary

Back of The House Inc. is seeking a welcoming Server to deliver a high-quality dining experience in a fast-paced setting in Palo Alto. You will manage the full guest experience at the table, from initial engagement through payment, ensuring timeliness and accuracy in service.

The role emphasizes attentive service, suggestive selling, and collaboration with kitchen and bar teams. Night availability, strong guest focus, and ability to multitask are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Must be available for night shifts including weekends and holidays.
• Experience in customer service in hospitality, restaurants, hotels, or sales is preferred.
• Strong people skills and high energy for a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and make a strong first impression.
• Take and input orders accurately with tailored recommendations.
• Deliver beverages and food with urgency and care.
• Monitor guest satisfaction and respond promptly to requests or concerns.
• Support service through clear communication with kitchen, bar, and team members.
• Close checks accurately when paying out.

Skills

Night shift availability

Customer service

Multitasking

Hospitality mindset

People skills

Job description

Position Objective

The Server is responsible for delivering a high-quality dining experience through attentive, knowledgeable, and efficient service. This role manages the full guest experience at the table, from initial engagement through payment, while maintaining strong awareness of timing, guest needs, and overall flow of service. Servers are expected to operate with T.R.A.Y. as the foundation of service, prioritizing timeliness, respect, attention to detail, and your responsibility in every guest interaction.

Core Values & Service Standards (Non-Negotiables)

• Immediate Engagement – Greet guests immediately, deliver sparkling water as indicated, and offer beverages within one minute of seating
• Quality Checks – 2 Bites, 2 Sips – Follow the “2 bites, 2 sips” standard to ensure guest satisfaction. Stay engaged and check in throughout the experience
• 2nd Drink Timeliness – Anticipate guest needs and offer a second beverage before the first is finished (~50%)
• Table Maintenance – Maintain clean and organized tables throughout service. Ensure tables are fully cleared and reset before presenting desserts or checks
• Coursing & Pacing – Control pacing of the meal and clearly communicate timing to guests. Ensure smooth transitions between courses
• Suggestive Selling – Provide thoughtful recommendations across all menu categories including desserts, after dinner beverages, coffee, and tea
• Efficient Close Out – Present and close checks accurately and in a timely manner. Say “Thank You” and “Goodbye”

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome guests and deliver a strong first impression through prompt, professional service
• Take and input orders accurately at the table while making tailored recommendations
• Deliver beverages and food with urgency and attention to detail
• Monitor guest satisfaction and respond quickly to requests or concerns
• Execute quality checks and maintain active engagement throughout the dining experience
• Manage beverage service including refills and second round timing
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of tables throughout service
• Control pacing and flow of the table, ensuring smooth transitions between courses
• Communicate clearly with kitchen, bar, and team members to support service execution
• Execute suggestive selling to enhance the guest experience
• Present desserts and after-dinner offerings including coffee and tea
• Close out checks efficiently while ensuring accuracy in payment processing
• Complete opening, running, and closing side work
• Participate in pre-shift meetings and ongoing team communication
• Demonstrate strong awareness, urgency, and professionalism throughout service

Physical Requirements

The ideal candidate must be able to perform all physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and move throughout all areas of the restaurant

• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and lift or move items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to varying weather conditions
• Ability to work safely around hot surfaces, wet floors, glassware, walk-in refrigerators/freezers, and cleaning chemicals

Certifications

• Food safety and RBS certification are required
• If not currently certified, employees must complete certifications within 30 days of hire
• Harassment Prevention Training

Experience

• Must have night time availability, including weekends and holidays
• Previous customer service experience preferred (restaurants, hotels, hospitality, or sales)
• Strong people skills, outward energy, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Genuine interest in hospitality and guest satisfaction

Compensation & Benefits

• Tips
• 401 (k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Supplemental phone allowance
• shift meal benefits
• 100% employer-paid health insurance for employees averaging 28+ hours/week
• Employee portal for paystubs, W-2, and benefit access
• Transportation and commuter benefits
• Group gym membership rates
• Career development opportunities
• On-Demand Pay