JOCKEY CLUB WAITSTAFF - SEASONAL

PENN Entertainment, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-one medical coverage

401(k) matching

Annual performance bonus

Paid time off

Job summary

PENN Entertainment is seeking a Jockey Club Wait Staff member for Sam Houston Race Park in Houston to deliver exceptional table service in an upscale, private club setting. You will greet guests, explain menus, and coordinate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure polished, timely service during live racing and events.

The role requires strong hospitality skills, flexibility to work evenings and weekends, and the ability to manage multiple tables in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Previous serving, fine dining, upscale restaurant, country club, private club, hotel, or hospitality experience preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• Ability to handle multiple tables and competing priorities while providing attentive service.
• Basic knowledge of food and beverage service.
• Ability to accurately handle cash, credit card transactions, and guest checks.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and carry food, beverages, and service items.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and live racing days as scheduled.
• Must be at least 18 years of age, or meet applicable age requirements for assigned duties involving alcohol service.
• TABC certification may be required depending on assigned duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, courteous, and professional table service to members and guests.
• Greet members and guests promptly and warmly upon arrival and throughout their visit.
• Maintain a polished and professional appearance consistent with upscale hospitality standards.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of food and beverage menus, including daily specials, ingredients, preparation methods, and appropriate recommendations.
• Accurately take food and beverage orders and communicate them clearly to the kitchen and bar teams.
• Deliver food and beverages promptly and professionally while maintaining proper presentation standards.
• Anticipate member needs and provide proactive, personalized service without being intrusive.
• Monitor tables throughout service and promptly address additional requests, refills, or concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly set tables before, during, and after service.
• Assist with setting up and breaking down the dining area before and after service.
• Process guest checks accurately and handle payments in accordance with company procedures.
• Communicate effectively with culinary, bar, host, management, and other hospitality team members.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Cash handling

Job description

Overview

We’re always looking for talent that believes in having fun. At PENN Entertainment, you’ll get to be a part of an exciting industry, where the days and nights are fast paced. You’ll work with an incredibly diverse set of coworkers driven by their enthusiasm for helping people find and have more fun. You’ll also get to work at a company that cares about your career growth and will help you get the support you need to expand your possibilities.

Initial placement within the salary range is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our competitive Total Rewards package, which includes wellness programs designed to support our team members' financial, physical, and mental well-being. Specific benefits—such as day-one medical coverage, 401(k) matching, and annual performance bonus—may vary by position. Paid time off is earned according to the local policy and increases with the length of employment.

Responsibilities

The Jockey Club Wait Staff is responsible for providing exceptional, personalized food and beverage service to members and guests of the Jockey Club, a private, upscale dining and hospitality environment at Sam Houston Race Park. This position represents the highest level of guest service and professionalism, ensuring that every member receives attentive, polished, and knowledgeable service throughout their visit.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide attentive, courteous, and professional table service to Jockey Club members and their guests.
• Greet members and guests promptly and warmly upon arrival and throughout their visit.
• Maintain a polished and professional appearance consistent with upscale hospitality standards.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of food and beverage menus, including daily specials, ingredients, preparation methods, and appropriate recommendations.
• Accurately take food and beverage orders and communicate them clearly to the kitchen and bar teams.
• Deliver food and beverages promptly and professionally while maintaining proper presentation standards.
• Anticipate member needs and provide proactive, personalized service without being intrusive.
• Monitor tables throughout service and promptly address additional requests, refills, or concerns.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly set tables before, during, and after service.
• Assist with setting up and breaking down the dining area before and after service.
• Process guest checks accurately and handle payments in accordance with company procedures.
• Communicate effectively with culinary, bar, host, management, and other hospitality team members.
• Resolve routine guest concerns professionally and notify management of issues requiring additional assistance.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion when interacting with private club members and their guests.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, alcohol service, cash-handling, and company policies and procedures.
• Maintain awareness of racing schedules, special events, promotions, and Jockey Club activities that may impact service.
• Provide service during live racing, special events, private functions, and other race park activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Jockey Club or Food & Beverage Management.

Guest Service Expectations

Jockey Club Wait Staff are expected to:

• Treat every member and guest with genuine hospitality, respect, and professionalism.
• Create a personalized experience by recognizing returning members and anticipating their preferences when appropriate.
• Maintain a calm, polished, and positive demeanor during busy periods.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with guests and coworkers.
• Demonstrate discretion and respect the private nature of the Jockey Club environment.
• Take ownership of the guest experience from greeting through departure.
• Work as a team to ensure consistent service standards throughout the Jockey Club.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Previous serving, fine dining, upscale restaurant, country club, private club, hotel, or hospitality experience preferred.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, high-volume environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Professional demeanor and appearance.
• Ability to handle multiple tables and competing priorities while providing attentive service.
• Basic knowledge of food and beverage service.
• Ability to accurately handle cash, credit card transactions, and guest checks.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and carry food, beverages, and service items.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and live racing days as scheduled.
• Must be at least 18 years of age, or meet applicable age requirements for assigned duties involving alcohol service.
• TABC certification may be required depending on assigned duties.

Preferred Skills

• Fine dining or private club experience.
• Knowledge of wine, cocktails, beer, and food pairings.
• Experience providing service to VIP or high‑profile clientele.
• Strong ability to remember guest preferences and provide personalized service.
• Ability to remain composed and professional in a high‑pressure environment.
• Interest in horse racing and familiarity with racing terminology is a plus, but not required.