Lead Server

Essex Meadows; Centerbrook (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Daily Pay – Work today, get paid today

Job summary

Essex Meadows in Centerbrook, CT is seeking a Lead Server to deliver meals to residents in a refined dining setting. You will train new hires, follow the Steps of Service, and maintain a professional appearance at all times.

This full-time role offers 40 hours weekly, a structured schedule with no late nights, comprehensive benefits, and daily pay options. You’ll work with a friendly team to ensure exceptional guest service in a upscale environment near the shoreline.

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and explain menu, refer, or answer questions, coordinate meal service process and understand requests.
• Ability to work in close cooperation with residents, guests, visitors, families, management and peers.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in English and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Serve meals to patrons following Steps of Service.
• Train new hires on serving standards and procedures.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Respond to guest concerns and report issues to the manager promptly.
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of side stations and equipment.

Skills

Menu knowledge and explanation

Customer service

English communication

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Schedule: 40 hours a week. Weekends, holidays, and events as needed

Pay:$20-$22 per hour

Who We Are:

Join the team at Essex Meadows, where hospitality meets heart. Nestled beside a 1,000-acre nature preserve and just minutes from the shoreline, our community offers a unique opportunity to serve incredible residents in a vibrant, upscale dining environment.

What We Offer:

• Consistent scheduling and no late nights!
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance*
• Life insurance*
• AD&D insurance *
• Long-term disability insurance*
• 401(k) with company match *
• Generous PTO and paid holidays*
• Free electric vehicle charging stations
• Resident sponsored educational scholarships
• Employee assistance program
• Daily Pay – Work today, get paid today

An exceptional work environment that is both engaging and fun

* Indicates the benefit is offered to full-time employees

General Summary:

The Lead Server is responsible, in accordance with policies and procedures, for serving meals to patrons in the dining establishment and training new hires on how to serve the patrons in the establishment by following the Steps of Service, found as part of the Food & Beverage training manual.

To arrive on time, ready and able to perform up to set performance standards as determined by management.

To always maintain a professional level of appearance, personal hygiene, dress, and demeanor in accordance with the Food & Beverage Department’s policies.

To leave outside the facility any transitory emotional or personal problems, not connected with Essex Meadows, which will adversely affect your performance at work.

Sets an excellent example for the rest of the staff through work ethic and good attitude.

Greets each guest by name with a pleasant smile. Accomplishes the Steps of Service throughout the meal period by answering questions, making appropriate suggestions regarding food and beverages.Has complete knowledge of all current offerings and specials, their ingredients, cooking methods, accompanying sauces and garnishes, and effectively has the ability to communicate this information to the guest.

Follows safety codes and departmental regulations.

To be able to pronounce all the dishes we serve confidently and accurately, and to continuously increase your knowledge of culinary terms and descriptions.

To meet or exceed LCS Server standards as to the number of guests being serviced at any point in time, that number is now at 18.

Be always aware of any shortage of food items, or discontinued (86’d) items, diplomatically advising the guests when this occurs.

To be able to properly carry and handle service trays in a safe and professional manner.

To conduct your movements and actions on the floor with enthusiasm and a sense of urgency, not rushed, but purposeful. Never lean against something, or idly chat with another employee, where you will give the guest the impression that you are bored or have nothing to do.

To respond to guest concerns and problems, handling them to the best of your ability, and to report notable difficulties to the manager in a timely manner. To recognize that a guest request or difficulty is beyond your scope of knowledge or authority, and solicit the assistance of the manager to respond to the guest.

Advising the Dining Room Manager, or Assistant Dining Room Manager, of the Dining Room resident’s status.

Completes all assigned side work without supervision. Ensures the other wait staff completes their assigned side work in a satisfactory manner.

Informing the manager immediately whenever problems occur with guests, kitchen staff or fellow front of the house staff members, avoiding confrontation whenever possible.

Maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of side stations and equipment, reporting any equipment problems immediately to the manager.Keep service items restocked as needed throughout the service period.

Trains new employees following the Essex Meadows Wait Staff Training Manual.

Oversight of dining room and provides guidance to wait staff.

Attend in-service training and educational seminars assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to interpret and explain menu, refer, or answer questions, coordinate meal service process and understand requests.
• Ability to work in close cooperation with residents, guests, visitors, families, management and peers.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in English and communicate effectively.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or General Education degree (GED); or one to three months’ related experience in serving in fine dining and/or fine dining training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

All new hires must be able to pass our preemployment screening process, which includes a fitness for duty physical, criminal background check, drug test and employment references as required by a licensed residential care facility.

EEO Employer

Job Info

• Job Identification 40678
• Job Category Culinary Services
• Posting Date 10/08/2026, 03:36 PM
• Degree Level No Formal Education
• Job Schedule Full time