Lead Server

16 On Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid leave

Paid sick leave

Transit benefits

Dining discounts

Job summary

16 On Center Chicago is seeking a Lead Server to model excellence in front-of-house operations, train staff, and uphold high standards of service in a fast-paced environment.

You will guide guests through the menu, coordinate with bar and kitchen, and manage openings, closings, and floor plans as Manager on Duty up to three shifts per week. Competitive hourly pay plus tips and a robust benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a high-volume bar or restaurant environment.
• Strong knowledge of craft and classic cocktails, food, and beverage service.
• Natural leader who guides by example and supports team development.
• Excellent communication and teamwork across front- and back-of-house.
• Able to work late nights, weekends, and holidays with reliability.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and guest concerns in real time.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all steps of service are executed at the highest level.
• Guide guests through the menu with knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Take and deliver food and beverage orders accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in service areas.
• Collaborate with bar, kitchen, and support teams for smooth service.
• Train new team members and support ongoing development.
• Assist with openings, closings, and floor plan awareness.
• Support floor management decisions and guest experience.
• Utilize Toast POS functions and related daily operations.
• Engage with guests and resolve concerns to build community.

Skills

Leadership

Hospitality

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Customer relations

Tools

Toast POS

Google Drive

Job description

Description

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As the Lead Server at Moneygun, you are a role model for the team and an extension of management. You are well-versed in front-of-house operations and set the standard for speed, cleanliness, service, teamwork, and, most importantly, genuine hospitality. You lead by example and build trust and respect with the team through consistency, professionalism, dependability, accountability, and clear communication.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensure all steps of service are executed consistently at the highest level
• Guide guests through the food and beverage menu with knowledge and enthusiasm
• Take and deliver food and beverage orders accurately and efficiently
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout front-of-house and back-of-house service areas
• Collaborate with the bar, kitchen, and support teams to ensure smooth and efficient service
• Train new service team members and support ongoing training and development of existing team members
• Assist with updating training guidelines and materials alongside management
• Reinforce service best practices and provide guidance to team members, with a focus on maintaining high standards of service and guest satisfaction
• Assist with updating opening, closing, and sidework checklists and ensure assigned duties are completed consistently
• Maintain awareness of the floor plan and guest seating, including the placement and recognition of VIPs, regulars, and returning guests to support the guest experience
• Assist with floor cuts as needed
• Work alongside the General Manager to become familiar with scheduling, cash procedures, event planning, and partnership procurement
• Utilize Toast POS functions, including voids, comps, gratuity, employee discounts, button creation, and 86ing items
• Maintain familiarity with Google Drive and other systems used for daily operations
• Assist with end-of-month beverage inventory recording and reporting
• Engage with guests, assist with quickly resolving concerns, and build relationships that contribute to a strong sense of community
• Help ensure all guests and team members are treated equally and feel welcomed in the space
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and responsible service procedures
• Serve as Manager on Duty (MOD) for up to three shifts per week

When Scheduled as Manager On Duty:

• Set and maintain the overall atmosphere of the space, including music and lighting
• Support overall floor operations, including servers, bartenders, food runners, bussers, door staff, and hosts
• Maintain awareness of guest interactions and intoxication levels to support a safe environment
• Assist with server and bartender closeouts and ensure accurate tip information is collected
• Enter relevant notes into the manager log
• Document notable events and guest issues, particularly incidents involving police or other emergency response
• Maintain operational standards, policies, and procedures through the end of the night
• Complete all required closing procedures according to the closing checklist
• Assist with floor management decisions, including staff cuts and flow of service

Requirements

About You:

• 2+ years of experience in a high-volume bar or restaurant environment
• Strong knowledge of craft and classic cocktails, food, and beverage service
• Strong understanding of steps of service and front-of-house operations
• Natural leader who leads by example and supports team development
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Confident working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
• Consistent, professional, reliable, and accountable
• Strong sense of hospitality and ability to connect genuinely with guests
• Comfortable addressing guest concerns and making decisions in the moment
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities during service
• Comfortable learning and using Toast POS, Google Drive, and other systems required for the role
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including late nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, carry trays, and lift up to 25 pounds, with reasonable accommodation

Position Details & Benefits

• Job Type: Full-time, Hourly
• Compensation: $16/hr + Tips $25/hr MOD
• Paid leave and paid sick leave in accordance with Chicago requirements.
• Benefits: Health insurance with employer contribution; voluntary dental, vision, short-term disability, accident, and hospital coverage; employer-paid life insurance; voluntary life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match; paid parental leave after 1 year of service; Transit benefits through a pre-tax payroll deduction program.
• Dining discounts at 16 On Center properties and complimentary or discounted tickets to shows at 16 On Center venues, including Salt Shed, Thalia Hall, SPACE, and Empty Bottle, subject to availability.