Lead Server

The Whit; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whit in New Orleans is building its founding Food & Beverage team and seeks a Salon Service Captain to help bring our service culture to life. This role blends server shifts with Captain shifts focused on service coordination and team support on the salon floor.

As a Server and Captain, you will deliver warm, polished hospitality, lead service steps, and support management in maintaining established standards across events and daily operations.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a server or service captain in fine dining
• Knowledge of elevated food, wine, cocktail, and beverage service
• Ability to read a room and manage service pacing
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Availability evenings, weekends, holidays

Responsibilities

• Provide gracious, knowledgeable, and attentive service to every guest.
• Develop a strong understanding of The Whit's food, wine, cocktail, tea, coffee, and beverage offerings.
• Guide guests through the menu with confidence and make thoughtful recommendations.
• Maintain established standards of presentation, timing, and hospitality.
• Work closely with culinary, bar, and service teams to create a seamless guest experience.
• Complete assigned opening, closing, side work, and service responsibilities.
• Support the overall care and presentation of the Salon and surrounding service areas.

Skills

Front-of-house service

Customer service

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Tools

Toast

Resy

Job description

Salon Service Captain

The Whit | New Orleans, Louisiana

The Whit is a 15-room luxury hotel housed within a restored 19th-century mansion in the heart of New Orleans. With guest rooms, a cocktail salon, library, refined food and beverage program, and intimate private events, The Whit is designed to feel less like a traditional hotel and more like the home of an extraordinary host.

We are building our founding Food & Beverage team and are looking for a Salon Service Captain to help bring our service culture to life.

The Role

The Salon Service Captain is an experienced front-of-house service position combining regular server shifts with designated Captain shifts focused on service coordination, communication, and team support.

As a Server, you will provide the warm, polished, and attentive hospitality that defines The Whit. During designated Captain shifts, you will serve as an experienced point of contact on the floor, helping keep service organized, supporting the team, and reinforcing established service standards.

This is not a management or supervisory position. Hiring, discipline, performance evaluations, scheduling decisions, compensation decisions, and other employment matters remain the responsibility of management.

Compensation will reflect the role being performed, with separate rates for Server and Captain shifts as applicable.

What You'll Do As a Server

• Provide gracious, knowledgeable, and attentive service to every guest.
• Develop a strong understanding of The Whit's food, wine, cocktail, tea, coffee, and beverage offerings.
• Guide guests through the menu with confidence and make thoughtful recommendations.
• Maintain established standards of presentation, timing, and hospitality.
• Work closely with the culinary, bar, and service teams to create a seamless guest experience.
• Complete assigned opening, closing, side work, and service responsibilities.
• Support the overall care and presentation of the Salon and surrounding service areas.

During Captain Shifts

• Maintain a visible and active presence on the floor while participating in service.
• Help coordinate the pace and flow of service according to established procedures and service standards.
• Serve as a resource for team members regarding menu knowledge, service steps, and operating standards.
• Lead or assist with pre-shift communication using reservations, VIP information, menu updates, events, and service priorities provided by management.
• Monitor the guest experience and address routine service needs, escalating significant concerns to the manager on duty.
• Communicate closely with the culinary and bar teams regarding timing, pacing, and guest needs.
• Support private events and activations according to event plans, staffing assignments, and service procedures established by management.
• Assist with event setup, service execution, breakdown, and follow-up documentation.
• Complete assigned Captain opening and closing responsibilities and communicate unresolved needs to management.
• Demonstrate established service techniques and help new team members become familiar with procedures, resources, and standards.
• Communicate operational needs, guest feedback, and service observations to management.

Who You Are

You are an experienced hospitality professional who leads through example, sound judgment, and a genuine willingness to support those around you.

You understand that exceptional hospitality requires both warmth and disciplined execution. You know how to read a room, anticipate what is needed, and help keep service moving without making guests or colleagues feel rushed.

You enjoy being part of a team, sharing your knowledge, and helping create a consistent guest experience. You are comfortable taking initiative while understanding when something should be elevated to management.

Most importantly, you are excited to join a founding team and help establish The Whit's service culture from the very beginning.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a server, service captain, lead server, or similar front-of-house service professional in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or another high-touch environment.
• Strong knowledge of elevated food, wine, cocktail, and beverage service.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
• Experience supporting colleagues or demonstrating service standards is preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, polished, and effective during busy or complex service.
• Collaborative approach and willingness to support the team wherever needed.
• Familiarity with Toast, Resy, or similar hospitality systems is preferred.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability.

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.

Compensation: To be discussed.