Restaurant Server

Ensemble; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensemble in Menlo Park, CA is seeking an energetic Server to join our hospitality team. As the face of our restaurant, you will deliver exceptional guest experiences through friendly service, beverage and food knowledge, and efficient order management.

You will greet guests, take orders with Aloha, Micros, or OpenTable, upsell cocktails, wines and specialties, handle transactions, and maintain cleanliness while upholding food safety.

Qualifications

• Previous food service experience in a restaurant setting.
• Fine dining experience is a plus.
• Familiar with POS systems Aloha POS, Micros POS or OpenTable for order entry and sales processing.
• Strong knowledge of beverage service including spirits, wine, cocktails, and drink presentation techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tables efficiently through excellent time management skills.
• Experience with food handling, sanitation practices, and food safety regulations to ensure guest safety.
• CA Food Handlers and RBS required upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly upon arrival and provide attentive, personalized service throughout their dining experience.
• Take accurate food and beverage orders using POS systems such as Aloha POS, Micros POS, or OpenTable, ensuring clear communication with kitchen staff and bar team.
• Serve food and drinks promptly while maintaining high standards of presentation and quality.
• Upsell menu items including cocktails, wines, spirits, and specialty dishes to enhance guest satisfaction and increase sales.
• Process all transactions efficiently, including cash handling, credit card processing, and managing sales transactions with POS systems.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in accordance with food safety regulations; handle food properly during service.
• Assist with food preparation when necessary and support kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations during busy periods.
• Foster positive guest relations by providing excellent customer service, addressing concerns promptly, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
• Manage guest inquiries about menu items such as wine knowledge or cocktail ingredients to enhance their dining experience.

Skills

POS systems knowledge

Beverage service knowledge

Customer service

Time management

Food safety awareness

Education

CA Food Handlers Certification

Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification

Tools

Aloha POS

Micros POS

OpenTable

Job description

Description

Job Overview

We are seeking an energetic and attentive Server to join our dynamic hospitality team! In this role, you will be the face of our restaurant, delivering exceptional guest experiences through friendly service, expert beverage and food knowledge, and efficient order management. Your enthusiasm and professionalism will help create memorable dining moments for our guests, ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and satisfied from start to finish. This position offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary passion, sales skills, and hospitality expertise in a lively environment that celebrates teamwork and guest satisfaction.

Requirements

Responsibilities

• Greet guests warmly upon arrival and provide attentive, personalized service throughout their dining experience
• Take accurate food and beverage orders using POS systems such as Aloha POS, Micros POS, or OpenTable, ensuring clear communication with kitchen staff and bar team
• Serve food and drinks promptly while maintaining high standards of presentation and quality
• Upsell menu items including cocktails, wines, spirits, and specialty dishes to enhance guest satisfaction and increase sales
• Process all transactions efficiently, including cash handling, credit card processing, and managing sales transactions with POS systems
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in accordance with food safety regulations; handle food properly during service
• Assist with food preparation when necessary and support kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations during busy periods
• Foster positive guest relations by providing excellent customer service, addressing concerns promptly, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere
• Manage guest inquiries about menu items such as wine knowledge or cocktail ingredients to enhance their dining experience
• Support team members by sharing responsibilities during shifts to ensure seamless service delivery

Experience

• Previous food service experience in a restaurant setting is highly preferred; fine dining experience is a plus
• Familiarity with POS systems such as Aloha POS, Micros POS or OpenTable for order entry and sales processing
• Strong knowledge of beverage service including spirits, wine, cocktails, and drink presentation techniques
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tables efficiently through excellent time management skills
• Experience with food handling, sanitation practices, and food safety regulations to ensure guest safety
• Proven customer service skills with the ability to build rapport with diverse guests and handle challenging situations gracefully
• Basic math skills for accurate bill calculation and cash handling; attention to detail is essential
• Knowledge of the food industry trends and a passion for hospitality that drives memorable guest experiences
• CA Food Handlers and RBS required upon hire