Restaurant Server-Outlet 101

Sonesta International Hotels; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 19,286 - 22,041; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel discounts

Educational assistance

Paid vacation and sick days

Parental leave

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is seeking a front-of-house team member to take orders, serve guests, and manage payments with professionalism and warmth. You will help maintain the restaurant area and assist with opening/closing duties as assigned.

Ideal candidates bring guest-focused service, great communication, and basic cash handling skills. This position offers on-site work with opportunities for tips and career growth within Sonesta’s hospitality network.

Qualifications

• Guest-facing service experience preferred.
• Ability to input orders and process payments accurately.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the dining area.

Responsibilities

• Take food & beverage orders, serve to guest tables, and handle payments.
• Assist in maintaining the restaurant area and equipment.
• Provide courteous, efficient service and respond to guest needs promptly.
• Ensure correct table setup, glassware, and presentation according to standards.
• Follow departmental policies and safety procedures.

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Communication

Job description

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.

We’re Sonesta International Hotels. The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast. An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect. Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

Job Description Summary

Take food & beverage orders, retrieve and serve alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages and food orders to guest tables according to hotel specifications, courteously and efficient. Collect payments. Assist in the maintenance of the restaurant area and equipment.

Job Description

• Complete knowledge of table/ seat/ station numbers, room capacity, hours of operation, proper table set-up and dress code of the restaurant
• Complete knowledge of all liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections, correct glassware and garnishes in the restaurant
• Knowledge of the particular characteristics and description of every wine/ champagne by the glass and major wines on the wine list
• Complete knowledge of all menu items, prices, preparation method/ time, major ingredients and quality standards of taste, appearance, texture, serving temperature, portion size, garnish and method of presentation
• Complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment. Use equipment only as intended
• Complete knowledge and complicity with all departmental policies/ service procedures
• Complete opening side duties as assigned:
  • Check quality and amount of all restaurant stock and supplies using checklist
  • Fold napkins
  • Requisition all necessary supplies and transport from storeroom to restaurant
  • Set up all condiments and beverages (non-alcoholic) according to service standards
  • Ensure a sufficient supply of all silverware, glassware and chinaware for service
  • Prepare all cold food items (fruits and salads) as assigned by the supervisor
  • Check cleanliness and condition of assigned station and service areas; rectify any deficiencies
  • Set up side station with supplies and equipment
  • Prepare service carts, dessert table/ carts and cordial cart with specified tools, waves and equipment according to departmental standards
  • Set up and inspect the condition of check presenters with pens
  • Set tables according to service standards
• Organize assigned station and ensure readiness prior to guest arrival
• Review reserved tables and names of such; follow up on special arrangements for pre assigned tables according to standards
• Review daily specials and maintain awareness of menu items throughout the shift
• When assigned, take guest food and beverage orders, utilizing suggestive selling techniques
• Record order of guest following departmental service procedures
• Input order into system and ensure transmission of food orders is verified by kitchen when assigned to do so
• Legibly document orders when system is down and distribute food orders to kitchen
• Retrieve all alcoholic beverage items from bar and serve to guest in accordance with the departmental standards
• Open and serve wine/ champagne bottles in accordance with departmental standards
• Make all varieties of coffee in accordance with the department standards
• Serve all food courses and non-alcoholic beverage items to the guest in accordance with departmental standards
• Anticipate guests needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and whatever time of day
• Maintain positive guest relations at all times
• Be familiar with all hotel services/ features and local attractions/ activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately
• Handle guest complaints following the six step procedure and ensuring guest satisfaction
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned station and service areas
• Guide the activities of the assigned Bus person to ensure optimum service to guest
• Clear each course following procedures laid down in departmental manual
• Remove soiled wares from tables as assigned and transport to dishwashing area
• Properly crumb tables after the entrée course is removed
• Present dessert menu and describe items/ present dessert cart following departmental procedures Input charges on guest check
• When assigned, total all charges and present guest checks; process payments through the Cashier
• Adhere to payment, cash handling and credit policies/ procedures
• Extend appreciation for guests patronage
• Clean and reset tables immediately after guest departs
• Collect and report tips at the end of the assigned shift
• Complete closing side duties
  • Properly store all reusable goods
  • Breakdown all goods as specified in departmental standards
  • Clean all equipment as assigned in the side duties
  • Restock items for the next service
  • Remove all dirty linen
  • Marry and stock all condiments
  • Reset tables for next meal period
• Complete all closing reports as assigned and leave duty after reporting to supervisor
• Attend department meetings
• Follow maintenance program and cleaning schedule
• Replace flowers in bud vases
• Update menus and wine lists
• Legibly document pertinent information in outlet log book
• Legibly document maintenance needs on work orders and submit to manager
• Attend menu and wine tasting as scheduled
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The employee is expected to work in other areas of the hotel when needed to assist operations to perform job duties not necessarily contained in this job description

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

$14.00 to $16.00 and are eligible for tips. Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills and job specific experience/overall experience.

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.