Restaurant Server-Outlet 101

Sonesta International Hotels; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Hotel Discounts

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels is looking for a personable server to take food and beverage orders, serve guests, and ensure smooth running of the restaurant. You will handle payments, assist with opening/closing duties, and maintain stock and cleanliness to uphold high service standards.

The role requires knowledge of wine and liquor, strong guest service skills, and the ability to upsell menu items. On-site work with competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections.
• Strong guest service and communication skills.
• Ability to handle payments accurately and process checks.

Responsibilities

• Take food & beverage orders and serve to guests per standards.
• Maintain restaurant cleanliness and setup prior to and after service.
• Assist in opening/closing duties and stocking supplies as needed.
• Ensure correct handling of payments and guest checks.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Guest service

Cash handling

Upselling

Tools

POS system

Restaurant equipment

Job description

We’re People People. Are you? We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What This Role Is All About

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

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

How We Reward You

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you’ll want to use these)
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.