Server

Topography Hospitality, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lake, a private social club opening Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North, seeks a Server to deliver exceptional food and beverage service in a luxury environment. The role requires polished hospitality, extensive product knowledge, and the ability to anticipate guest needs.

You will join a team across three restaurants, two cocktail bars, and events, with pre-opening training and ongoing education. Flexible evenings, weekends, and holidays are expected; compensation includes hourly wages,

Qualifications

• 2+ years of serving in upscale, luxury hospitality, or private club environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver warm, personalized, and attentive service throughout the dining experience.
• Enter orders into the POS system and coordinate with culinary/bar teams.
• Maintain clean, organized dining areas and ensure proper presentation.
• Promote events and features to enhance the member experience.

Skills

Customer service

Hospitality

Communication

Multitasking

Tools

POS systems

Job description

POSITION

Server

ABOUT THE LAKE:

The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends.

The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.

ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina.

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:

At The Lake, dining is at the heart of the member experience. Every meal should feel thoughtful, personalized, and memorable, combining genuine hospitality with exceptional food and beverage knowledge. Our service is designed to anticipate needs, foster meaningful relationships, and create moments that encourage members and guests to return again and again.

Team members are expected to uphold standards of service that are:

Detail-oriented and highly personalized

Professional, warm, and intuitive

Refined yet approachable

Consistent in quality while flexible to individual needs

Every interaction—from the initial greeting to the final farewell—should reflect a seamless and elevated dining experience.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Server is responsible for delivering exceptional food and beverage service to members and guests while creating memorable dining experiences that reflect The Lake's hospitality philosophy. This role requires a polished, knowledgeable, and attentive professional who thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment and takes pride in anticipating guest needs.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, possesses strong food and beverage knowledge, and is committed to providing gracious, personalized service while contributing to a collaborative team culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Member & Guest Experience

Deliver warm, personalized, and attentive service throughout every stage of the dining experience.

Build genuine relationships with members by recognizing preferences and anticipating needs.

Guide guests through food and beverage menus with confidence, providing thoughtful recommendations.

Ensure every table receives timely, accurate, and polished service.

Handle member feedback and special requests professionally and with urgency.

Service Standards & Execution

Execute all service standards and sequence of service in accordance with The Lake's hospitality philosophy.

Maintain expert knowledge of menus, ingredients, preparation methods, wine, spirits, cocktails, and daily features.

Accurately enter orders into the POS system and communicate effectively with culinary and bar teams.

Deliver food and beverages with precision while ensuring proper presentation and quality.

Maintain clean, organized, and properly set dining areas throughout service.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Work collaboratively with managers, hosts, bartenders, food runners, and culinary teams to deliver seamless service.

Support fellow team members during busy periods and contribute to an efficient service flow.

Participate in daily pre-shift meetings, training sessions, and ongoing education.

Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.

Operational Excellence

Follow all food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service standards.

Complete opening, side work, and closing responsibilities thoroughly and efficiently.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations and dining areas.

Assist with special events, private dining, and member programming as needed.

Sales & Member Engagement

Confidently recommend menu items, wine pairings, cocktails, and specialty offerings to enhance the dining experience.

Promote club events, seasonal menus, and featured experiences when appropriate.

Demonstrate strong product knowledge to increase member satisfaction and overall sales.

Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement

Participate in pre-opening training, menu education, service rehearsals, and operational setup.

Contribute feedback to improve service standards and operational procedures.

REPORTS TO:

Restaurant Manager

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

The Lake is seeking candidates who bring genuine hospitality, professionalism, and a passion for exceptional food and beverage service.

Professional Experience:

2+ years of serving experience in upscale, fine dining, luxury hospitality, or private club environments preferred.

Strong knowledge of food, wine, spirits, and service etiquette.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.

Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Experience with POS systems and luxury service standards is preferred.

Previous private club or Michelin-level restaurant experience is a plus.

Core Values Alignment:

• Drive
• Empathy
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Positive Attitude

COMPENSATION:

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes competitive hourly wages, gratuities where applicable, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.

START DATE:

Fall 2026

LOCATION:

Chicago, IL