Server Assistant

Union Square Hospitality Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 15,153 - 20,664; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tips eligible

Job summary

The Modern in New York, part of Union Square Hospitality Group, seeks a Server Assistant/Runner to support service in a two-experience dining setting, including the dining room and Bar Room. You’ll help with setup, running food, and maintaining a polished, hospitable environment.

We value strong communication, calm under pressure, and a willingness to work as part of a team. The role offers $11.35 per hour plus tips, with health coverage, paid time off, and 401(k) benefits.

Qualifications

• 1+ years in a guest-facing restaurant role or runner position.
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods.
• Ability to balance and carry multiple plates and lift up to 30 lbs.
• English fluency; additional languages preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Support setup, breakdown, and service needs to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain cleanliness and high appearance standards throughout the restaurant.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen and service teams.
• Assist with food running and table maintenance as needed.

Skills

Guest-facing experience

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Job description

The Modern
9 W 53rd St
New York, NY 10019, USA

The Modern is a Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art. The restaurant features refined, unexpectedly playful dishes that highlight exceptional ingredients and seasonality in two distinct culinary experiences: a bold tasting or prix fixe menu in the dining room and an à la carte menu in the lively Bar Room. An extensive selection of wines showcases exceptional diversity and value in both classic and emerging regions.

The Modern holds two Michelin stars, a Three Star review in the New York Times, four James Beard Awards, and the Grand Award from Wine Spectator and is part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group.

Who you are:

A vital member of the Service team, the Server Assistant/Runner role encompasses setting up the dining room, setting tables, clearing tables, pouring water, running food, working with servers and expediters, resetting the dining room, polishing glassware and various tasks that support service at the restaurant. You are a liaison between the kitchen and service teams and works hand in hand with the Expeditor to ensure that food gets delivered from the kitchen to our guests in a timely, hospitable manner. This position must possess strong communication skills, have the ability to mentally and physically multi-task, and must be able to remain calm under pressure.

What you’ll do:

• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality
• Support the team with setup, breakdown, and any additional needs to ensure a smooth and successfully run service period
• Possess an understanding of proper steps of service and engage in table maintenance and resetting with efficiency, speed and grace
• Maintain the high standards of cleanliness and proper appearance throughout all areas of the restaurant
• Demonstrate a passion for food and hospitality with a sound understanding of menu items including preparations, ingredients, and plating
• Ensure that the kitchen pass is stocked, organized, and all supplies are accessible throughout service
• Communicate effectively with all members of the kitchen and service teams at all times
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed and other duties as assigned to support team objectives and operational success

What we need from you:

• 1+ years in a guest-facing restaurant role or runner position
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to balance & carry multiple plates, glass racks and or/glasses, and lift objects up to 30 lbs.
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, we believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Server Assistant, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay: Hourly rate of $11.35/hour plus tips
• Quick access to earnings: Eligibility for the USHG Digital Wallet, where you'll have next-day access to earnings and flexible saving options
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Invest in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Hospitality perks: 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger.Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dotsto build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shakerwith an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter.The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumptionand err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it;always responsible for the impact of our wake

The above represents the expected hourly range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

Join the team at The Modern!

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.