VIP SERVER

Bodega-Taqueria-Y-Tequila; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in Chicago, IL is seeking a VIP Server to deliver premium bottle service in our lively nightlife setting. You will manage VIP tables, maintain a strong floor presence, and drive guest engagement.

The role emphasizes upselling, guest relationships, and brand promotions, with late-night schedules and high-energy interactions. Experience in nightlife or hospitality, strong communication, and English proficiency are key; on-site availability is required.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in nightlife, hospitality, or VIP service.
• Strong ability to upsell and drive revenue.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English clearly.
• On-site availability during evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• VIP guest experience: deliver high-touch service at VIP tables.
• Bottle service: present and upsell premium selections with confidence.
• Table management: set up, track, and close out orders per procedures.
• Sales & promotions: contribute to achieving sales goals and brand activations.
• Guest development: build relationships for repeat visits and loyalty.
• Operational excellence: collaborate with staff to ensure seamless service.

Skills

Sales skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Professionalism

English proficiency

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Bodega Taqueria y Tequila West Loop - Chicago, IL 60607

Salary Range: $12.96 - $12.96 Hourly

VIP Server

The VIP Server plays a vital role in delivering an elevated and high-energy guest experience within Bodega’s nightlife environment by providing exceptional bottle service, driving revenue, and cultivating strong guest relationships. This position focuses on delivering premium service, maintaining a strong floor presence, and creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The VIP Server will also support sales initiatives, guest retention, and overall operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

VIP Guest Experience

• Deliver a refined and high-touch VIP experience that aligns with Bodega’s brand standards and nightlife atmosphere.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for VIP tables, ensuring attentive and anticipatory service throughout the guest experience.
• Maintain a strong presence on the floor, proactively engaging with guests and adapting service style based on guest needs and energy levels.
• Build and maintain meaningful guest relationships to encourage repeat visits, brand loyalty, and long-term engagement.

Bottle Service & Table Management

• Execute VIP bottle presentations with precision, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Present and recommend bottle selections confidently, demonstrating strong product knowledge and awareness of premium offerings.
• Prepare and maintain table setups, including glassware, mixers, garnishes, and presentation elements.
• Monitor table activity and consumption, proactively recommending additional products, upgrades, or enhancements.
• Ensure all orders are accurately entered, tracked, and closed out in accordance with company procedures.

Sales Performance & Revenue Generation

• Drive revenue through strategic upselling of bottle service packages, premium spirits, and curated guest experiences.
• Maintain a strong understanding of pricing structures, product positioning, and promotional priorities.
• Actively contribute to achieving and exceeding individual and venue-wide sales goals.
• Support brand initiatives by promoting featured products, partnerships, and activations.

Guest Development & Relationship Management

• Cultivate and maintain a personal network of guests through professional relationship-building and consistent engagement.
• Encourage repeat business by providing exceptional service and personalized guest experiences.
• Proactively support VIP reservations, table bookings, and guest return visits through outreach and hospitality-driven engagement.
• Represent the brand both in-house and externally in alignment with company standards.

Operational Excellence

• Work collaboratively with bartenders, barbacks, hosts, security, and management to ensure seamless service execution.
• Communicate effectively regarding VIP arrivals, guest needs, and service opportunities.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and readiness of all assigned service areas throughout the shift.
• Support opening and closing procedures, including table setup, breakdown, and restocking.

Service Versatility & Event Support

• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting traditional dining or floor service responsibilities as needed based on business demands.
• Participate in the execution of private events, large-format reservations, and special activations, adapting service style accordingly.
• Uphold consistent service standards across all service formats to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Nightlife Awareness & Floor Presence

• Maintain awareness of venue dynamics, including music programming, guest flow, and overall energy of the space.
• Contribute to a vibrant and engaging atmosphere while preserving the exclusivity and integrity of VIP service areas.
• Collaborate with leadership and security to manage sections, guest flow, and overall service pacing.

Customer Service & Compliance

• Provide professional, courteous, and efficient service in a high-volume, late-night environment.
• Address guest concerns promptly and appropriately, escalating when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety standards, and responsible alcohol service guidelines.
• Maintain composure and professionalism during peak business hours.

Brand Representation & Promotion

• Actively promote Bodega’s events, entertainment programming, and featured offerings to guests.
• Support marketing initiatives through guest engagement and participation in venue activations.
• Consistently represent the brand with professionalism, confidence, and a guest-first mindset.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Skills:

• 1+ year of experience in nightlife, hospitality, or VIP service preferred.
• Strong sales skills with the ability to upsell and drive revenue.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with guests and team members.
• Ability to read and write English to understand and interpret procedures and communicate effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires onsite presence during all business operational hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and late-night shifts.

Flexibility in scheduling is essential; candidates must maintain full availability to meet business demands.

The ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-energy nightlife environment is required.

Physical requirements include the ability to stand for extended periods, navigate crowded spaces, and carry service items as needed.

Safety Requirements

All Associates are required to abide by all Safety rules and ensure they perform each task by practicing safe work habits. Any associate who incurs any type of injury is required to report immediately to their immediate supervisor on duty.

E-Verify Participation

Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

For more information on E-Verify, please visit the official E-Verify Website.Qualifications