Server

Server | Job Description

Busboys and Poets is a restaurant/bar/bookstore/event space/community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted and a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul. It is also a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide. We believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world.

We are always looking for passionate, hospitality-driven, people-persons! Do you want to serve delicious food in a diverse space where you truly be yourself? As a bartender, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment where we want to see you succeed and ultimately grow, both personally and professionally. If this sounds like the vibe you’re looking for, we hope you will apply!

Job Type: Variable. Our top servers are making between $25 and $30 an hour with a guarantee that you will never make less than $18.40 (DC Locations) per hour. Base pay is $10.30 an hour + tips for DC Locations.

The Server is responsible for delivering a warm, welcoming, and attentive dining experience to every guest. This role requires a positive attitude, a genuine smile, strong food and beverage menu knowledge, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while following all company standards and service procedures.

WHY WORK FOR US
Join a diverse space: 81% of our total workforce identifies as a person of color, 45% of our total workforce identifies as female and 5% of our workforce identifies as a person with disabilities. Our executive team also represents gender diversity, ethnic diversity, sexual orientation, and more. Men and women equally represented as well as various cultural and religious backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace where you can bring your authentic self to work.
Grow with us: Over 60% of our managers were promoted from within to their existing role from line staff or from Front-of-House manager to Assistant or General Manager. Our entire Executive Team consists of existing employees who showed promise and were promoted into leadership positions.
Work with latest technologies: Striving to be a leader in our industry, we utilize a broad spectrum of technologies including our tech forward training program, employee payroll system, a self-managed tip distribution system, an events and catering platform, inventory management system, our POS Toast and much more!
Happy staff: Busboys and Poets is always looking for the next best way to engage with our staff. This includes raffles, anniversary boxes, an employee dedicated web-based forum and information site, blog and podcast.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Complete assigned shift side work for opening, running, and closing sidework as well as weekly/daily assignments. This also includes ensuring your section and tables are ready for service (condiments are filled, rolls up, candle holders with lighter fuel/lit at sundown, HH menus, clean seats/floor).

• Guide guests through the food and beverage menus by demonstrating strong product knowledge, including ingredients, preparation methods, flavor profiles, and pairing suggestions, in order to help guests make informed selections.

• Demonstrated ability to understand, communicate, place order in the point-of-sale (POS) system and accurately relay guest dietary needs and allergy restrictions to expo/food runner or kitchen manager to ensure guest safety and order accuracy.

• Required to wear the company-approved Busboys & Poets uniform at all times, including black jeans or slacks, slip-resistant shoes, a clean apron, 30 dollar bank/small change and a lighter for service needs.

• Maintain proper personal hygiene and a clean, professional appearance at all times in accordance with company grooming standards and health regulations (clean uniforms, practicing regular handwashing, maintaining neat hair and grooming, short nails, and avoiding strong body odors or unsanitary conditions, in accordance with health regulations).

• Assist host or hostess by answering phones, and by greeting, seating, and thanking guests, when needed.

• Accurately enter and continuously update guest orders in the point-of-sale (POS) system and process payments accurately and efficiently.

• Verify guest identification to ensure compliance with minimum age requirements for alcohol service in accordance with applicable ABC regulations and Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) guidelines.

• Provide hospitable service with a smile. Excellent customer service starts with a warm, genuine approach and includes greeting every guest within 30 seconds, checking in within the first 3 minutes or 3 bites, and closing out service efficiently by collecting payment while making it a memorable experience.

• In addition to core serving responsibilities, tribe members are expected to assist with maintaining a clean, sanitized, and safe restaurant environment. This includes bussing tables, rolling silverware, wiping down and sanitizing surfaces (tables, server stations, server coolers, coffee machines and pots), stocking and organizing service areas, mopping floors, and restocking necessary items.

• Servers must also uphold all health regulation, safety, and food service regulations to ensure a positive experience for every guest.

• Assist host or hostess by answering phones, acknowledging guests with a smile and peace & love greeting, seating, and thanking guests when leaving.

• Assisting guests with placing in-person to-go orders or kiosks, and taking tables on the floor when bar service is slow or when short staff.

• Assist with additional duties and support other departments as needed during service, including stepping in to perform FOH tasks.

• Other duties as needed.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age in order to serve alcohol

• Must work a minimum of 3 full shifts that includes one weekend shift (Saturday/Sunday).

• Previous server experience in a full service restaurant for at least a year

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of hospitality and enjoys engaging with guests in a friendly, professional manner.

• Understanding guest dietary and allergy restrictions.

• Ability to accurately use a point-of-sale (POS) system for orders and payments

• Must be a team player and able to thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

• Demonstrated ability to multitask and remain organized.

• Dependable, on time attendance, and able to follow company policies, procedures, and service standards

• Demonstrate the ability to calmly and professionally de-escalate upset or difficult guests while maintaining a safe and positive environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Being able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.

• Spend time bending, reaching, crawling and/or twisting the body.

• Spend time lifting heavy weights up to 30 pounds.

• Spend time standing on feet for long hours.

• Spend time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls.

• Spend time Walking.

• Spend time cutting fruit and making batches.

Busboys and Poets is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note the above listed is intended to describe the general duties, responsibilities, and requirements for performance in this position. It should not be construed as a comprehensive or complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Company reserves the right to amend this job description as it deems necessary.

Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi-concept restaurant, bar, event and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington, and Takoma with more on the horizon!

Pay: $10.30 an hour + tips for DC Locations

Company Benefits
Busboys and Poets offers competitive pay and benefits including a wide choice of health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, paid sick leave, paid vacation leave, paid parental leave, a company paid life insurance policy, pet insurance and so much more.