Restaurant Server

Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account with Company Match

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid vacation

paid sick days

hotel discounts

educational assistance

Paid parental leave

Company paid life insurance

company paid short term disability insurance

company paid long term disability insurance

employee perks

Hospital Indemnity insurance

critical illness insurance

accident insurance

Job Description

Sonesta International Hotels is recognized as the 8th largest hotel company in the United States and continues to grow rapidly. With a diverse portfolio of over 1000 owned, managed, and franchised properties spread across eight countries, Sonesta seamlessly blends full-service and focused hotels located in major metropolitan areas. This unique positioning allows Sonesta to be present everywhere guests want to be, delivering a broad spectrum of hospitality experiences. Sonesta embodies the human side of hospitality, focusing on service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and crafting memorable experiences that genuinely connect with guests. The company is characterized by a commitment to quality and value, striving to bring amazing hospitality to every guest at every stay. As a workplace, Sonesta fosters a culture of growth, inclusivity, and excellence encapsulated in the motto, "Together We Thrive." This culture is deeply reflected in their operations and the quality services provided worldwide.

The role being offered is essential to maintaining the high standards of customer service and hospitality Sonesta International Hotels is known for. This position is a customer service role within the restaurant and dining services of Sonesta, focusing on creating a clean, efficient, and professional dining experience for all guests. The individual in this role is responsible for delivering friendly and attentive service during all meal periods including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Key responsibilities include managing restaurant side work, adhering to established service standards, and ensuring guests’ needs are anticipated and met with care and professionalism. The role demands familiarity with liquor liability laws and requires adherence to all related policies and service guidelines. The employee will also be involved in setting up dining areas, monitoring beverage costs, and maintaining professional appearance and conduct at all times.

In addition to direct interaction with guests, this position requires communication and collaboration with culinary and stewarding staff and an awareness of various hotel functions, events, and meetings that may impact the dining area. The candidate must be able to manage high volumes efficiently and is expected to perform additional tasks such as bussing tables, handling payment transactions using Micros systems, and managing the presentation of amenities. This job requires flexibility to work in multiple hotel areas including the interior, restaurant, lounge, and kitchen, often under conditions involving exposure to extreme temperatures and cleaning chemicals.

Sonesta also emphasizes delivering the GUEST service model, which includes greeting guests warmly, using effective communication, anticipating and solving guest needs, and expressing gratitude. This ensures a passionate and engaging service delivering beyond standard hospitality expectations. The company offers competitive pay and a suite of benefits, reflecting its commitment to employee well-being and career growth. This role offers ample opportunity for those passionate about guest service to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and develop a career in hospitality with one of the leading hotel companies in the U.S.

Job Requirements

high school diploma or equivalent
prior experience in customer service or hospitality preferred
ability to communicate effectively in English
knowledge of liquor liability laws preferred
ability to stand for extended periods
ability to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays
ability to handle physical tasks such as lifting and carrying
willingness to learn and adhere to service standards and policies

Job Qualifications

track record of delivering exceptional guest or client experience
strong communication skills
professional appearance and demeanor
ability to handle cash, vouchers, coupons, and credit cards
ability to maintain clean surroundings
familiarity with Sonesta grooming standards
ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
ability to push supply carts and carry trays

Job Duties

perform all restaurant side work as designated by the supervisor
efficiently and properly perform all service standards
attend to all needs of the guests during meal periods
report to supervisor any need for housekeeping or repairs
adhere to all liquor liability laws and policies
attend designated pre-meal meetings
set up restaurant and work areas
adhere to drink service guidelines and beverage familiarization
perform any other duties assigned by management
maintain a neat and professional appearance
minimize liquor waste and control costs
open and close restaurant shifts
serve guests using Sonesta service standards
bus tables and reset as needed
use Micros system to open and close checks
know and describe menu items
communicate and maintain positive relationships with culinary and stewarding staff
maintain awareness of hotel functions and events
control heavy volume restaurant periods
greet guests warmly
anticipate guests’ needs
use or learn to use beverage and kitchen equipment
work in various hotel interior areas with exposure to extreme temperatures and cleaning chemicals
maintain full knowledge of service times, menus, and specials
responsible for each check
pick-up tables and trays in guest areas
set-up and present amenities
attend all staff meetings and training
perform IRD side work as designated