Sommelier - Crane Club New York

Tao Group Hospitality is a leading hospitality company known for delivering distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences across a portfolio of renowned restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. The company operates a collection of branded locations globally, including its widely recognized brands such as TAO, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Cathedrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, KOMA, Avenue, Fleur Room, JEWEL, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Mohari Hospitality, an investment firm specializing in luxury lifestyle and hospitality sectors. With over 25 years of industry experience, Tao Group continues to raise the standard for guest experiences by delivering unforgettable entertainment that combines innovation and creativity. The company is committed to exceeding expectations and reinventing the future of hospitality through its owned operations, joint ventures, and managed properties.

This particular role is for a Sommelier within Tao Group Hospitality, responsible for actively taking wine and beverage orders and sharing expertise in wine and beverage menus to assist guests with beverage pairings that enhance the dining experience. The Sommelier interacts with dining room guests, fellow team members, and supervisors in a polite, courteous, and hospitable manner to ensure gracious hospitality. Essential duties include anticipating and accommodating guest needs, maintaining cleanliness of assigned stations and the entire venue, providing professional service, accurately entering all orders into the POS system, and following supervisors' instructions while supporting co-workers as a team player. The Sommelier will possess in-depth knowledge of all food and beverage menus and the company, as well as an excellent understanding of the venue's wine list.

The role involves being well-versed in classic and creative wine and food pairings, assisting in or leading staff education sessions, serving all alcoholic beverages in accordance with state regulations, and ensuring compliance with Department of Health standards. The Sommelier also works as a team member helping fellow employees, accurately completes end-of-shift wine sales reports, and communicates guest needs effectively to Front-of-House, Heart-of-House support staff, managers, and chefs. Responsibilities further include setting up floor and side stations, performing side work, and executing opening and closing procedures such as preparing the dining room for proper wine service, maintaining ice buckets, organizing side stations with stemware and decanters, keeping wine storage rooms well-maintained, and reporting breakage or damage immediately.

Additional expectations involve participating in daily pre-service meetings, training sessions, and departmental meetings. The Sommelier learns from listening, observing team members, and sharing knowledge while leading by example through a positive and professional attitude. The role requires knowledge of Tao Group Hospitality, its partners, and supporting hotel environments. Training requirements include Tao Group Hospitality in-venue sommelier training and a minimum of 2 years of sommelier experience or equivalent related Tao Group Hospitality experience. A certificate from an accredited wine program is preferred, alongside previous food and beverage experience.

The ideal candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of cocktails and spirits, proper wine service techniques including serving temperatures, glassware selection, and decanting, as well as fundamental knowledge of world wine regions. Candidates must be at least 21 years old. Physical demands include the ability to stand for extended periods, move quickly, push and lift up to 75 pounds, and work in environments with varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke. The schedule may include extended hours, irregular shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The candidate must maintain a professional appearance and be effective as part of a team, interacting courteously with customers, managers, and co-workers. Confidentiality and the ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and occasionally stressful environment are essential.

Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement program with employer match, life and disability insurance plans, ancillary insurance plans, employee assistance program, fertility and family forming support and resources, pet insurance, employee discounts, TAO savings marketplace, and generous time off. This role represents an exceptional opportunity for wine and beverage professionals seeking to excel in a dynamic hospitality environment that champions excellence, innovation, and team collaboration.