Restaurant Server Job at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in New York

Compensation Type: Hourly

Overview

The Restaurant Server is responsible for providing the highest quality of service to guests in an attentive, courteous, and efficient manner. He/she is also responsible for receiving and delivering guests orders and collecting payment.

Responsibilities

Guest Service & Dining Experience

• Greet guests warmly upon arrival and guide them through the tapas-style dining experience.
• Provide detailed menu descriptions, including ingredients and preparation methods of Spanish dishes in addition to any applicable daily specials.
• Make recommendations for tapas pairings and Spanish wines or cocktails (e.g. sangria, vermut, cava).
• Clearly explain the shared plate concept and suggest the appropriate number of dishes based on party size.
• Anticipate guests’ needs and respond promptly and courteously to all requests.
• Ensure pre-bussing of plateware and utensils are happening throughout the course of the dining experience.
• Set up the table with proper utensils and plateware in anticipation of next dishes to be served.
• Ensure water glasses are at least ½ full throughout dining experience.
• Ensure additional rounds of ordered beverages are being offered when current beverages are at ¼ full.

Order Taking & Communication

• Accurately take food and beverage orders and input them into the POS system.
• Repeat food orders back to guests upon completion of guest order, checking for any dietary restrictions.
• Communicate any special dietary restrictions or allergies to the kitchen.
• Collaborate closely with kitchen and bar staff to ensure smooth service flow.

Coordination & Timing

• Coordinate with kitchen and serving staff to time the release of tapas plates appropriately.
• Prioritize and stage dishes according to when they’re ready and based on server/kitchen communication.
• Understand table pacing to avoid overwhelming guests with too many plates at once.

Food Delivery

• Promptly and accurately deliver tapas dishes from the kitchen to guests’ tables.
• Clearly communicate dish names and brief descriptions to guests upon delivery.
• Ensure dishes are served at the correct table and to the correct guests, accommodating the shared-plate format.
• Monitor guest tables to ensure satisfaction and notify servers of any needs or issues.

Food/Beverage & Menu Knowledge

• Possess strong knowledge of Spanish cuisine, regional ingredients, and preparation styles.
• Be familiar with Spanish wines, sherries, beers, and spirits, and offer pairing suggestions.
• Provide guests with cultural context or stories behind certain dishes or drinks when appropriate.
• Maintain working knowledge of the full food menu, including ingredients, allergens, and preparation styles.
• Be able to describe key tapas items to guests and answer basic questions.
• Learn Spanish dish names and pronunciations to deliver food confidently and professionally.

Table & Restaurant Maintenance

• Ensure tables are properly set before guests arrive and cleared in a timely manner.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining, service, and side station areas.
• Restock side stations with silverware, napkins, condiments, and other essentials.

Cleanliness & Setup

• Breakdown of bussed plates/trays properly by using the proper garbage receptacles, scraping excess food off plates, and organizing dishes, utensils, and glassware properly in the dish area.
• Separate soiled linen and towels in the proper containers.
• Keep the expo area, food pass, and server stations clean and organized.
• Assist in cleaning and resetting tables when needed, especially during busy hours.
• Help polish silverware, glassware, and restock side stations.
• Fold napkins to keep us ready for service and for the next shifts (Always should have 2 full turns of napkins folded for back up).

Safety & Efficiency

• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards during food handling and transport.
• Use proper tray techniques to ensure safe and efficient service.
• Report any spills, broken items, or unsafe conditions to management immediately.
• Be familiar with all fire exit locations and fire extinguisher locations and know how to operate.

Payments & Closing Duties

• Present checks, process payments accurately, and return change or receipts promptly.
• Balance cash drawers and credit card receipts at the end of shift (if applicable)
• Assist in end-of-day side work and closing responsibilities, including final clean-up and setup for the next shift.

Teamwork & Professionalism

• Support fellow servers, bartenders and kitchen staff during peak hours.
• Attend staff meetings, tastings, and training sessions to stay updated on menu changes.
• Maintain a professional, friendly, and enthusiastic demeanor throughout service.
• Communicate effectively with FOH and BOH teammates to maintain a smooth workflow.
• Assist with opening, mid-shift, and closing side work as assigned.
• Support teammates with table maintenance, water refills, and other guest needs.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
• Medium work-Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to stand during entire shift.
• Must be able to maneuver throughout the dining area while carrying full trays of food & beverages.
• Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
• Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
• Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
• Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
• Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
• Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
• Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
• Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
• Must be able to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
• Must be able to cross-train in other hotel related areas.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating guest or operational needs.
• Must have the following skills:
• Customer Service Orientation
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Multitasking
• Team Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Cultural Awareness
• Effective Communication
• Organizational Skills
• Knowledge of food safety practices
• Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Positive Attitude
• Conflict Resolution
• Sales Skill

Other

• Perform other duties as requested by management.
• Maintain a friendly and warm demeanor at all times.