Position Summary
The Server Assistant plays a critical support role in service execution, with a primary focus on food running and expediting support between the kitchen and dining room. This position ensures that food is delivered promptly, accurately, and professionally, supporting overall service flow and guest satisfaction.
The ideal candidate has entry-level restaurant experience, demonstrates a strong sense of urgency, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. This role requires attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to follow direction while maintaining professionalism under pressure. The Server Assistant position serves as a developmental role for team members aspiring to advance into Captain Assistant or other Front of House roles.
Essential Functions
Kitchen Coordination & Food Running
- Serve as a primary liaison between the kitchen and dining room to support timely and accurate food delivery.
- Retrieve completed dishes from the kitchen, verify plate presentation, accuracy, and completeness before leaving the pass.
- Deliver food promptly to the correct table and seat position, using proper service etiquette and tray handling.
- Communicate clearly with the kitchen, expeditor, and service team regarding timing, refires, or special requests.
- Support proper pacing of courses by coordinating with Servers and Captains.
Expo Station Readiness & Support
- Ensure the kitchen expo station is properly set up before and throughout service, including:
- Stocked and organized serving utensils
- Clean and available sauces, condiments, and accompaniments
- Polished plates ready for service
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the expo line and food runner pathways.
- Restock and reset the expo station as needed during service to support continuous flow.
- Assist with plate polishing and presentation standards as directed by culinary leadership.
Service Standards & Team Support
- Follow established steps of service and food delivery standards.
- Maintain professionalism, urgency, and composure during high-volume service periods.
- Assist with general cleaning tasks to meet health and safety standards.
- Attend required meetings and training sessions.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support overall restaurant operations.
Internal Relationships
- Reports to the Restaurant General Manager.
- Works closely with Captains, Assistant Captains, Servers, Bartenders, Culinary, and Stewarding teams.
External Relationships
- Has regular, limited interaction with guests and members while delivering food and supporting service.
Qualifications
- Basic knowledge of restaurant service flow and dining room etiquette.
- Working knowledge of proper table settings and service ware.
- Ability to understand and communicate in English to follow instructions and respond to basic guest requests.
- Ability to read written English for safety and operational notices.
- Ability to lift, carry, and transport up to 50 lbs. through a crowded dining room.
- Ability to push or move carts weighing up to 200 lbs.
Education & Experience Requirements
- Grade school education preferred.
- Six (6) months of prior experience as a Food Runner, Server Assistant, or Busser in a refined or high-volume restaurant preferred.
- Must obtain and maintain any required licenses or certifications as applicable.
- CPR and/or First Aid certification preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Lifting 50 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs. It requires walking or standing to a significant degree, as well as reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing.
In the United States, we are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
