Role: Server
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Hourly Scheduled Status: Full-time
Hours of Operation: 5pm-10pm
Days of Operation: Monday to Friday
Reports To: General Manager
Key Relationships: General Manager, Service & Hospitality Manager, Kitchen Manager, Director of Operations, Hourly Team Members, Service Members
About Highball
Highball LTD is the newest project from the team behind the iconic East Village speakeasy, PDT (Please Don’t Tell) and the recently opened Mixteca and Kees in the West Village. Highball LTD celebrates classic cocktails with a stylistic nod to the golden age of train travel. Its somewhat hidden location on the 11th floor, accessed through a freight elevator, is inspired by popular speakeasies of that same era.
Position Summary:
Servers are responsible for all aspects of the guest experience in the dining room, including greetings, menu sales, table maintenance, overall guest satisfaction and happiness, fond farewells and maintaining a general command of the food and beverage menu. Server work to serve consistently excellent beverages, and food to guests; provide impeccable hospitality to each of our clients, working specifically with each individual need to curate the best experience possible.
The Role:
Hospitality at Highball is a team sport. It is essential that the entire team works closely together and is aligned on creating memorable experiences for everyone they encounter from guests, to fellow employees, to vendors, as well as the community. In this tight knit ecosystem, Servers are responsible for creating hospitable guest experiences, while demonstrating a level of excellence in both food & beverage knowledge and all technical aspects of the position. The server team is tasked with maintaining the flow of service at all tables with assistance from the rest of the team. Highball servers should possess a firm grasp on spirits, wine, beer and cocktail history knowledge as well as an understanding of the origins, production, and styles of the aforementioned categories. They also must have the ability to foster guest relationships with a broad array of customers, from first-time guests to long-time regulars.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Excellent communication skills
- Proactive approach to problem solving
- Ability to multitask effectively with a controlled heightened awareness of their surroundings
- A passion for food, wine, and service
- A strong sense of urgency while exuding a calm demeanor
- Ability to maintain a tidy and organized station
- A desire to learn and grow
- Have long term goals in the service industry
- A competitive spirit
- Ability to connect with new guests and maintain greatest relationships with regulars
- A strong attention to detail
- Multiple years experience working in a high-caliber beverage program
- Extensive knowledge of spirits, wine, and beers
Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety:
- Maintains sanitation to Department of Health standards; keeps work area clean and organized.
- Maintains and strictly abides by state sanitation/health regulations and restaurant requirements and procedures.
- Maintains complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; uses equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safely.
- Inspects the cleanliness and organization of the line and workstations; rectifies any deficiencies.
- Inspects the cleanliness and working condition of all tools, equipment, and supplies, ensuring everything complies with standards.
- Informs manager on duty immediately of any DOH or OSHA/workplace safety violations.
- Maintains proper storage procedures as specified by Department of Health requirements.
Guest Engagement:
- Commits to passionate, intense, uncompromisingly high-quality hospitality and guest experience.
- Consistently executes food, beverage, service, and hospitality that aligns with the Highball brand.
Additional Skills and Responsibilities:
- Exudes excellence in hospitality both for internal and external guests.
- Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in a variety of technology systems, especially POS systems.
- The ability to define and effectively solve a variety of changing situations under stress.
- Passion for exceptional hospitality, food, and beverages.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Flexible work schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- May be required to lift, carry, push, or pull heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
- Kneel, bend, or stoop, ascend or descend stairs; be on feet for extended periods of time.
- Working in an environment that may be exposed to hazardous situations and conditions that produce cuts or minor burns.
- Exposed to hot and cold temperatures, such as when working near ovens or retrieving food from freezers.
- Sometimes wear protective and safety attire, such as gloves.
- May work near contaminants and hazardous equipment.
Preferred Experience:
- Minimum 2 years’ experience as a server in a high-volume restaurant.
- TIPS certification required.
- New York City Food Protection Certificate (Food Handler’s) or ServSafe Certification preferred.
