Waiter / Waitress

Job DetailsServer – Opening Team

SK Hospitality Group | Yamasaki

Location: Financial District, New York City
Opening Target: April 2026

SK Hospitality Group is seeking polished, hospitality-driven Servers to join the opening team of Yamasaki, a highly anticipated, design-forward upscale Asian restaurant located in the heart of the Financial District, moments from the New York Stock Exchange.

Yamasaki will offer a refined, modern dining experience that thoughtfully embraces Japanese and broader Asian culinary culture through elevated service, intentional presentation, precision, technique, and warm hospitality. Rooted in respect for tradition while designed for a sophisticated New York audience, Yamasaki will celebrate the richness of Asian cuisine, beverage, and hospitality in a polished, contemporary setting.

We are seeking Servers who embody excellence in service, have required experience working in an Asian restaurant concept, and possess strong knowledge of sake and wine. Candidates must be comfortable guiding guests through Asian-inspired cuisine, sake selections, wine pairings, and a refined beverage program with confidence, accuracy, and enthusiasm.

This is an opportunity to be part of a flagship opening and contribute to establishing a best-in-class service culture from inception.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee dining and retail discounts

Position Overview

As a Server at Yamasaki, you will serve as a primary point of contact for guests and play a key role in delivering a refined, personalized, and culturally thoughtful dining experience.

This role requires prior experience in an Asian restaurant concept, along with a strong understanding of elevated hospitality, Asian cuisine, and beverage service. Servers must be confident guiding guests through the Yamasaki experience, including Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes, ingredients, preparation styles, cultural influences, and thoughtful pairing recommendations.

A strong knowledge of sake and wine is required for this position. Servers will be expected to speak comfortably and accurately about sake styles, wine selections, flavor profiles, pairings, and beverage recommendations. Working knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic offerings is also important in supporting a complete guest experience.

The ideal candidate is polished, service-minded, detail-oriented, composed under pressure, and passionate about Asian cuisine, Japanese hospitality, and refined beverage service. This role is best suited for someone who can combine warmth, professionalism, product knowledge, and cultural appreciation to create a memorable upscale dining experience for every guest.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute refined, anticipatory service with precision, warmth, humility, and attention to detail
• Deliver a guest experience that reflects the spirit of Japanese and Asian hospitality, including attentiveness, respect, grace, and thoughtful timing
• Maintain strong knowledge of all menu offerings, including seasonal dishes, ingredients, preparation methods, cultural influences, and presentation style
• Maintain required knowledge of sake and wine, including styles, flavor profiles, service standards, and pairing recommendations
• Maintain working knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverage offerings
• Guide guests through a curated dining experience, offering thoughtful food and beverage recommendations tailored to individual preferences
• Confidently discuss sake styles, wine selections, cocktail ingredients, spirits, and pairing options with guests
• Uphold the highest standards of service etiquette, table maintenance, presentation, pacing, and timing
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with the kitchen, bar, management, and support staff to ensure seamless service execution
• Maintain composure and professionalism in a dynamic, high-volume upscale restaurant environment
• Monitor guest satisfaction throughout the dining experience and respond proactively to feedback or service needs
• Participate in pre-shift briefings, ongoing training, menu education, beverage education, and cultural knowledge development
• Support opening and closing procedures with strong attention to detail
• Maintain an immaculate, organized, and polished section in accordance with Yamasaki brand standards
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service guidelines
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-driven culture across front-of-house and back-of-house teams

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a high-volume, upscale or fine dining restaurant required
• New York City hospitality experience strongly preferred
• Prior experience working in an Asian restaurant concept is required
• Experience in Japanese, sushi, omakase, izakaya, Asian fusion, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Southeast Asian, or other Asian dining concepts strongly preferred
• Strong sake knowledge is required
• Strong wine knowledge is required
• Working knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and beverage service preferred
• Proven ability to deliver elevated, detail-oriented service in an upscale or luxury environment
• Appreciation for Japanese and Asian cuisine, hospitality, beverage culture, and service traditions
• Ability to confidently discuss menu items, ingredients, cultural influences, sake styles, wine selections, and pairing recommendations with guests
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to anticipate guest needs and deliver personalized service
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to perform under pressure
• Familiarity with POS systems and reservation platforms
• Professional, polished, and team-oriented approach to service

Work Environment & Expectations

• Fast-paced, high-volume upscale Asian dining setting
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability required
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, and carry trays for extended periods
• Impeccable grooming and professional appearance required at all times
• Ability to maintain composure and deliver excellence under pressure
• Commitment to creating a welcoming environment that respects and celebrates Japanese and Asian culture
• Willingness to participate in ongoing food, beverage, sake, wine, and hospitality training

Required Skills

• Upscale Guest Service
• Asian Restaurant Experience
• Japanese & Asian Cuisine Knowledge
• Sake Knowledge
• Wine Knowledge
• Beverage Pairing Knowledge
• Cocktail & Spirits Knowledge
• Menu Knowledge
• Cultural Awareness & Respect
• Communication & Collaboration
• Service Etiquette
• Anticipatory Hospitality
• Time Management
• Teamwork
• Professional Presentation
• Responsible Alcohol Service

Join SK Hospitality Group in launching Yamasaki, a premier upscale Asian dining destination bringing refined hospitality, thoughtful service, and Japanese and Asian culinary culture to New York City’s Financial District.