Full-Time Che Figata Lead Server
About The Position
Nestled among the premier dining outlets connected to Hotel Arista, Che Figata delivers an unforgettable Italian dining experience with an open kitchen, food bar, brick oven, fresh-made pastas, living herb wall, and a vibrant Italian market. At Che Figata, we bring Italy to Table—celebrating the authenticity and simplicity of classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Every dish begins with the freshest ingredients, crafted from scratch with passion and precision. We don’t just serve meals—we share our love for Italian food, wine, and culture. Be part of something bold, fresh, and full of flavor. Join the team where every day is “Totally Awesome!” Our Lead Servers play a critical role in delivering elevated dining experiences by combining polished, attentive service with deep knowledge of Italian cuisine and fine wine. This position not only sets the standard for exceptional guest service but also provides leadership and training to fellow team members. Lead Servers are responsible for serving guests efficiently and graciously, while demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of our food and beverage menus to create personalized, memorable experiences.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent education
- Previous training in liquor, wine, and food service
- Naperville & Illinois BASSET certification is required
- Illinois Food Handler Certification is required
- Prior completion of a formal wine training program (sommelier or WSET)
- 3 -5 Years of upscale dining experience in a similar restaurant or hotel environment.
- A strong understanding of luxury service standards.
- Previous working experience with Micros Simphony POS.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with a guest-first mindset.
- Advanced wine knowledge and passion, experience working with Italian wines
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
- Experience using POS systems and basic administrative functions (e.g., shift reports, guest notes).
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
- Ability to train and coach others.
- Neat and clean appearance.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Must have problem solving abilities, and the ability to compute basic arithmetic.
- Must have a flexible schedule and be available to work nights weekends, and holidays.
- Must be able to walk and stand for up to 8 hours a day, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, and stretch to fulfill job duties
- Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs regularly, and up to 50 pounds on occasion.
Nice To Haves
- Prior completion of a formal wine training program (sommelier or WSET)
Responsibilities
- Completes all opening, closing, and running side work.
- Attends all pre-shift meetings. Leads pre-shift meetings with the team upon request.
- Delivers exceptional, intuitive service to guests in alignment with restaurant standards. Provides VIP guests with personalized service and attention to detail of their needs.
- Guides guests through the menu with confident knowledge of Italian cuisine, chef specialties, seasonal offerings, and wine pairings.
- Maintains expert-level knowledge of the restaurant’s award-winning wine list, assisting with recommendations and pairing selections.
- Oversees daily floor operations and act as point of contact for all front-of-house service matters during the assigned shifts.
- Supports and mentors servers, ensuring consistent service standards, pacing, and professionalism.
- Communicates effectively with kitchen and management teams to ensure seamless service flow.
- Upholds restaurant ambiance and cleanliness, ensuring all settings meet luxury brand expectations. Sets up tables according to Che Figata standards of service.
- Handles guest concerns or service recovery situations with grace and urgency.
- Assists with server training, onboarding, and continuing education, especially regarding wine knowledge and upselling techniques.
- Follows safety and sanitation policies
- Abides by all requirements pertaining to the sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Understands applicable emergency procedure and evacuations.
- Collects and reports tips at the end of the assigned shift.
- Ensures checks are presented to guests in a timely manner and payment is obtained, reporting any difficulties to management.
- Settles-up with management at the end of each shift providing a detailed POS report from the system including cash due as per the report as well as approved vouchers for any comps or house charges.
- Understands and follows all cash handling rules and regulations.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Major Medical Plans, Dental and Vision Insurance - single or family options available at employee’s election
- Basic Life & AD&D - 100% employer paid
- Short-Term Disability - 100% employer paid
- Supplemental Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident and Disability – single or family options available at employee’s election
- 401(k) Plan & Matching Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Leave Time (up to 40 hours/year)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 9 Paid Holidays/Year
- Paid Jury Duty Time
- Paid Bereavement for immediate family members
- Partially-Paid Parental Leave
- Hotel/Restaurant Discounts
- Pet Insurance
- Incentive Programs
- $250 signing bonus
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
