The Oak - Server

Ojai Valley Inn•Ojai, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oak Server is responsible for providing exemplary service at the Ojai Valley Inn, specifically surrounding the Oak Restaurant. Duties include hosting/welcoming guests and seating, taking drink and food orders, wine service, water service, clearing and resetting tables, and working with a team of other associates to ensure that all guests' needs and expectations are met. The Oak Server is ideally positioned to enhance the guest experience and plays an essential role in the resort’s goal of exceeding high guest expectations. This role requires remaining constantly aware of the restaurant’s environment, engaging with guests, anticipating their needs, and taking initiative to improve their experience. The Oak Server is to follow all luxury standards, correctly ring in orders to ensure correct billing, and manage the breakdown/reset of dining areas after times of service.

Requirements

One year in a restaurant environment.
Possess a positive, outgoing, and friendly personality.
Ability to follow the OVI standards of Presentation.
Ability to follow the OVI standards of Body Language.
Ability to follow the OVI standards of Verbiage.
Ability to work cohesively with other employees as part of a team.
High school graduate.
Reading, writing, and oral proficiency in the English Language.
Ability to work a flexible work week including weekends and holidays.
Excellent people skills.
Ability to communicate in English with guest/visitors, vendors, media/publication contacts, community contacts, industry contacts, management and co-workers to their understanding.
Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
Verbal and writing skills.
Ability to work productively with other operating departments.
Ability to handle obstacles in a positive and professional manner, and to effectively communicate these problems, along with suggested solutions to the Manager.
Maintain professional appearance, behavior, integrity, and openness to employees and guests.
Ability to prioritize and organize work assignments.
Ability to follow directions.
Be active in the role of safety and security.
Be cognizant of all emergency-reporting procedures.
Ability to be a clear thinker, analyze and resolve problems exercising good judgment.
Ability to focus attention to details.
Ability to remain calm and courteous in demanding and difficult customer situations.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and have a flexible schedule when business requires.
Knowledge of the OVI’s philosophy and practices.
Ability to provide clear and pleasant telephone communication to all callers.
Knowledge of hotel’s standards, policies and procedures.
Ability to work cohesively with other departments as part of a team.
Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality of all guests and pertinent Inn information.

Responsibilities

Host/welcome guests and seat them.
Take drink and food orders.
Provide wine and water service.
Clear and reset tables.
Work with a team to ensure guest needs and expectations are met.
Enhance the guest experience.
Remain aware of the restaurant’s environment.
Engage with guests and anticipate their needs.
Take initiative to improve the guest experience.
Follow all luxury standards.
Correctly ring in orders for accurate billing.
Breakdown and reset dining areas after service.
Set up Mise en Place (follow checklist, clean menus, have server book and pens ready).
Ensure all areas are prepped for the day (for openers).
Take pride and ownership of the assigned station.
Proof the assigned station and coordinate with coworkers, bussers, and managers.
Always have "tools of the trade" on their person during shift.
Maintain a neat, clean, and organized environment in the hut, server stations, and Back of House areas.
Practice a "clean as you go" philosophy.
Be on the floor taking care of guests, not standing in the wait station, hut, or outside talking.
Greet guests in an upbeat and professional manner, introduce yourself, and utilize information given by the host.
Speak in a calm, unrushed manner to reflect a fine dining environment.
Confirm the number of people in the party, highlight the reservation name, and identify the host.
Inform the guest of their assigned server’s name.
Wish the guest a pleasant day before departing (if applicable).
Pass on any applicable special request information to the assigned Server (if applicable).
Approach the table within 1 minute of the guest being seated or coordinate with a server assistant to greet the guest.
Acknowledge guests if unable to greet within 1 minute.
Greet all parties by name before taking orders.
Smile, make eye contact, and speak in a pleasant, calm voice when approaching the guest’s table.
Use the guest’s name frequently during conversation.
Give a brief overview of the menu selections.
Describe daily specials from memory in an elegant manner.
Acknowledge dietary restrictions and allergies before taking a food order.
Write down the order onto their Captain’s Pad.
Suggest an alcoholic beverage first.
Inquire about the guest’s choice of beverage.
Ask for the guest’s appetizer order.
Ask for the guest’s choice of main course.
Secure all temperatures and applicable modifiers when taking the order.
Memorize favorite menu items and be able to passionately explain why they are favorites, recommending them to guests.
Memorize favorite draft beers and wines along with optimal food pairings and be able to passionately explain why they are favorites.
Gently suggest a draft beer or glass of wine that pairs well with their entrée if the guest only orders soft drinks.
Confirm the order by reading the entire order back to the guest.
Wait for the guest to confirm the order before proceeding.
Thank the guest(s) before departing.
Enter the appropriate number of guests into the POS system when prompted for "Covers".
Ring in the order by course into the POS system.
Arrive with beverages within 7 minutes of ordering and serve them from the right, ensuring ladies are served first.
Treat their entire station as one table and serve them in one cycle of service.
Remain professional and efficient at all times during service.
Always serve from the right, clear from the right, and pass from the left.
Always serve the ladies first.
Ensure the first course arrives within 8 minutes of ordering.
Pass any sauces and offer fresh ground pepper from the left, when applicable.
Remove any soiled/empty dishes and cups before the food is served.
Ensure no more than 10 minutes between the removal of one course and the arrival of the next.
Notify the Manager immediately if the order is taking too long.
Offer fresh beverages when previous ones are 2/3rds empty during the meal.
Ensure bottomless beverages never become empty and remain full until the guest departs.
Promptly remove empty beverage glasses and cans.
Promptly remove table trash.
Periodically check during the meal that everything is prepared to the guest’s satisfaction and ask if they need anything further.
Remove all food plates, flatware, empty beverage glasses, and food condiments after all guests have finished their main course.
Ensure only beverages being consumed remain after the main course.
Attempt to sell desserts to every table.
Deliver the dessert within 5 minutes of ordering.
Clear the table of all used and unnecessary items once guests have finished all courses, leaving only beverages being consumed.
Offer coffee, tea, or after-dinner beverages to coincide with the dessert course.
Inquire about any additional offerings before presenting the check.
Write the guest’s last name on the “Print Name” line of the check and present the bill promptly.
Ask the guest if they will be signing their bill to their room when presenting the check.
If the guest is signing to their room, ask them to sign their name and print their room number on the check.
Wish the guests a fond farewell before they depart and ensure proper close-out of the check.
Ensure the tender amount is correct, discounts are properly authorized and documented, F&B comps are signed by the MOD, all void reasons are logged and signed by the MOD, and the tip is entered correctly.
Ensure the appearance of their station before leaving.
Complete closing Side Work duties daily and check out with MOD.
Demonstrate knowledge of The Ojai Valley’s practices, culture, terminology, organizational structure, and general philosophy, portraying it in professional appearance, behavior, integrity, openness, and accessibility.
Maintain a friendly yet unobtrusive manner with all guests throughout their dining experience.
Promote teamwork and foster a harmonious working climate.
Recognize and address potential intoxicated, disruptive, or undesirable guests.
Properly handle and report employee guest accidents.
Respond properly to any hotel emergency or safety situation.
Perform other tasks or projects as assigned by the supervisor, manager, or resort management.