Sommelier

COQODAQ•New York, NY

About The Position

COQODAQ, a fried chicken concept from Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, is seeking a Sommelier. Gracious Hospitality Management creates Michelin-starred and James Beard-nominated restaurants and is committed to exceptional hospitality and service. The Sommelier oversees the wine list and wine service, recommends wines and beverages, and contributes to the complete customer experience, including greetings, menu sales, table maintenance, customer satisfaction, and farewells. The role includes providing knowledgeable wine recommendations, overseeing wine service and storage, training team members, maintaining wine inventory, assisting with wine-list updates under the Wine Manager’s supervision, and completing related administrative tasks. The Sommelier also supports general restaurant service, handles customer concerns, and upholds company standards for hospitality, professionalism, safety, cleanliness, and sanitation. The position requires a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The posted New York pay range is $17–$17 USD. Benefits vary by full-time or part-time status.

Requirements

Ability to read, speak, and understand English, and follow written and verbal instructions.
Must be reachable by email and able to communicate by phone.
Effective communication, strong organization, and attention to detail.
Positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality.
Ability to perform duties professionally and maintain composure in a fast-paced, stressful environment.
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local Department of Health standards.
Food Handler’s Certification, or ability to obtain it as required by regulations or company policy.
Flexible availability to accommodate business levels, including nights, weekends, and holidays; reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs will be endeavored.
Must be of legal age to serve alcohol.
Responsible alcohol-service certification, or ability to obtain it within six months.
Familiarity with restaurant management software, including point-of-sale, reservation-management, and inventory-management systems, as well as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Ability to execute the steps of service in accordance with company policy.
Excellent interpersonal, customer-service, and communication skills with management and teammates.
Able to exert well-paced mobility for up to 12 hours per day and at least 60 hours per week.
Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Frequently able to stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, push, pull, kneel, and use stairs, often while carrying heavy items; occasionally crouch and climb.
Able to work around hazards including burns, cuts, and scrapes, with frequent hand exposure to water.
Able to withstand temperature fluctuations from high heat to below freezing.
Able to handle heavy equipment and machinery.

Nice To Haves

WSET Level 3 or higher, or CMS Certified Sommelier pin or higher.

Responsibilities

Provide exceptional service to every customer.
Recommend wines based on customers’ budgets, tastes, and food selections.
Oversee wine service and storage, and train service team members on the wine selection.
Ensure wine is served in appropriate glassware and at the proper temperature.
Maintain strong knowledge of wine and spirits, including regional wine laws, appellations, grape varieties, harvest times, elevation, climate, soil, and fermentation processes.
Learn the COQODAQ wine and food menus and use that knowledge to support sales and the customer experience.
Take and enter orders accurately and communicate service flow with servers, bartenders, and management.
Use point-of-sale systems and other restaurant technology to account for sales.
Address customer complaints or issues positively and notify management when appropriate.
Maintain cleanliness, pre-bus tables when possible, and maintain service tools such as decanters and wine keys.
Report to scheduled shifts on time, in uniform, and ready to work.
Assist other restaurant stations or areas when requested by management.
Train new employees as assigned.
Inspect incoming orders and invoices for accuracy and ensure products are undamaged and correctly shipped.
Stock and organize wine inventory.
Update the wine list under the Wine Manager’s supervision.
Assist with inventory, cellar maintenance, and other organizational and administrative tasks as directed by the Wine Manager.
Demonstrate knowledge of COQODAQ’s brand, culture, and products, and uphold the company’s core values.
Maintain professional and respectful conduct, follow grooming standards and company policies, attend meetings and training, and care for company property.
Maintain safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations.