Support Staff - Novo

Novo Restaurant•San Luis Obispo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Novo Restaurant & Lounge is currently hiring Support Staff with SUMMER/FALL availability to join our team! Please complete the application if you are interested, and please include your work availability. We look forward to hearing from you! About the Company: Novo Restaurant has become known as a favorite for both locals and visitors alike due to its beautiful creekside ambiance, friendly service and eclectic and creative menu. We are a small, dedicated team of selfless, authentic individuals bonded by a passion for quality and an unshakeable work ethic. Above all else, we care. We are committed to supporting locality and sustainability whenever possible and harbor a genuine desire to nurture humankind through the shared experience of food, drink and atmosphere.

Requirements

Must have or be able to attain a valid California Food Handlers card
Valid California Sexual Harassment Prevention Certificate
Strong ability to juggle multiple tasks with grace and efficiency
Maintain a cool, calm and collected demeanor when under pressure
Demonstrates the ability to adapt to the varying flow of a fast paced environment
Must have the high level of integrity and strong eye for detail necessary to maintain high standards of excellence in all aspects of the job
Communicates clearly and effectively, ensuring that information is relayed accurately and comprehensively
Self-motivation to complete tasks and to seek out projects
Strong sense of urgency and speed in all duties
Flexible working hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays, when necessary
Coachability: Willing to learn and take direction from managers/supervisors
Positive attitude and willingness to contribute to the restaurant's overall success
Willingness to contribute to a cohesive team in a supportive manner
Ability to adhere to attire and uniform standards, including high standards for personal hygiene and sanitation
High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time up to 8 hours)
Must be able to occasionally lift, balance, and move equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
Must be able to perform in a fast paced, busy environment with attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a full service, upscale restaurant is preferred
Genuine joy for the hospitality/restaurant industry
Spanish speaking is a plus

Responsibilities

Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Novo's operations, including operational hours, menus, promotions, events, and managerial contacts, as well as awareness of sister restaurants' activities.
Thoroughly bus, reset, and inspect tables to ensure they are clean, properly arranged, and ready for the next guests (mise en place)
Assist servers with pre-bussing tables in between courses using proper bussing and plate stacking technique and set tables with a sense of urgency and attention to detail
Help set up and break down tables, chairs, and equipment for special events or large parties, and assist in other areas of the restaurant as needed
Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper food handling and sanitation practices
Work quietly with minimal guest disruption when going about your tasks
Exercise care for company assets by stacking and placing items properly and protecting table tops from scratches to minimize damage and loss
Serve and refill water for guests, keeping a pleasant demeanor and using proper, sanitary glassware handling techniques
Commit to a culture of cleanliness. Pick up items from the ground, clean dirty areas, and regularly check and restock restrooms. Keep bus carts, service stations, high chairs, and booster seats organized and clean
Always keep busy. Move throughout the restaurant or assigned section to look for opportunities to support team members and enhance guest service
Move quickly, especially during rushes, as the restaurant relies on your speed
Communicate any issues, special requests, order modifications, or guest concerns promptly to the manager on duty
Follow proper linen organization by keeping clean linens off the ground, folding unused cloths correctly at closing, and keeping a stocked and organized linen area
Greet all guests with eye contact and a smile when serving water, and always be aware of their needs
Complete all opening, sidework, and closing tasks as assigned in checklists diligently to contribute to the smooth operation of the restaurant
Warmly greet guests to the restaurant, whether in person or over the phone
Seat tables as directed by Lead Host (if present) or FOH on-duty manager to designated table numbers, present the guests with menus, and tell the assigned server that a table has been seated in their section
Manage seating to optimize capacity, attend to guest needs, and distribute tables evenly among servers
Ensure that the floor is running smoothly by making seating decisions as needed to provide remarkable service to each table
Effectively handle reservations and walk-ins, accommodating special requests and managing waitlists and table turn times
Assign tables efficiently, update reservation statuses promptly, and utilize dining areas effectively
Check reservations for notes, special occasions and large parties. Communicate any special arrangements (cake needing to be held in walk-in, severe allergies) to servers and managers as needed to provide a remarkable experience for the guest
Communicate any issues (extended wait times, cancellations, etc.) or reports of guest dissatisfaction promptly to the FOH manager on duty
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the front area of the restaurant at all times. This includes menus, promotional material, kids' coloring sheets, etc.
Take accurate phone messages or transfer lines to appropriate extensions
Assist bussing and resetting tables promptly for reseating, pre-busing empty glassware and flatware, and assisting guests when necessary
Make sure food orders are accurate and of top quality. Sort and deliver food efficiently according to ticket instructions, and provide informative descriptions of menu items upon delivery
Communicates clearly and positively with both kitchen and service staff, as well as with guests to help facilitate smooth operations
Keep management and servers informed about any menu changes throughout the shift, including items that are no longer available ("86ed") and countdowns for dishes
Notify servers when you need assistance with food pick up or delivery
Set up/break down your station in a thorough and timely manner to set yourself and others up for success
Assist with light food preparation tasks such as soup and garnish preparation, grains, and preparing plates for service
Actively promote a supportive and collaborative work environment with your team
Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and organization at your workstation, keeping it fully stocked with supplies throughout service hours to deliver consistent quality
Monitor food quality and presentation standards closely throughout your shift to maintain the restaurant's reputation for excellence
Backwait for server when delivering food to their tables by taking care of any immediate guest needs before departing
Relay guest feedback and pertinent information promptly to servers and/or management to support their ability to provide exceptional service
Be proactive in enhancing the guest experience and supporting your team, especially during quieter times, by helping with cleaning, bussing, and sidework tasks