Apparatus Room Server Assistant/Food Runner (AM) PT

Server Assistant/ Food Runner Position

Reports to: Restaurant Manager, Position is Non-Exempt

Who We Are: Hotels done differently. It's not just a slogan or catchphrase, it is who we are in everything we do. We believe in the power of People, Place and Character; ensuring our properties are a place where individuals are valued and celebrated as a tribute to the neighborhoods and the people of the communities in which we operate; elevating our associates' pride in who they are, where they live and who we serve. The Detroit Foundation Hotel has transformed the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters into a 100 room independent hotel that adds another piece to the ongoing Detroit renaissance puzzle. The hotel draws on the Motor City's unparalleled past while proactively moving the city to its next incarnation as a national cultural, business and artistic touch-point. Featuring an inviting ground-floor restaurant, The Apparatus Room, the hotel partners with local distillers, brewers, farmers and other edible sundry purveyors to deliver an authentic Detroit experience. The hotel is managed by Aparium, which was founded in 2011, driven by the belief that all hospitality experiences should be fueled by the poetics of their surroundings. Since its founding, Aparium has grown into a new kind of hotel brand, one that ventures off the beaten path, both geographically and philosophically. It is a sophisticated hotel brand known for its singular ability to combine the business acumen of large hospitality companies with the charm of boutique hotels, bringing disparate forces together in bustling, smaller markets.

Who You Are: Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art + science to the how and what a hospitality professional is responsible for. Enjoying new food and beverage experiences is part of your identity, and you know what it is to have a great restaurant experience. You delight in the smiles you share and the positive experiences that you create. You are probably known to your friends and family as a planner and enjoy organizing people or just about anything. You feel comfortable when things get busy, and you must make smart, in-the-moment decisions, as it is just natural for you to do so. Above all, it is your mission to spread joy to all you encounter.

The Role

The Restaurant Server Assistant/ Food Runner reports to the F&B Managers and works in a team environment with other F&B professionals, including barbacks, bartenders, servers, dishwashers, cooks, and chefs. It is critical the person in this position possess a background and knowledge in basic service techniques and has a natural ability to manage time and assist customers. As the Server Assistant/ Food Runner you will be responsible for creating memorable guest experiences. All our service team members are expected to be reliable and responsible. You will arrive changed, polished and mentally ready to work on time. We put an emphasis on treating each other just like we treat our guests, sharing a smile, a helping hand, and a willingness to jump in to assist in any situation. You will also actively develop trusting and transparent relationships with your peers on the service team and other associates of the hotel. As a team member within Aparium Hotel Group you will work with a phenomenal group of peers who insist that you are collaborative, humble, experienced, and open-minded – no egos are allowed.

What You Will Do

• Deliver exceptional service consistently
• Follow service guidelines
• Clean, set and re-set tables continuously, assuming responsibility for station, tables, and side duties.
• Be able to thoroughly explain menu items and make recommendations
• Serve water, bread and coffee
• Stack trays properly for efficient unloading for stewarding and ensure proper safety standards at all times.
• Perform set up duties as requested to include side stations, storage areas and food staging area.
• Fold napkins for meal period to maintain an adequate supply.
• Help in all other food and beverage departments when needed
• Answer telephone promptly and properly being polite, courteous, and friendly
• Offer guests an enjoyable, expertly served beverage/dining experience conforming to guidelines of excellence for quality, professionalism, and friendliness
• Anticipate and service of guest's needs
• Serve and clear food and beverage items in an unobtrusive and professional manner
• Be familiar with the menus, including preparation, ingredients, and description
• Be familiar with the wine list and in wine and beverage service including stemware used
• Complete opening and closing side work as assigned and have all tables set according to standard
• Present menus and explanations for all menu items as well as specials of the day
• Utilize the hotel's computer system ringing up sales, printing checks, closing checks, and completing closing readings
• Carry trays, bus, and reset tables with linen, china, glass, and silver
• Ascertain a guest's satisfaction and handle any problem which may arise informing a manager of the problem and how it was resolved
• Recognize and address potential intoxicated, disruptive, or undesirable guests
• Stock linen, china, silver, and glassware for service
• Ensure all silver equipment is in good condition and polished
• Install buffets and brunch tables as well as set-up of food items and displays
• Maintain and retrieve all food items from the kitchen and attractively and safely transport them to an outlet
• Work closely and communicate with the kitchen associates
• Assist in table side service
• Serve any dishes to guests while explaining the contents and preparation
• Properly clear and crumb tables according
• Offer coffee or tea and serve any requested
• Breakdown any buffets, displays or side stations when needed
• Greet each guest promptly, courteously, graciously with eye contact, a smile and good posture
• Recognize regular guests and to greet them by their name
• Make the guest feel comfortable and at ease in his/her room (Room Service)
• Keep accurate control of guest checks, credit vouchers, currency and posting procedures
• Record all guest charges, gratuities, and cash transactions accurately
• Set up orders on trays and tables and transport them to guest floors and rooms.
• Remove trays and tables from guest rooms and corridors
• Handle "Do Not Disturb" rooms (i.e. guest does not answer, or the wrong items were delivered or items that were forgotten)
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times to reflect the hotel high standards
• Maintain a good working relationship with other associates
• Respond properly in any hotel emergency or safety situation
• Move chairs and tables

What You Will Need

• Good reading, writing and oral proficiency in the English language
• Must have a high school education or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years of food and beverage experience
• Able to work well unsupervised
• Able to work alone without direct supervision
• Demonstrate high degree of drive and determination
• Constantly recommend service and product improvement to better the operation
• Keep the work area clean and tidy at all times
• Attend all required meetings
• Follow proper payroll and uniform procedures
• Properly handle and report associate and guest accidents
• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all hotel and departmental polices/service procedures/standards
• Assist with responsibilities and duties in other departments and as assigned by management
• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, associates may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel
• Maintain a good working relationship with other associates by promoting teamwork and fostering a harmonious working climate
• Partake in a positive work ethic and surrounding environment

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, and a sense of belonging for all associates. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, and where they come from and take pride in who we serve. Aparium is an E-Verify employer.