Waitress (Server/Cocktail Waitress)

SERVER - WAITRESS
Darlin’ | Henderson Ave | HattenLuke Hospitality Group

Position Summary:

Darlin’ is hiring Servers who genuinely love taking care of others. This role is for someone who understands that service is not just taking orders and dropping plates. It is reading the table, guiding the guest, knowing the menu, moving with purpose, and making every person feel seen without hovering like a haunted chandelier.

The Server is responsible for delivering a polished, warm, and memorable guest experience through strong menu knowledge, thoughtful hospitality, charm, teamwork, and consistent execution of Darlin’s steps of service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcome guests with warmth, confidence, and genuine hospitality.
• Guide each table through the Darlin’ experience with charm, professionalism, and care.
• Follow and prioritize all steps of service.
• Know the food, cocktail, wine, and beverage menus in detail.
• Confidently describe menu items, ingredients, flavor profiles, allergens, and pairing suggestions.
• Take accurate food and beverage orders.
• Communicate clearly with bartenders, kitchen, hosts, bussers, barbacks, and managers.
• Maintain awareness of all tables, not just assigned guests.
• Anticipate guest needs before being asked.
• Refill water, clear plates, mark tables, reset silverware, and support the flow of service.
• Deliver food and drinks accurately and with proper presentation.
• Handle guest concerns with calm, urgency, and manager involvement when needed.
• Maintain clean, organized service stations and guest areas.
• Complete opening, running, and closing side work.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and cash handling standards.
• Help teammates during busy service and contribute to a strong floor culture.

What We’re Looking For:

• Someone who truly enjoys taking care of others.
• Warm, charming, polished, and guest-focused.
• Strong communication skills.
• Team-oriented and willing to help wherever needed.
• Able to prioritize multiple guests and tasks at once.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable learning and speaking confidently about food, cocktails, wine, and specials.
• Able to follow steps of service with consistency.
• Fast, aware, and calm under pressure.
• Reliable, punctual, and professional.
• Available nights, weekends, holidays, and high-volume shifts.
• Hospitality-first mindset where every guest feels like a priority.

Our Values: G.U.E.S.T. FIRST

At Darlin’, we operate through G.U.E.S.T. FIRST: Go Big, Uplift, Ethical, Strive, Take Action, and First to show up, first to care.

For Servers, this means every guest matters, every table matters, and every teammate matters. The best Servers do not just work their section. They help create the room.

Handbook-Aligned Expectations:

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your shift and be ready to work on time.
• Follow manager instructions and maintain professional conduct.
• Maintain a clean, polished, professional appearance.
• Follow all uniform and grooming standards.
• Follow responsible alcohol service standards and TABC guidelines.
• Use proper communication with guests and team members.
• Handle guest complaints with care and immediately involve a manager.
• Maintain sanitation standards and keep work areas clean.
• Report spills, broken glass, guest concerns, safety hazards, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Protect company recipes, procedures, systems, and confidential information.

Steps of Service Focus:

Servers are expected to understand, practice, and prioritize Darlin’s steps of service, including:

• Warm greeting and first impression.
• Water and beverage guidance.
• Menu introduction and recommendations.
• Accurate order taking.
• Timely communication with bar and kitchen.
• Table maintenance throughout the experience.
• Check-back after food and drinks are delivered.
• Clearing and resetting with awareness.
• Dessert, final drink, or closing recommendation.
• Warm farewell and invitation to return.

Menu Knowledge Expectations:

Servers are expected to learn and confidently speak about:

• Food menu ingredients and preparation.
• Cocktail ingredients, style, and flavor profiles.
• Wine options and basic pairing suggestions.
• Beer, non-alcoholic, and mocktail offerings.
• Specials, limited items, and unavailable items.
• Common allergens and dietary modifications.
• Darlin’s overall feel, energy, and guest experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and walk for long periods.
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 35 lbs as needed.
• Carry trays, plates, glassware, and service supplies safely.
• Bend, reach, squat, and move safely around guests and team members.
• Work in a fast-paced, loud, crowded dining room and bar environment.
• Maintain focus and composure during high-volume service.

Compensation:

• Hourly tipped position.
• Training provided.
• Employee meal discount available according to company policy.
• Growth opportunities based on performance, reliability, hospitality, menu knowledge, and leadership potential.
• Full-time position available. Offered after 90-120 days of tenor and good conduct.