Chai Pani D.C. Hiring Servers

Chai Pani sparked a revolution. Named the 2022 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant in America, we’re on a mission to change the perception of Indian cuisine in America. From the pages of The New York Times to Oprah’s Favorite Things, our groundbreaking approach has captured the nation's imagination and its appetite.

"Chai Pani" means tea and water. It’s shorthand for a humble offering of hospitality. For us, it’s about mind-blasting street food and heartfelt service. We’re building connections, honoring tradition, and serving the world through food, love, and care.

Ready to join a team that’s changing the culinary landscape? If you have a passion for extraordinary service and bold flavors, we want you on this journey with us.

Position Summary
As a Server at Chai Pani, you’re not just taking orders — you’re guiding guests through an immersive dining experience. You’ll become an expert in our vibrant, crave-worthy menu and share your enthusiasm for Indian street food with love and care. Your goal is to make every guest feel seen, delighted, and welcomed.

Compensation: $10.00/hr base + Tips (Most team members average $25–$30/hr total)

What This Role Offers

• The chance to work with a James Beard Award–winning restaurant group and chef

• Flexibility, camaraderie, and a culture where your voice matters

• Immersion in a vibrant, storied cuisine and food culture

• Growth, mentorship, and a community that values excellence and care

What You Offer

• A genuine love of hospitality and being of service to others

• An instinct to delight guests

• Some experience in a full-service restaurant

• A growth mindset and commitment to upholding a culture of excellence, love, and care

• A team-first attitude and willingness to go above and beyond

• Openness to learning and sharing our vibrant cuisine with guests

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, dependent care FSA, and supplemental life insurance (full-time)

• Company-paid life insurance (full- and part-time)

• Tip-share program

• Flexible work schedules

• Paid sick days

• Free shift meals

• Employee discounts on merch, Spicewalla products, and all our restaurant locations (Asheville, Charlotte & Atlanta)

• Cash advance program

• Opportunity to apply for our annual staff trip to India after 1 year

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while overseeing service, events, and daily operations.
• Ability to move frequently throughout the restaurant, including FOH, BOH, and non-public areas, as operational needs require.
• Ability to bend, reach, squat, kneel, and climb stairs as necessary to support operational oversight.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis (e.g., assisting with supplies, equipment, or event setup).
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-energy environments that may not be climate-controlled, including kitchens and event spaces.
• Exposure to hot equipment and products such as ovens, grills, fryers, and hot holding equipment.
• Ability to work variable schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
• Ability to maintain focus and sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to safely navigate environments with commercial cleaning chemicals and equipment while following established safety procedures.

Our Mission
Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can — from supporting educational programs in Mumbai, to feeding the homeless with dignity, and within our own walls by offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony.

Join our team and help us build something truly special in D.C.!