RESTAURANT SERVER

Benefits:

401(k)

Employee discounts

Paid time off

APPLEBEE’S RESTAURANT SERVER

Applebee’s Restaurant Matteson IL

Department: Food & Beverage Reports To: Food & Beverage Manager / Director of Food & Beverage Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Hourly Rate: $9.25 per hour + tips Schedule: Shifts scheduled between 11:00 AM–12:00 AM Availability: Open and Flexible, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

POSITION SUMMARY

The Applebee’s Restaurant Server is responsible for providing professional, attentive, and efficient table service to hotel guests and restaurant customers during lunch and dinner operations.

The Server plays a critical role in creating an exceptional dining experience and is expected to consistently demonstrate Applebee’s service standards while supporting the hospitality culture and guest service expectations of the Marriott-branded hotel.

The successful candidate must be energetic, dependable, personable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment. The Server must be able to effectively manage multiple tables, accurately communicate orders, maintain appropriate service pacing, and anticipate guest needs throughout the dining experience.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

GUEST SERVICE

Greet every guest promptly with a warm, professional, and welcoming attitude.

Provide attentive and knowledgeable table service throughout the guest's visit.

Accurately explain menu items, ingredients, beverages, specials, and promotions.

Take accurate food and beverage orders.

Enter orders correctly into the POS system.

Deliver food and beverages promptly and accurately.

Follow up with guests after food delivery to ensure satisfaction.

Anticipate guest needs and respond quickly to requests.

Maintain appropriate table visits and service pacing.

Address guest concerns professionally and notify management when necessary.

Thank guests for dining with us and invite them to return.

Create a positive dining experience for both local customers and hotel guests.

FOOD & BEVERAGE KNOWLEDGE

Maintain strong knowledge of the Applebee’s menu and current offerings.

Understand menu ingredients, preparation methods, allergens, modifications, and substitutions.

Maintain knowledge of beverage offerings, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Accurately communicate guest dietary restrictions and special requests to the kitchen.

Verify food accuracy and presentation before delivering orders.

Never guess when answering a guest's question about food, ingredients, or allergens—seek clarification from management or the culinary team.

LUNCH & DINNER OPERATIONS

Be fully prepared and ready to work at the scheduled start time.

Maintain service standards during lunch, dinner, and peak business periods.

Effectively manage multiple tables while maintaining attentive service.

Monitor ticket times and communicate delays to management and guests.

Coordinate effectively with culinary and bar teams.

Assist with restaurant opening, ongoing service, and closing procedures as assigned.

Maintain awareness of restaurant occupancy, reservations, special events, and large parties.

Support banquet and hotel F&B operations when directed by management.

MARRIOTT SERVICE CULTURE

Because Applebee’s operates within a Marriott-branded hotel, all Servers are expected to understand and demonstrate Marriott hospitality standards.

Treat every guest with professionalism, courtesy, and genuine hospitality.

Create a welcoming experience for hotel guests and restaurant customers.

Anticipate guest needs rather than waiting for guests to ask.

Demonstrate urgency while maintaining quality and attentiveness.

Maintain professional communication at all times.

Participate in appropriate service recovery.

Immediately involve management when a guest concern requires additional assistance.

Understand that every interaction contributes to the overall hotel guest experience.

TABLE & RESTAURANT MAINTENANCE

Keep assigned tables clean, organized, and properly set.

Clear and reset tables promptly.

Maintain cleanliness throughout the dining room.

Monitor floors, chairs, menus, condiment stations, and service areas.

Restock silverware, napkins, condiments, and other service supplies.

Assist with restaurant opening and closing cleaning duties.

Maintain clean and organized server stations.

Follow all food safety and sanitation requirements.

Report maintenance, cleanliness, or safety concerns immediately.

TEAMWORK

Work effectively with servers, hosts, bartenders, culinary team members, managers, and hotel departments.

Communicate clearly and professionally with the kitchen and bar.

Assist fellow team members during high-volume periods.

Support other restaurant positions when needed.

Maintain a positive and respectful relationship with coworkers.

Participate in required meetings, training, and service initiatives.

Follow direction from restaurant and hotel leadership.

CASH & POS RESPONSIBILITIES

Accurately operate the restaurant POS system.

Enter orders accurately and promptly.

Process guest checks correctly.

Handle cash and credit card transactions responsibly.

Ensure checks are properly closed and payments are accurately processed.

Follow all company cash-handling procedures.

Maintain awareness of assigned guest checks and tables.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All Applebee’s Servers are expected to:

Maintain a professional appearance and appropriate grooming at all times.

Wear the required uniform and maintain a clean, professional appearance.

Remain attentive, engaged, and visible while on duty.

Personal cell phone use is not permitted while working, except when authorized by management.

Maintain a clean and organized workstation.

Demonstrate respect toward guests, coworkers, and leadership.

Maintain a positive and professional attitude.

Take ownership of guest service and assigned responsibilities.

Follow Applebee’s, Marriott, hotel, company, food safety, and sanitation policies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous restaurant serving experience preferred.

Hotel or hospitality experience preferred.

Previous full-service restaurant experience strongly preferred.

Strong customer service and communication skills.

Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Ability to manage multiple tables and priorities simultaneously.

Ability to accurately operate a POS system.

Strong food and beverage knowledge.

Dependable and punctual.

Professional appearance and demeanor.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Ability to safely lift and carry trays and restaurant items.

SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY

Shifts are scheduled between 11:00 AM and 12:00 AM.

The successful candidate must have reliable availability to work lunch and/or dinner shifts based on restaurant business needs.

Open and flexible availability is required, including:

Lunch shifts

Dinner shifts

Evening shifts

Weekend shifts

Holidays

High-occupancy periods

Special events

Large parties and group functions

Closing shifts as scheduled

Schedule adjustments based on business demands

Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.

COMPENSATION

$9.25 per hour + tips

Tip earnings may vary based on restaurant sales, guest volume, and other factors.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Success in this position will be measured by:

Guest satisfaction.

Quality and speed of service.

Order accuracy.

Food and beverage delivery times.

Menu and product knowledge.

Table cleanliness and restaurant presentation.

Positive guest interactions.

Professional appearance and conduct.

Attendance and punctuality.

Teamwork and communication.

Compliance with Applebee’s and Marriott service expectations.

Ability to consistently deliver an exceptional guest experience.

OUR EXPECTATION

Our Servers are the face of the restaurant and play a critical role in the guest experience.

We are looking for individuals who understand that excellent service goes beyond taking an order. The ideal Server is attentive, knowledgeable, professional, energetic, and genuinely committed to hospitality.

Every guest should leave feeling welcomed, valued, and confident that their dining experience was exceptional.