Server Assistant

POSITION

Server Assistant

ABOUT THE LAKE:

The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.

ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina.

SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:

At The Lake, dining is at the heart of the member experience. Every meal should feel thoughtful, personalized, and memorable, combining genuine hospitality with seamless teamwork and attention to detail. The Server Assistant plays an essential role in creating an effortless dining experience by anticipating operational needs and supporting the service team with precision and care.

Team members are expected to uphold standards of service that are:

Detail-oriented and highly personalized

Professional, warm, and intuitive

Refined yet approachable

Consistent in quality while flexible to individual needs

Every interaction—from preparing the dining room before service to supporting guests throughout their meal—should reflect a seamless and elevated dining experience.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Server Assistant is responsible for supporting the service team to ensure exceptional dining experiences for members and guests. This role maintains the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of the dining room while assisting servers with food delivery, table maintenance, and guest requests.

The ideal candidate is energetic, attentive, and team-oriented, with a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for hospitality. This position is ideal for individuals seeking to build a career in luxury food and beverage service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Member & Guest Experience

Support servers in delivering warm, attentive, and personalized service throughout the dining experience.

Anticipate member and guest needs by maintaining clean, organized, and properly set tables.

Refill water, clear plates, reset tables, and assist with guest requests promptly and professionally.

Ensure every dining area remains polished, welcoming, and guest-ready throughout service.

Service Support & Execution

Deliver food accurately and efficiently while maintaining presentation standards.

Assist servers in coordinating the timing of food and beverage service.

Maintain service stations with necessary supplies, glassware, flatware, linens, and condiments.

Complete table maintenance throughout the meal, including clearing and resetting as appropriate.

Assist with opening, side work, and closing duties according to established standards.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Work closely with servers, bartenders, hosts, managers, and culinary teams to ensure smooth service execution.

Communicate effectively regarding table status, guest requests, and operational needs.

Support fellow team members during busy periods while maintaining a positive, team-first attitude.

Participate in daily pre-shift meetings and ongoing training sessions.

Operational Excellence

Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining rooms, service stations, storage areas, and back-of-house support spaces.

Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.

Ensure all equipment, china, glassware, and silverware are properly handled and maintained.

Assist with private events, member programming, and special dining experiences as assigned.

Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement

Participate in pre-opening training, service rehearsals, and operational setup.

Learn and execute The Lake's service standards and sequence of service.

Continuously seek opportunities to improve efficiency, teamwork, and the overall member experience.

REPORTS TO:

Restaurant Manager

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

The Lake is seeking candidates who bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine desire to create exceptional hospitality experiences.

Professional Experience:

Previous restaurant, hospitality, hotel, or private club experience preferred but not required.

Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and organization.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift or carry trays, equipment, and supplies.

Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

A positive attitude and willingness to learn luxury service standards.

Core Values Alignment:

• Drive
• Empathy
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Positive Attitude

COMPENSATION:

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes competitive hourly wages, gratuities where applicable, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer.

START DATE:

Fall 2026

LOCATION:

Chicago, IL