Captain / Lead Server

Captain / Lead Server

Te No Te is a new walk-in friendly Japanese handroll, grill, and drinks concept operating inside Aozora. The menu will focus on hand rolls, small bites, hot sets, Japanese drinks, sake, shochu, mocktails, tea, coffee, and seasonal market specials.

We are building a polished but approachable experience for after-work guests, locals, tourists, farmers market traffic, and guests looking for a lower-commitment alternative to omakase.

Role Overview

The Service Lead / Bartender will help lead the guest-facing side of the concept during launch. This role combines bartending, service leadership, walk-in management, menu guidance, and nightly operating feedback.

This is a hands-on launch role in a small, cross-trained team. The right person is warm, organized, calm under pressure, and comfortable helping shape a new concept from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests and explain the concept clearly
• Manage walk-ins, bar seating, and guest pacing
• Prepare and serve sake, wine, beer, mocktails, tea, coffee, and shochu-based drinks where permitted
• Support beverage sales and guest recommendations
• Use Toast accurately for Bar Food, Bar Drinks, and related categories
• Communicate clearly with kitchen and handroll station
• Maintain clean bar setup, glassware, tools, and service standards
• Support opening and closing checklists
• Track guest feedback, service issues, and menu notes
• Help train new FOH staff as the concept grows
• Support the broader operation where needed during service
• Protect a polished but approachable guest experience

Ideal Candidate

• Bartending or beverage service experience required
• Full-time availability preferred
• Evening and weekend availability required
• Strong hospitality instincts
• Comfortable with Japanese food, sake, wine, tea, or willingness to learn
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Able to lead without being rigid
• Comfortable with a launch environment
• Strong communication with kitchen, sushi station, and management
• NYC restaurant experience preferred

Compensation

$11.50/hour tip credit rate, plus tip share.

Schedule

Full-time preferred. Evening and weekend availability required.