Server

Please note that this salary range is accurate as of July 1st, 2024. It reflects our starting rate as well as the compensation for our most senior employees at this time. All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual increases based on performance assessments.

Busboys and Poets is a restaurant/bar/bookstore/event space/community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted and a place to take a deliberate pause and feed your mind, body and soul. It is also a space for art, culture and politics to intentionally collide. We believe that by creating such a space we can inspire social change and begin to transform our community and the world.

We are always looking for passionate, hospitality-driven, people-persons! Do you want to serve delicious food in a diverse space where you truly be yourself? As a server, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment where we want to see you succeed and ultimately grow, both personally and professionally. If this sounds like the vibe you're looking for, we hope you will apply!

Job Type: Variable

Our top servers are making between $25 and $30 an hour with a guarantee that you will never make less than $17.50 per hour. Base pay is $6 an hour + tips!

COMPANY BENEFITS

Busboys and Poets offers competitive pay and benefits including a wide choice of health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match 100% of 4% and 50% of the next 2% of contributions, 1 week sick leave per year, paid parental leave, a company paid life insurance policy, pet insurance and so much more!

WHY WORK FOR US

Join a diverse space:
81% of our total workforce identifies as a person of color, 45% of our total workforce identifies as female and 5% of our workforce identifies as a person with disabilities. Our executive team also represents gender diversity, ethnic diversity, sexual orientation, and more. Men and women equally represented as well as various cultural and religious backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace where you can bring your authentic self to work.

Grow with us:
Over 60% of our managers were promoted from within to their existing role from line staff or from Front-of-House manager to Assistant or General Manager. Our entire Executive Team consists of existing employees who showed promise and were promoted into leadership positions.

Work with latest technologies:
Striving to be a leader in our industry, we utilize a broad spectrum of technologies including our tech forward training program, employee payroll system, a self-managed tip distribution system, an events and catering platform, inventory management system, our POS Toast and much more!

Happy staff:
Busboys and Poets is always looking for the next best way to engage with our staff. This includes raffles, anniversary boxes, an employee dedicated web-based forum and information site, blog and podcast.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Guiding guests through menus while demonstrating a thorough knowledge of our items
• Taking accurate orders and working with other tribe members to serve food and beverages that exceed guest expectations
• Check patrons' identification to ensure that they meet minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Provide excellent customer service with a smile! This includes 90 second greeting times, 3 minute-3 bite check in and closing down service by collecting payment and making it an experience that keeps guests coming back.
• Assist in tasks to ensure a clean, sanitized, and safe restaurant including: bussing tables, rolling silverware, wiping down common surfaces, stocking service areas, mopping, restocking items, etc.
• Assist host or hostess by answering phones to take reservations or to-go orders, and by greeting, seating, and thanking guests, when needed.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age in order to handle alcohol
• Must have weekend availability and work a minimum of 3 shifts per week
• Must love talking to people!

Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi-concept restaurant, bar, event and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington and Takoma with more on the horizon!