Retro Holdings Group, Inc in Pittsburgh, PA is looking for a Maître D'/Head Server to join Essence Cafe (https://www.essence.cafe/); located in the heart of Southside Flats, 1924 E. Carson St. Pittsburgh, PA.

Job Title: Maître D'/Head Server at Essence Cafe

Essence Cafe is seeking an experienced hostess to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for providing exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming atmosphere for our guests. Our restaurant specializes in vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian cuisine, and we are dedicated to providing a unique and memorable dining experience for all of our customers.

THIS IS A LEADERSHIP ROLE. WHICH WILL REQUIRE YOU TO FUNCTION AS THE HEAD SERVER/HOSTESS - OR LEADER OF THE RESTAURANT FLOOR EMPLOYEES.

Requirements:

• Previous Experience: The ideal candidate will have previous experience as a server or in a similar position in a restaurant setting. They should have a good understanding of restaurant operations and be able to lead and motivate a team effectively.
• Excellent Customer Service Skills: The Head Server should have excellent customer service skills and be able to provide a positive and welcoming experience to all guests.
• Attention to Detail: The Head Server should be detail-oriented and able to ensure that all dining room operations are executed flawlessly.
• Strong Communication Skills: The Head Server should have strong communication skills and be able to effectively communicate with the service team, kitchen team, and guests.
• Ability to Multitask: The Head Server should be able to handle multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously and be able to work well under pressure.
• Availability: The Head Server should be available to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Previous experience in fine dining or family-focused diner environments is preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Familiarity with vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian cuisine is a plus

Responsibilities:

• Greet and welcome guests as they arrive at the restaurant
• Manage the wait list and reservations, ensuring timely seating and accurate table assignments
• Provide guests with menu recommendations and answer any questions they may have about the menu or the restaurant
• Assist in coordinating with the kitchen and servers to ensure a smooth dining experience for guests
• Keep the hostess station and surrounding areas clean and organized
• Assist with general restaurant duties as needed
• Ensures that all online (food delivery options by ride-share companies, and order/takeouts) orders flow seamlessly from customer order's to delivery driver/customer pick up.
• Lead the Service Team: As the Head Server, you will be responsible for leading the service team, including servers, bussers, and hostesses. You will ensure that they are well-trained, motivated, and providing excellent service to guests. You will also delegate tasks and responsibilities as needed to ensure that the team is working efficiently and effectively.
• Oversee Dining Room Operations: You will be responsible for ensuring that the dining room is set up and ready for service. This includes setting tables, organizing the seating chart, and ensuring that all necessary supplies are available. During service, you will oversee the team’s performance and ensure that guests are receiving timely and attentive service.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: You will be responsible for ensuring that all guests have an excellent dining experience. This includes greeting guests, answering questions about the menu, taking orders, and ensuring that food is delivered promptly and accurately. You will also handle any guest concerns or complaints in a professional and efficient manner.
• Manage Reservations: You will be responsible for managing the restaurant’s reservation system, ensuring that reservations are made correctly, and the seating chart is updated accurately. You will also communicate any changes or special requests to the service team.
• Collaborate with the Kitchen Team: You will work closely with the kitchen team to ensure that all orders are prepared correctly and in a timely manner. You will communicate any special requests or dietary restrictions to the kitchen team and ensure that all food is served according to the restaurant’s standards.
• Handle Cash and Credit Card Transactions: You will be responsible for handling cash and credit card transactions accurately and efficiently. You will also ensure that all transactions are recorded accurately and that the cash register is balanced at the end of each shift.

Compensation Plan: Salary plus bonus commission

• Base salary = $24,960.00/year
• Commission earned = $12,000/year (paid out quarterly, if manager meets sales goals)
• Sign on bonus = $3,000.00 ($1,000.00 paid after 60 days, $1,000 after 90 days, $1,000 after 144 days)
• Flexible spend account for special and applicable hospital or physician visits
• FIRST PAYCHECK IS RECEIVED AFTER 3 WEEKS (W2 POSITION)
• BI-WEEKLY PAYCHECK
• Basic and flexible paid-time off
• End of the year incentive trips to beach for meeting sales goals (all employees travel together, regardless of what subsidiary they work for).

Disclaimer: Retro Holdings Group, Inc is a venture-capital (investment) group that provides funding, expertise, and other resources to seed-stage companies. We invest in a diverse range of industries and businesses, and our aim is to help our portfolio companies achieve long-term success. Our investment decisions are based on rigorous analysis and due diligence, and we are committed to supporting the growth and development of our portfolio companies.

It is important to note that open positions listed on our careers page are for employment within the seed companies that Retro Holdings Group, Inc manages and runs. While we do provide guidance and support to these companies, they operate independently, and their hiring decisions are made independently of Retro Holdings Group, Inc. As such, we do not guarantee employment or any other terms related to the open positions listed on our careers page.

We encourage all applicants to carefully review the requirements and qualifications for each position before submitting an application. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees, and we expect all employees to uphold our values and standards of conduct. Answering the phones and book reservations