Banquet Captain/Server

Description

Position Summary
Berglund Center is seeking dependable, professional, and guest-focused individuals to join our Food & Beverage team as Banquet Captains and Servers. These positions are responsible for providing exceptional food and beverage service during banquets, weddings, meetings, receptions, corporate events, private functions, and other special events held throughout the facility. Banquet staff are an important part of the guest experience and must be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a professional, friendly, and positive attitude. Successful candidates will be organized, attentive to detail, comfortable working as part of a team, and committed to providing excellent service from event setup through breakdown.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer. To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.

Examples of Duties

Banquet Captain –
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Banquet Captain serves as the on-site leader for assigned banquet events and is responsible for helping ensure the event runs smoothly and according to the client's expectations.
Lead and direct banquet servers and support staff during assigned events.
Review event details, menus, timelines, room layouts, and service requirements prior to each event.
Assist with setting up banquet rooms, including tables, chairs, linens, place settings, buffet areas, bars, and other event needs. Coordinate with the Food & Beverage management team, kitchen staff, servers, bartenders, event staff, and clients to ensure smooth event execution. Ensure food and beverages are presented and served according to established standards.
Monitor timing of meal service, buffet replenishment, beverage service, and other event activities.
Provide direction to servers and assist with resolving guest or service issues.
Maintain communication with the kitchen regarding meal service and special dietary requests.
Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, and service procedures are followed.
Monitor the appearance and cleanliness of the banquet space throughout the event.
Assist with guest requests and provide professional, courteous service.
Help coordinate event breakdown, including clearing tables, removing service items, cleaning areas, and returning equipment and supplies.
Report any damage, safety concerns, guest incidents, or other issues to the appropriate supervisor.
Serve as a professional representative of Berglund Center throughout the event. Perform other duties as assigned.

Banquet Server –
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assist with setting up banquet rooms, tables, chairs, linens, place settings, buffets, bars, and service areas.
Provide friendly, professional, and attentive service to guests throughout the event.
Serve food and beverages according to established service standards and event requirements.
Assist with buffet setup, replenishment, and breakdown.
Clear plates, glassware, silverware, and other service items from guest tables.
Maintain clean and organized dining and service areas throughout the event.
Respond promptly and courteously to guest requests and questions.
Communicate guest needs, dietary concerns, and other issues to the Banquet Captain or supervisor.
Follow proper food safety, sanitation, and beverage service procedures.
Assist with event setup before guests arrive and breakdown after the event concludes.
Handle food, beverages, equipment, and supplies safely and appropriately.
Work cooperatively with other servers, kitchen staff, bartenders, and Food & Beverage employees.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Previous banquet, catering, restaurant, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred but not required.
Excellent customer service and communication skills.
Professional appearance and positive attitude.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
Ability to work efficiently while maintaining high service standards.
For Banquet Captains: Previous leadership or supervisory experience in hospitality, food service, catering, or a similar environment preferred.

Schedule Requirements
Berglund Center hosts events throughout the year, often outside of traditional business hours.
Banquet Captains and Servers must be available to work flexible schedules, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and other non-traditional hours.
Work schedules will vary based on the banquet and event calendar. Employees may be scheduled for setup, event service, and breakdown, and should be prepared to work until the event has concluded and the assigned area has been properly cleared and secured.

Physical Requirements
Banquet Captains and Servers must be able to:
Stand and walk for extended periods.
Frequently bend, stoop, reach, lift, and carry items.
Safely carry trays, food, beverages, dishes, and service equipment.
Move tables, chairs, carts, and other banquet equipment as needed.
Work efficiently while navigating busy banquet rooms and event spaces.
Lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.
Work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods.

Desired Qualities
The successful candidate will be:
Guest-focused and committed to providing exceptional service.
Professional and friendly, with a positive attitude.
Organized and attentive to details.
Reliable and dependable.
Team-oriented and willing to assist wherever needed.
Flexible and comfortable with changing event schedules.
Calm under pressure and able to handle busy events professionally.
Proactive, recognizing guest and event needs before they become problems.
Safety-conscious, particularly regarding food handling, sanitation, and the safe movement of equipment.

Work Environment
Banquet Captains and Servers work in a dynamic entertainment and events environment at Berglund Center. Events may include weddings, corporate meetings, holiday parties, fundraisers, receptions, conferences, private functions, and other special events.

The position requires frequent interaction with guests, clients, coworkers, and other facility departments. Employees should understand that every event is unique and be prepared to adapt to changing timelines, guest needs, and service requirements.

Our goal is simple: provide great food, great service, and a great experience for every guest who walks through the doors of Berglund Center.

Every Guest. Every Event. Every Time

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