Sommelier

COTE, the carnivorous vision of proprietor Simon Kim, blends the dining experience of Korean Barbeque together with the hallmarks of a classic American Steakhouse. The result is a unique, convivial and interactive atmosphere, accompanied by the highest quality USDA Prime beef, an impeccable 1200 label wine list, and a suite of classic-but-creative cocktails

Smokeless grills in every table, combined with cuts from our in-house dry aging room, ensure that every morsel of steak is hot, fresh, and caramelized every bite. 

At COTE, we follow a simple mantra: 🥩 🔥 🍸 = 😊

• Hiring Phase: COTE begins the hiring process, including resume screening and interviews, August 12 onwards. 
• Training Phase: The training phase is planned for two weeks in mid-September, Monday-Friday. The week of 9/15, training will run from 10am to 3pm in order to allow those who are currently employed to continue working. The week of 9/22, training will run from 10am to 4pm. 
• Pre-Opening: The Pre-Opening phase runs from Monday, 9/29 to Thursday, 10/2 and consists of Friends & Family services during normal dinner hours.
• Grand Opening: The grand opening party will take place on Friday 10/3, and the restaurant will be open for service 7 days/week beginning on Saturday 10/4.

Sommeliers are dynamic hospitality professionals responsible for wine list oversight, providing wine and beverage recommendations to customers, overseeing graceful serving of wine to customers, as well as all other aspects of the customer experience at the table including greetings, menu sales, grilling, table maintenance, overall customer satisfaction and happiness, and fond farewells. 

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Job duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides exceptional service to every customer.
• Recommends wines to customers based on price, personal taste, and food selection.
• Oversees the serving and storage of wine and trains service team members on the wine selection.
• Ensures wines are served in the correct glassware and at the proper temperature.
• Demonstrates a friendly personality, strong knowledge of wine and spirits, and great interpersonal skills. 
• Possesses a strong understanding of regional wine laws, appellations, grape varieties, harvest times, elevation, climate, soil, and fermentation processes.
• Has full knowledge of COTE wine and food menu items, enabling effective salesmanship that enhances both the business and customer experience.
• Accurately takes and enters orders and communicates flow with servers, bartenders, and management. 
• Effectively uses point of sale systems and other restaurant technology to account for all sales. 
• Grills steak cuts to specification with elegance and finesse. 
• Handles customer complaints or issues with a positive attitude, notifying management whenever necessary.
• Adheres to high standards of cleanliness, pre-bussing tables when possible.
• Maintains all service tools including decanters, wine keys, and more.
• Reports to each scheduled shift on time, in uniform, and ready to work.    
• Assists other stations or areas of the restaurant when requested by management. 
• Responsible for training new employees as assigned.

Administrative Duties:

• Inspects all incoming orders and invoices for accuracy. Ensures no product is damaged or shipped incorrectly. 
• Stocks and organizes all wine inventory.
• Updates wine list under the supervision of the Wine Manager.
• Assists with inventory, cellar maintenance, and other organizational and administrative tasks as directed by the Wine Manager.

Qualifications:

• Must have the ability to read, speak, understand, follow written directions, and verbal instructions in English.
• Must be reachable by email and able to communicate via phone as well.
• Communicates information effectively and efficiently. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Possesses a positive, results-oriented, team-player mentality.
• Ability to perform job duties and responsibilities well and maintain professionalism and composure under pressure and in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to under pressure and maintain professionalism when working under stress.
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and local Department of Health standards.
• Food Handler’s Certification or the ability to obtain in accordance with federal, state, or local regulations and/or Company policy.
• Able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate business levels (weekend, nights, and holiday availability required). We will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs. 
• Must be of legal age to serve alcohol.
• Certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Familiarity with restaurant management software such as point of sales, reservations management, inventory management, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
• Ability to execute steps of service in adherence with company policy.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent communication with management and teammates.
• WSET Level 3 or higher or CMS Certified Sommelier pin or higher preferred.