Hookah Mixologist

Position Title

Hookah Mixologist & Server

Position Summary

The Hookah Mixologist & Server prepares premium hookahs, develops and recommends flavor combinations, provides table-side service, takes food and beverage orders when assigned, and maintains a welcoming guest experience from arrival through payment and departure.

The position requires strong knowledge of hookah setup, heat management, flavor profiles, sanitation standards, responsible service practices, and hospitality-focused communication.

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare, pack and deliver hookahs according to company recipes, presentation standards, and sanitation procedures.
• Create and recommend custom hookah flavor blends based on guest preferences, including sweet, fruity, minty, citrus, herbal, and bold profiles.
• Monitor hookahs throughout service, replace coals as needed, manage heat properly, and ensure consistent smoke quality.
• Perform table-side hookah checks and respond quickly to requests for coal changes, mouth tips, water changes, hose changes, or flavor adjustments.
• Explain hookah flavors, nicotine options where applicable, preparation styles, pricing, upgrades, and available add-ons.
• Take accurate food, beverage, and hookah orders using the POS system.
• Deliver food, drinks, hookahs, and related items promptly while confirming order accuracy and presentation.
• Provide attentive, professional, and friendly service to guests throughout their visit.
• Upsell premium hookahs, specialty mixes, refill options, beverages, food pairings, and other approved menu items.
• Follow all company policies for age verification and ensure hookah products are served only to eligible guests.
• Follow responsible alcohol-service requirements when serving alcoholic beverages.
• Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked hookah stations, service areas, storage areas, and tables.
• Sanitize hookah components, hoses, bases, tongs, trays, work surfaces, and reusable equipment according to health and safety procedures.
• Safely handle charcoal, burners, tongs, foil, heat-management devices, and cleaning chemicals.
• Monitor charcoal supplies, tobacco/flavor inventory, disposable tips, hoses, bowls, and other operating materials; notify management of shortages.
• Accurately process guest credit-card transactions, tabs, and gratuities when assigned.
• Resolve routine guest concerns professionally and escalate serious complaints, intoxication concerns, billing disputes, or service issues to a supervisor / owner.
• Support opening, closing, side-work, deep-cleaning, and inventory procedures.
• Work collaboratively with other employees during high-volume periods.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience in hookah service, restaurant service, bartending, nightlife, lounge, or hospitality is preferred.
• Strong understanding of hookah packing methods, heat management, coal handling, flavor blending, and equipment cleaning.
• Ability to provide polished table service.
• Comfortable learning and operating a POS system.
• Excellent communication, sales, and guest-relations skills.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and safely lift or carry trays, hookah equipment, and supplies.
• Availability to work evenings, late nights, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Must meet all minimum legal age requirements for the role and comply with applicable local and state regulations.

Skills and Competencies

• Hookah expertise: Knowledge of flavor profiles, packing styles, airflow, heat control, charcoal management, and troubleshooting.
• Guest service: Ability to anticipate needs, make recommendations, and create a memorable lounge experience.
• Sales ability: Confidence recommending upgrades and add-ons without pressuring guests.
• Attention to detail: Consistent presentation, accurate orders, clean equipment, and timely coal service.
• Speed and organization: Ability to manage multiple tables and hookah orders during peak periods.
• Safety awareness: Safe handling of hot coals, equipment, glass bases, and cleaning materials.
• Teamwork: Effective coordination with all front- and back-of-house team members.

Performance Expectations

• Deliver hookahs that meet company standards for flavor, airflow, heat, and presentation.
• Check each active hookah regularly and replace coals before smoke quality declines.
• Maintain clean equipment and a sanitary preparation area throughout the shift.
• Achieve assigned sales, average-check, and upselling goals.
• Maintain professional appearance, punctuality, reliability, and teamwork.
• Receive positive guest feedback while minimizing complaints, remakes, and delays.

Work Environment

This role works in a restaurant, lounge, event venue, or outdoor hospitality setting. The environment may be loud, crowded, fast-paced, and require late-night hours. The employee will regularly work near hot charcoal and must follow all fire-safety, sanitation, and workplace-safety procedures.

A successful Hookah Mixologist & Server combines product expertise with energetic hospitality: delivering well-crafted hookahs, efficient table service, thoughtful flavor recommendations, and a consistently elevated guest experience.

Work Location: In person