What are the responsibilities and job description for the Catering event staff position at Rita's Catering?
Catering Event Staff (Event Servers, Bartenders, Event Managers & Event Chefs)
Company: Rita’s Catering, part of Rita’s Hospitality Group
Location: Boston, MA and surrounding areas
Employment Type: Part-Time, On-Call
Compensation: Starting at $20.00 per hour, with higher rates available based on position, experience, certifications, and qualifications.
Company Description
Rita’s Catering is part of Rita’s Hospitality Group, a New England hospitality institution that has proudly served the community since 1959. What began as a small, family-owned restaurant in Chelsea, Massachusetts, built on generations-old Italian family recipes, has grown into one of the region’s premier catering and hospitality companies.
Today, headquartered in Everett, Rita’s Catering provides exceptional catering services for corporate events, weddings, private celebrations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, nonprofit organizations, and private aviation clients throughout Greater Boston and New England. While our company has grown significantly, our commitment to exceptional hospitality, handcrafted cuisine, and personalized service remains unchanged.
At Rita’s, we believe every event is an opportunity to create lasting memories through outstanding food, genuine hospitality, and meticulous attention to detail. We are seeking experienced hospitality professionals who share our passion for excellence and take pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Position Summary
Rita’s Catering is seeking experienced, dependable, and customer-focused professionals to join our growing on-call event team.
We are currently hiring for the following positions:
* Event Servers
* Bartenders
* Event Managers
* Event Chefs
This is a part-time, on-call position supporting weddings, corporate functions, galas, private events, fundraisers, and other special events throughout the Greater Boston area. Team members are expected to represent Rita’s Catering with professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to exceptional service.
Schedules are based on business demands and event bookings. Candidates must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Essential Responsibilities
Event Servers
* Prepare event spaces by setting tables, linens, china, glassware, flatware, buffet stations, and beverage stations.
* Provide professional table service, buffet service, and passed hors d’oeuvres while maintaining exceptional guest hospitality.
* Monitor guest tables and service areas to ensure cleanliness and timely replenishment of food and beverages.
* Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly and professionally.
* Follow all food safety, sanitation, and company service standards.
* Assist with event setup, breakdown, and cleanup while maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
Bartenders
* Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in accordance with company standards and responsible alcohol service practices.
* Verify identification and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local alcohol service laws.
* Maintain an organized, clean, and fully stocked bar throughout the event.
* Deliver outstanding guest service while efficiently managing high-volume service periods.
* Monitor beverage inventory and communicate shortages to event leadership.
* Maintain professionalism and composure in a fast-paced event environment.
Event Managers
* Oversee all aspects of event execution from setup through breakdown.
* Supervise event staff and ensure adherence to company service standards and event timelines.
* Coordinate with chefs, kitchen staff, clients, vendors, and venue representatives to ensure successful event operations.
* Resolve guest concerns and operational issues promptly and professionally.
* Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety regulations, and workplace safety procedures.
* Lead by example while maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment.
Event Chefs
* Execute menus according to Rita’s Catering recipes, culinary standards, and client specifications.
* Prepare, cook, plate, and present food with consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
* Lead kitchen operations during assigned events while coordinating with event managers and service staff.
* Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and health department regulations.
* Monitor food quality, portion control, presentation, and production timelines.
* Maintain an organized, sanitary, and efficient kitchen throughout event service.
Qualifications
Event Servers
* Previous catering, banquet, restaurant, or hospitality experience preferred.
* Excellent customer service and communication skills.
* Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
* Professional appearance and commitment to outstanding guest service.
* ServSafe Food Handler Certification preferred or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
* ChokeSaver (or equivalent emergency choking response certification) preferred or willingness to obtain certification as required by the company.
Bartenders
* Previous bartending experience required.
* Knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and responsible alcohol service.
* TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) Certification or equivalent responsible alcohol service certification required.
* ServSafe Food Handler Certification preferred.
* ChokeSaver (or equivalent emergency choking response certification) preferred or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
* Excellent guest service and communication skills.
Event Managers
* Previous event management, banquet management, or hospitality leadership experience required.
* Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
* Ability to supervise teams and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
* ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required.
* TIPS Certification required for managers overseeing alcohol service.
* ChokeSaver (or equivalent emergency choking response certification) required or must be obtained within the company’s designated training period.
Event Chefs
* Professional culinary experience in catering, restaurants, hotels, banquet facilities, or high-volume food service required.
* Extensive knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, menu execution, food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
* Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience strongly preferred.
* ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required.
* ChokeSaver (or equivalent emergency choking response certification) required or must be obtained within the company’s designated training period.
Physical Requirements
* Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
* Ability to frequently bend, lift, push, pull, and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
* Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
* Ability to safely perform event setup, service, breakdown, and cleanup duties.
Schedule
This is a part-time, on-call position. Work schedules vary based on event bookings and business needs.
Candidates must have flexible availability, including:
* Evenings
* Weekends
* Holidays
* Early morning event setups
* Late-night event breakdowns
Reliable transportation to various event locations throughout Greater Boston and surrounding communities is strongly preferred.
Certifications
To maintain the highest standards of food safety, guest service, and workplace safety, employees may be required to maintain applicable certifications based on their assigned role, including:
* ServSafe Food Handler Certification
* ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
* TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) Certification
* ChokeSaver (or equivalent emergency choking response certification)
Required certifications vary by position. Candidates who do not possess all required certifications at the time of hire may be required to successfully obtain them within a designated training period as a condition of continued employment.
Compensation & Benefits
* Starting pay of $20.00 per hour, with higher compensation available based on position, experience, certifications, and qualifications.
* Flexible, on-call scheduling.
* Opportunities to work high-profile corporate events, weddings, private celebrations, and exclusive hospitality experiences.
* Training and professional development opportunities.
* Opportunity for advancement into leadership roles within Rita’s Hospitality Group.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Rita’s Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, merit, and business needs. Rita’s Hospitality Group prohibits discrimination and harassment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Salary : $20