What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cocktail Server position at The Dewberry Charleston?
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Cocktail Server
DEPARTMENT: Food & Beverage
REPORTS TO: Food & Beverage Manager
SUMMARY:
The Cocktail Server collaborates with the service and bar teams to ensure a refined, attentive, and memorable experience for all guests in the bar and lounge. The primary focus of this role is providing elevated beverage and light fare service with a friendly, professional, and anticipatory demeanor at all times.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Major areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:
- Perform assigned opening and pre-service preparation.
- Provide a warm, gracious welcome and immediate attention to all guests upon seating.
- Offer water and present beverage menus promptly, guiding guests through selections with confidence and clarity.
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of all cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and menu offerings, including ingredients, preparation methods, flavor profiles, andappropriate pairings.
- Confidently describe and recommend beverages, tailoring suggestions to guest preferences whilemaintainingan elevated and engaging presence.
- Accurately record guest orders and communicate with the bar team through thePoint of Salesystem, noting any modifications or special requests.
- Deliver beverages and menu items with precision and poise, adhering to The Dewberry’s service standards and sequence of service.
- Anticipate guest needs,maintainingawareness of pacing and proactively offeringadditionalrounds or enhancements whereappropriate.
- Ensure guest satisfaction throughout the experience,maintainingattentive yet unobtrusive service.
- Utilize thoughtful suggestive selling techniques to enhance the guest experience and support revenue.
- Present guests withan accuratebill and process payment with professionalism and discretion.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of lounge seating areas, service stations, and surrounding spaces at all times.
- Assistwith clearing, resetting, andmaintainingtables to support a seamless flow of service.
- Handle guest concerns with professionalism and urgency, escalating to management when necessary.
- Attend pre-service meetings and remain informed of daily updates, menu changes, and service notes.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma/GEDrequired.
- Minimum of one year of high-volume, upscale bar, lounge, or fine dining experience preferred.
- Food Safety Certification preferred.
- Detailed knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and beverage service standards preferred.
- Working knowledge of state and federal alcohol service regulations.
- Ability to multi-task andmaintaincomposure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Excellent verbal communication skills with a polished and engaging presence.
- Dependable work ethic with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
- Mustbe punctual and reliable.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Required to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Ability to balance, stoop, crouch, bend, stretch, twist, and reach.
- Continuous repetitive motions.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dimly lit, and often crowded environment.
BENEFITS OF JOINING THE DEWBERRY TEAM:
- 401K with Company Match (4%) *
- Education Reimbursement*
- PaidMaternity Leave*
- Complimentary Downtown Parking
- Complimentary Dry Cleaning
- Complimentary Daily Lunch Buffet
- Best-in-class health & supplemental insurance*
- Optional Supplemental Coverages*
- Financial Advising with Roadside Capital
- Competitive Pay
- Advancement & Growth Opportunities
- Full-Time and Part-Time Positions
- Flexible Paid Time Off
*Indicates eligibility requirement
WHO WE ARE:
We are a tight-knit group of passionate individuals who are unrelenting when it comes to offering a flawless experience at The Dewberry while maintaining our unique brand standards. Every Teammate plays a key role in contributing to the success of the whole hotel.
About The Dewberry:
As the 2025 Virtuoso Best Independent Hotel in the World and a 2022 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List award recipient for Best Hotel in the World, The Dewberry is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, bordering Marion Square, just steps from the shopping and dining on King Street, Museum Mile and The Gaillard Center.
Offering 153 thoughtfully appointed rooms, world-class service and unparalleled views, The Dewberry occupies the former L. Mendel Rivers (circa 1964) federal building and pays homage to Charleston’s century architectural splendor. The hotel is the result of owner John Dewberry’s vision of “Southern ReimaginedTM,” which he developed over the course of an eight-year renovation and preservation of the building.
The Dewberry features several event spaces along with the nationally celebrated cocktail program at the brass bar in The Living Room, the whimsical cocktail lounge Citrus Club, treatments at our urban oasis, The Spa, as well as the curated boutique The Shop.
Recognized globally for its excellence, The Dewberry is known among teammates, guests, and the community as a leader in the field of hospitality. As a brand, The Dewberry teammates, experience, and brand are authentic, humble, and innovative operators driven to anticipate needs and exceed expectations.