Server

2 years

THE OPPORTUNITY

Cafe Mars, located in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, is seeking a vibrant and outgoing server that has strong initiative and is a quick learner. We look for skilled, enthusiastic, and kind hospitality professionals to enrich our fun and joyful service style (Michelin Guide Best Service NYC 2023, Michelin Best Solo Dining Experience, Bib Gourmand, Michelin "Best Dining Experience" 2024) and help lead the restaurant into the future. We are open for dinner 5 nights a week and are looking for a servers that can work 3 nights/week with Friday and Saturday a must. The service we aim to provide at Cafe Mars is as attentive as at fine dining establishment, but with more familiarity and sense of celebration. While we are primarily seeking candidates who have prior experience in FOH operations, this position could be ideal for anyone who is passionate about restaurants and looking to learn and grow with us.

WHO WE ARE

Cafe Mars is an unusual Italian restaurant, nestled in the heart of the historically Italian neighborhood of Gowanus, Brooklyn. Opened in May 2023, chef Paul DAvino, general manager Jordan Gwiazdowski and beverage director Jake Riley, are looking to honor tradition while expanding the definition of what an Italian restaurant can be.

Steeped in Italian history, Cafe Mars occupies a former pasta factory and Italian grocer, sitting across the street from the home Pauls great grandfather lived in, after immigrating to Brooklyn from Campania, Italy in 1901. While Cafe Mars connection to the past is strong, we also tap into the ever-evolving elements of modern Italian culture beyond just gastronomy. Our combined restaurant experience (wd~50, aska, atoboy, uchu, olmsted), travels, and research lend a broad base to deliver a different kind of Italian meal.

Whereas many Italian restaurants tend to use a magnifying glass to zoom in on specific regions and traditions, we instead reach for a telescope. Cafe Mars looks at the totality of Italian cuisine, gaining inspiration from every region of Italy, and even beyond the boot. From the port cities of North and South America, to the Itameshi cuisine of Japan, the universal love of Italian cooking has seen it travel to every corner of the world, and reinterpreted wherever it went. Thats our Italy. Be it food or drink, our menus shine a light on overlooked classics and unexpected flavors that aim to reframe what it means to go out for Italian.

We are doing it in a kind and fun atmosphere, that still takes a deep approach to food, beverage, and hospitality in very thoughtful and intentional way.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide a welcoming and memorable hospitality experience for all guests. Builds relationships with repeat guests.
• Records and communicates orders from guests to the kitchen and/or bar, while noting any special requests or allergies in a clear and concise manner.
• Accurately describes and sells food items and beverages, guiding guests with supplied and pre-existing knowledge, free of pretension.
• Performs set up and breakdown of the dining room, including restocking and cleaning, and any side work that is deemed necessary for the space.
• Provides wine service, both BTG and BTB, to guests. Runs or transports beverages via tray service (cocktails, beer, and spirits, coffee/tea) from bar to table.

• Ensure excellent service & hospitality is provided to all guests, our community, vendors and staff. We are committed to maintaining a kind and positive environment to every person who enters our space.

• Works closely with coworkers to ensure that the entire restaurant delivers a maximum level of service and satisfaction.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum one year of experience in fine dining or upscale casual restaurants. FOH experience preferred, but not required.

• Must demonstrate a deep knowledge and passion for spirits cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of all types, a love of food and excitement about the restaurant experience as a whole.
• A general knowledge and interest in responsibly farmed wines, Italian and NY State wines, or unusual wines would be greatly preferred.
• If you have an infatuation with Italy, its food, its wine, and its culture, you would be in great company.

• Love of learning and commitment to improvement. Is open to receiving and contributing critique in a straightforward manner.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships in all directions: ownership, co-workers, team members, and guests while listening and addressing concerns as needed.
• Must possess outstanding organizational, interpersonal skills, and excellent attention to detail.
• An outgoing team player with a positive attitude and problem-solving skills, willing to adapt and learn every day.

We offer a supportive working and learning environment that fosters growth and promotes career advancement, believing that one should always be learning. This is a great opportunity for industry professionals looking to advance their career and have the opportunity to be a part of an opening team. If you are interested in joining a restaurant that values creativity, uniqueness, dedication, hard work and a commitment to genuine hospitality then come and get it!

Compensation: Hourly ($17.00) plus tips

Benefits & Perks: Dining Discounts, Further benefits available for full-time/long-time employees.

Knowledge and Passion for Spirits Cocktails and Beverages

Love of Food and Excitement About the Restaurant Experience

Knowledge and Interest in Responsibly Farmed Wines, Italian and Ny State Wines

General Knowledge of Italian Cuisine and Culture

Commitment to Improvement and Love of Learning

Outstanding Organizational and Interpersonal Skills

Excellent attention to detail

Positive Attitude and Problem Solving Skills

Ability to Establish and Maintain Relationships

Willingness to Adapt and Learn

Creativity

Dedication

Hard Work Ethic

Commitment to Genuine Hospitality

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