Server Assistant - The Café

Job Description

Position Overview

The Server Assistant is responsible for supporting the efficient and seamless operation of The Café by Chef Emeril while delivering exceptional service and maintaining the high standards expected of Fairmont New Orleans. Working closely with Servers, Culinary, Stewarding, and Food & Beverage leadership, the Server Assistant ensures tables are properly set, maintained, and cleared while proactively assisting guests and service colleagues throughout the dining experience. This position plays an important role in creating a polished, welcoming, and memorable experience for every guest.

Responsibilities

• Consistently provide warm, professional, engaging, and attentive service while representing Fairmont New Orleans and The Café by Chef Emeril.
• Assist Servers with the efficient and timely delivery of food, beverages, and other guest requests.
• Maintain complete knowledge of the café's menu, beverages, amenities, service standards, and daily offerings.
• Assist with setting and resetting tables according to established Fairmont New Orleans standards and outlet specifications.
• Ensure tables, chairs, service stations, and guest-facing areas remain clean, organized, properly stocked, and presentation-ready throughout service.
• Clear and reset tables promptly and discreetly while minimizing disruption to guests.
• Assist Servers with pre-bussing, clearing dishes, replacing flatware, refilling water, and maintaining table presentation.
• Provide guests with additional items such as napkins, flatware, condiments, water, and other amenities as requested.
• Monitor the dining room and proactively anticipate guest and Server needs throughout the service period.
• Assist with running food from the kitchen to the dining room and ensure dishes are delivered to the correct table and guest whenever applicable.
• Communicate effectively with Servers, Culinary, Stewarding, Hosts, and leadership to ensure smooth and efficient service.
• Assist with maintaining proper service flow between the kitchen, service stations, and dining room.
• Support the proper handling, transportation, and organization of china, glassware, silverware, trays, and other service equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations, side stations, storage areas, and other assigned operational spaces.
• Restock service stations with necessary supplies throughout the shift and communicate replenishment needs to leadership.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, including setting up the dining room, stocking supplies, cleaning service areas, and completing assigned closing procedures.
• Follow proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures when handling food, beverages, dishes, and service equipment.
• Assist with special events, VIP experiences, special occasions, group functions, and other hotel programming as assigned.
• Support personalized service for VIPs, repeat guests, special occasions, and guests requiring additional assistance.
• Respond to guest questions and requests promptly and professionally and communicate concerns to the appropriate Server or leadership.
• Assist with service recovery efforts by promptly communicating guest concerns and supporting the team in resolving issues.
• Maintain awareness of guest privacy and exercise discretion and professionalism in all guest interactions.
• Work collaboratively with Food & Beverage, Culinary, Stewarding, Front Office, Housekeeping, and other hotel departments to support seamless hotel operations.
• Participate in daily briefings, departmental meetings, training sessions, pre-opening initiatives, and hotel-wide programs as required.
• Contribute to establishing efficient service procedures, workflows, and outlet standards as part of the Fairmont New Orleans pre-opening team.
• Maintain a professional appearance consistent with Fairmont New Orleans grooming, uniform, and personal presentation standards.
• Maintain a positive, respectful, collaborative, and guest-focused working environment consistent with Fairmont's values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support other Food & Beverage outlets and hotel operations based on business needs.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant, hotel, hospitality, or food and beverage experience preferred.
• Previous experience in a luxury hotel, upscale restaurant, or high-volume dining environment preferred.
• Strong guest service orientation with a genuine desire to create memorable experiences.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain professional, calm, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced dining environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to cleanliness, organization, and presentation.
• Ability to anticipate guest and team needs and respond with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative Food & Beverage team.
• Ability to follow established service, sanitation, safety, and operational procedures.
• Professional appearance and demeanor consistent with Fairmont New Orleans luxury service standards.
• Ability to work efficiently while managing multiple tasks and priorities during busy service periods.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts as operationally required.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and safely perform the physical requirements of the position, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, and carrying service items.
• Ability to safely lift and carry trays, dishes, glassware, and other service equipment as required.
• Food safety certification or willingness to obtain required certification within the established timeframe.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.