Event Server

Description

FSLA: Non-Exempt

Department: Guest Services Reports to: Director of Guest Services and/or Event Supervisor

Customary Days: Sunday through Saturday Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings, holidays and extended hours as needed.

Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences? Do you thrive in the fast-paced energy of  Chicago's event scene, where every moment and every detail are an opportunity to create something special? If this sounds like you, then Blue Plate is where you belong!

Position Summary: At Blue Plate, a staple in Chicago's catering industry, we believe in creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our guests long after the event. As an Event Server, you will play a key role in making these moments come to life, ensuring every guest leaves with a smile and a story to share.

Essential Functions of your Role:

• Arrive Ready: Show up at the venue on time, dressed according to our professional uniform standards, and ready to dive into the action.

• Get Your Assignment: Check in with your supervisor to receive your tasks for setup and service, ensuring you are clear on how to make the event a success.

• Set the Stage: Complete all setup tasks efficiently, following Blue Plate’s high standards and any specific instructions for the event.

• Master the Menu: Get to know our delectable offerings, from dietary restrictions, allergies to special requests—be the go-to for all things delicious!

• Deliver Exceptional Service: Provides exceptional service according to service style designated by supervisor in a prompt manner with proper presentation.

• Serve with Style: Whether it is Passed Service, Buffet Style, or Sweep Service, learn the service and serve up our dishes through proper method.

• Be a Star: Welcome guests with professionalism, responding promptly and respectfully to their needs, answering questions about the menu, wines, and the event itself.

• Wrap It Up: Participate in the breakdown of the event, following the assignments given by your supervisor to ensure everything is packed up and the venue is left spotless.

• Be a Team Player: Work both independently and as part of a cohesive team, all striving towards the common goal of delivering exquisite service.

• Be safe: Follow all proper safety and sanitation procedures.

• Stay Connected: Regularly check Blue Plate’s scheduling system to confirm or deny shifts and keep up to date with any changes to your schedule before your shift begins.

• Perform other relevant tasks assigned by management.

Requirements

 Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Prior customer service work or volunteer experience required.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to demonstrate strong affinity for Blue Plate’s mission: Our mission is to “care more” for others through food and service experiences that turn our partner’s vision into reality.

• Ability to identify and resolve issues and alert leadership when needed.

• Ability to function independently and intuitively in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to interact with diverse groups and foster a cooperative work environment.

• Basic computer skills, ability to navigate the internet.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to communicate with guests.

• Maintain and express a positive customer service attitude.

• Ability to pin tables and fold napkins to standards in a timely fashion.

Language Skills: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is required.

• Bilingual skills are a plus

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, taste and smell.

• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch for 6 to 8 hours at a time.

• Regularly required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

• Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May work in extreme heat (non-weather and weather).

• May work in wet conditions (non-weather and weather).

• Noise level is low to moderate.

• Will work near moving or mechanical parts.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly Wage Range: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits Overview

At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core values: Happy, Joyful & Fun; We Care More; Humbly Confident; Genuine & Authentic; Goes Beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave. Additional perks such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.

DEIA at Blue Plate:

At Blue Plate, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Our core value, "We Care More," guides us in creating an environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. We believe in intentional recruitment practices, partnering with community organizations, diverse job boards, and attending job fairs at schools that reflect a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Our hiring and selection processes are designed to be equitable, focusing on skills, potential, and minimizing bias, ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone. From onboarding to ongoing development, we provide tailored resources, mentorship, and training programs to support our team members and cultivate an inclusive culture. We actively measure and analyze diversity metrics, using these insights to continuously improve and hold ourselves accountable in our DEIA efforts.

Blue Plate’s mantra, "Happy People Making People Happy," extends to our employees, clients, and partners. By honoring differences and listening thoughtfully, we build meaningful relationships and ensure everyone feels welcome and valued. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life to join our team in shaping memorable food and service experiences. Together, we are dedicated to going beyond to make a difference. Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.