Counter Server Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila is seeking a dynamic and experienced Counter Server to join our team. As a Counter Server you will serve food and beverage items to customers in a friendly, enthusiastic, professional, and timely manner from our Taqueria Airstream. You will provide friendly, courteous, and efficient quality presentation of food and beverage service to all guests and ensure the guest has the optimal experience while visiting your location. You will also support the packaging and delivery preparation of online and take-out orders. This position requires a strong passion for hospitality, and a keen eye for detail. This individual reports to the General Manager or to the Assistant General Manager (AGM) in the absence of the General Manager.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities:

Team Collaboration:

• Create and maintain a positive work environment, fostering teamwork and professional growth.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff and other team members to ensure smooth operations.
• Communicate customer feedback, concerns, and special requests to the appropriate team members and management.
• Assist with restocking supplies and maintaining inventory levels.
• Partner with third party contacts (deliveries, external contacts, etc) to ensure packaged orders are received by the correct parties in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the management team to plan and execute special events, promotions, and marketing initiatives.

Quality Control:

• Maintain stock of consumable supplies including plates, napkins, and utensils.
• Maintain stock levels of product in workstations, wells, and storage areas including coolers and dry storage.
• Monitor ingredient levels and inform the kitchen staff of any quantity, spoilage, or quality issues.
• Address any issues or concerns related to beverage quality promptly and effectively.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of beverages, including ingredients, flavor profiles, and preparation techniques.

Operations Support:

• Familiarize yourself with menu items, daily specials, and promotions to effectively upsell and increase sales.
• Suggest additional menu items, sides, or beverages that complement customers' orders.
• Perform set up duties to include side stations, storage areas and food & beverage handling areas.

• Prepare and assemble our menu items according to recipes and customer specifications, ensuring plating and presentation match the quality standards set by the menu descriptions.
• Maintain a clean and organized food preparation area.

• Perform general cleaning tasks utilizing cleaning to adhere to health and safety standards

Customer Service:

• Ensure that minors and intoxicated persons are not served alcoholic beverages.
• Create and maintain a welcoming atmosphere for guests by engaging with them and providing personalized service.
• Effectively communicate with customers and employees in a positive and concise manner.
• Listen attentively to requests, provide accurate information, and respond appropriately.
• Maintain composure and attentiveness, particularly during busy periods or emergencies, setting a positive example for all staff.
• Collaborate closely with all departments to ensure smooth operations and uphold high standards of guest service.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Oversee Food and Alcohol safety practices, including proper storage, handling, and preparation of food items.
• Adhere to all alcohol service laws and regulations, ensuring responsible service practices.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in a customer service or food service role is preferred.
• Basic math and cash handling skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Must have a high degree of professional integrity, and be able to work safely, effectively, and efficiently.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

Safety Requirements:

All Associates are required to abide by all Safety rules and ensure they perform each task by practicing safe work habits. Any associate who incurs any type of injury is required to report immediately to their immediate supervisor or the Security Officer on duty.

Language Requirements:

• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly, and cordially with staff and vendors.

• Ability to read and write English to understand and interpret written procedures. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms.
• Proficiency in effectively presenting information and responding to questions from staff and vendors.

E-Verify Participation

• Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• For more information on E-Verify, please visit the official E-Verify Website.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit for long periods of time, stand; walk; full dexterity in use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.