Bartender / Server

As a Bartender/Server at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, you'll have a variety of responsibilities. Key duties include welcoming customers, taking drink orders, mixing and serving beverages, and planning drink menus. You'll also ensure a high standard of cleanliness and organization in the bar area, check IDs to confirm age requirements, and manage transaction processes accurately. When needed, you’ll also act as a Server to provide full customer service experience.

To be considered for the Bartender/Server position at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, you must hold valid TABC and Texas Food Handler certifications. Ideal candidates will have experience in bartending or serving, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Creativity in crafting recipes and a passion for the hospitality industry will also be beneficial.

As a Bartender/Server at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a health savings account with a company match, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions. We also offer paid vacation, sick days, educational assistance, and employee discounts at Sonesta hotels, all aimed at supporting your health and financial security.

The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel places a high priority on safety and health protocols. As a Bartender/Server, you'll participate in the Stay Safe Sonesta Program, which encompasses guidelines to ensure your safety and the safety of our guests. This includes adhering to cleanliness standards, following food safety regulations, and maintaining a safe working environment.

The work environment for a Bartender/Server at The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel is vibrant and dynamic. You will work in a lively venue filled with motivated staff who share a passion for exceptional service. Collaboration and teamwork are encouraged, allowing you to engage with different departments and enhance your skills while providing top-notch experiences for our guests.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences where you created signature cocktails or participated in cocktail competitions. Focus on the techniques you used, your knowledge of flavor pairings, and any customer feedback you've received on your concoctions.

In your response, share specific examples of how you managed challenging situations calmly and professionally. Emphasize your ability to listen to customer concerns, find amicable resolutions, and maintain a positive atmosphere, ensuring guest satisfaction.

Discuss the established routines or checklists you follow to maintain cleanliness in the bar. Mention any specific strategies for managing inventory and ensuring that the workspace is well-stocked and tidy throughout your shift.

Share your strategies for staying informed about the latest trends in mixology, such as attending industry workshops, following influential bartenders on social media, or reading trade publications. Highlight your enthusiasm for learning and how you apply these trends to enhance your guests’ experiences.

Outline the aspects of customer service you believe are crucial, such as attentiveness, positive communication, and personalization. Give examples of how you have applied these principles in past roles to ensure memorable interactions with guests.

Explain your approach to prioritizing tasks during peak hours, such as using effective communication with team members and maintaining a clear workflow. Highlight any techniques or tools you use to streamline your service and attend to guests promptly.

Discuss the processes you follow for handling transactions, such as verifying charges and providing accurate change. Emphasize your attention to detail and the importance of balancing the cash register at the end of your shift.

In your response, illustrate your active listening skills and describe how you would engage with the customer to understand their preferences. Talk about how you personalize recommendations based on their likes and make an effort to introduce them to something new.

Share a specific instance where your suggestion not only increased sales but also delighted the customer. Emphasize the approach you took to make the upsell feel natural and beneficial to the guest experience.

Express your belief in the importance of teamwork and collaboration in a bar setting. Provide examples of how you have effectively worked with colleagues to create a seamless service experience, emphasizing communication and support.