Dining Room Server

Philo Ridge Farm is seeking experience servers to join our growing team as we expand to full operation this spring.

About Philo Ridge Farm

Philo Ridge Farm is a beautiful regenerative agriculture farm located in the small town of Charlotte, in Vermont’s fertile Champlain Valley. Using innovative, ecologically sustainable practices, we manage four hundred acres of healthy pasture land, forests and diversified produce gardens. We rotationally graze heritage breeds of livestock and grow certified organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Everything we harvest is processed and sold in our kitchen and Market, where we feature a changing menu of seasonal dishes as well as grocery and specialty housewares that showcase Vermont's local artisans and farmers. Everything we do is rooted in our commitment to honoring our natural and human environments; we strive to produce and share nutrient-dense foods, provide an exciting learning environment for our visitors and staff, and strengthen our vibrant local community, all while honoring the integrity of the land. Food brings people together. We love welcoming visitors to our farm and to our table to share our story. Learn more at www.philoridgefarm.com.

Position Overview

Title: Dining Room Server

Department: Hospitality Team

Type: Full time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt, Hourly

Report: Shift Supervisor

Location: Philo Ridge Farm in Charlotte, Vermont

Philo Ridge Farm is looking for a professional and engaging Dining Room Server with excellent communication skills to support our Hospitality program. The Dining Room Server will work under the general direction of the Manager or Shift Supervisor on duty and be responsible for providing exceptional customer service and ensuring a positive dining experience by overseeing table maintenance, demonstrating knowledge of the menu, making food and beverage recommendations, and seeking opportunities to go the extra mile. The Dining Room Server will work collaboratively with the rest of the front-of-house team to maintain a proper flow of service in the dining room. As the face of the farm to our guests in the community, they will be responsible for telling our story, accurately communicating the mission, history, operations and seasonality of the farm, and showcasing how each of the farm’s programs are represented on our menus and in our food.

Responsibilities

· Prepare room for dining by setting up tables and dining area to PRF restaurant standard

· Provide exceptional, professional table service that includes:

o Greeting and welcoming guests

o Introducing guests to the mission and operations of our farm

o Suggesting menu items and explaining ingredients and cooking techniques

o Taking and placing food and beverage orders

o Ensuring that beverage glasses are filled as needed

o Ensuring that the flow of food is matched with the dining speed of the guests

o Clearing tables of empty plates

o Preparing final bill and handling payment

· Act as an ambassador for Philo Ridge Farm’s regenerative agriculture mission and activities

· Communicate the history, operation, and seasonality of the farm and our products

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of menu ingredients that are produced on the farm

· Understand all culinary operations taking place on the farm

· Up-sell food & beverage items using suggestive selling techniques

· Recommend wine for dining guests according to their likes and dining choices

· Presents, open, taste, and serve wine properly at the tableside according to PRF standards

· Maintain cleanliness throughout the dining area during service

· Monitor guest satisfaction and attend to any issues quickly and promptly

· Assist fellow servers and front-of-house team members to maintain proper flow of service

· Assist kitchen team in expediting and/or running food to maintain the flow of service

· Exceed guest expectations by anticipating their needs and proactively addresses problems

· Prepare small-wares, linens, silver, glassware and other supplies needed for next service

Qualifications

· 1-year minimum experience working in a restaurant as a Server or similar position

· Self-starter who works well in a team setting with a willingness to pitch in where needed

· Strong knowledge of food, cooking techniques, and beverage pairing

· Demonstrated commitment to creating an unparalleled dining experience

· Demonstrated experience providing seamless, gracious, and thoughtful customer service

· Demonstrated professionalism and poise when interacting with guests and co-workers

· Demonstrated commitment to attendance and punctuality

· Demonstrated ability to work well in a team setting with a desire for continued learning

· Demonstrated ability to follow procedures and instructions

· Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

· Ability to work weekdays, weekends, nights and mornings (as needed)

· Ability to follow procedures and instruction

· Strong cash handling skills

· Knowledge of food safety and health state regulations

· Completed Vermont state certification course for preparing and serving alcoholic beverages

· Physical and environmental requirements include continuous standing and occasionally carrying heavy loads, occasional environmental exposure to cold, heat and water

· Prefer experience handling and managing routine maintenance of restaurant equipment including cash register, restaurant POS system, beverage dispensing equipment (and others)

Compensation

Compensation is based on verified experience.

Perks & Benefits

At Philo Ridge Farm, located in in Vermont’s beautiful Champlain Valley, we strive to provide a healthy and exciting learning environment for our team. While the farm is located in the rural town of Charlotte, it is a 25-minute drive to downtown Burlington where you can find restaurants, shops, theaters and a culturally rich community.

Benefits include accrued paid time off, complimentary staff meal prepared daily, health care benefits, and an employee discount on products in our market.

Application Process

Candidates should send the following via email with “Dining Room Server” in the subject line:

· Cover letter explaining their interest in this job and available start date

· Resume

· Three references and their contact information

Qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

Note: All new hires are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test prior to start.

Philo Ridge Farm is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.