Position Overview
The Cafe Server / Floor Staff member’s main role is to provide exceptional hospitality and seamless cafe service during scheduled shifts. This position requires a balance of efficiency, enthusiasm, and strong service skills to exceed guest expectations. The Cafe Server represents The Shop by Porter brand, assisting in both front-of-house service and behind-the-counter duties such as preparing drinks and food. This position is also expected to support dining room operations, both indoor and outdoor, and assist with events and private gatherings. A strong knowledge of the food menu, paired with an eagerness to develop barista skills (preferred but not required), will enhance the guest experience and contribute to team success
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, a Floor Staff member must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- To perform this job successfully, a Cafe Server must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Provide high-quality, guest-focused service in a busy cafe and hospitality environment.
- Work in both counter-service and floor-service roles, ensuring seamless interaction with customers in all areas.
- Prepare and serve a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, curated cocktails, wine, and beer.
- Assist in maintaining the dining room floor, ensuring cleanliness, order, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Work across both indoor and outdoor service areas, adapting to seasonal operations.
- Participate in private events, catering functions, and special gatherings, providing elevated service.
- Execute opening and closing checklists, ensuring all stations are stocked, clean, and ready for service.
- Maintain storeroom organization, assist with inventory, and receive orders as needed.
- Support kitchen and bar teams with food preparation, stocking, and product rotation.
- Educate guests on the food and drink menu, offering thoughtful recommendations and pairings.
- Accurately handle POS transactions and orders, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in a high-paced setting.
- Maintain a friendly and engaging attitude while interacting with customers and fellow team members.
- Follow proper food safety and sanitation practices, keeping all service areas clean and compliant with health codes.
- Be adaptable and ready to assist in multiple areas of the operation, from retail assistance to coffee preparation and event setup.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent customer service and hospitality skills.
- Ability to multi-task in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Experience with POS systems such as Toast, Square, Shopify or similar a plus.
- A strong understanding of food and beverage pairings to enhance guest experiences.
- Familiarity with craft cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits is beneficial.
- A strong understanding of or willingness to develop barista skills, including espresso preparation
- Ability to take initiative and problem-solve quickly.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills to work collaboratively with staff and management.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.
Education/Experience
- 1-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably within hospitality or food service.
- Food Handler’s Permit required.
- MAST (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) required.
- Experience working in both counter-service and full-service settings is a plus.
- Previous barista training or willingness to learn espresso and coffee preparation is preferred.
Personal Competencies
- Self-Development: Actively seeks to grow knowledge in food, beverage, and hospitality.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with other team members, providing mutual support.
- Time Management: Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and stay efficient in busy periods.
- Problem-Solving: Can adapt and troubleshoot to ensure smooth guest experiences.
- Empathy & Guest Engagement: Fosters a welcoming, positive environment for guests and staff.
- Adaptability: Comfortably shifts between cafe, dining floor, and event service as needed.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time in a high-energy service environment.
- Frequent lifting, carrying, and moving of plates, glassware, and trays (up to 50 pounds as needed).
- Bending, stooping, and reaching to maintain cleanliness and service efficiency.
- Ability to work in varying conditions, including both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Exposure to moderate noise levels in a bustling cafe and bar environment.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.