Server - West Loop Location

Server - West Loop Location

Chicago, United States

Company
The Original Pancake House
Location
Chicago, IL
Job Type
Full-time
Via
Indeed

Job Description
JOB POSITION: SERVER
• *MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.**

SUMMARY: Responsible for coordinating entire station and communicating his/her needs with the hosts/hostesses, bussers, and cooks to provide guests with quality service. Serves the customers from the initial greeting at the table to the final “Thank you, good-bye” by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Works with a sense of urgency.
• Greets the guests within one minute of their being seated
• Sets up the table with silverware, water, and coffee (if the busboy has not already done so.)
• Is available to answer the customer’s questions.
• Takes the order, and uses suggestive selling to recommend menu items which may complement the order.
• Rings the check into the computer.
• Hangs the check for the kitchen to cook.
• Prepares drink orders, set-ups, and syrups and delivers them to the table before the food arrives.
• Promptly carries out the food order from the kitchen, being able to carry the plates without using a tray.
• Drops the bill when the food order is complete.
• Checks back at the table to ensure the meal is to the customer’s satisfaction.
• Checks back with additional water and coffee.
• Observes guests throughout meal to respond to additional needs.
• Checks back to remove plates and wrap-up leftovers.
• Maximizes each trip into and out of the kitchen by checking on tables on the way to the kitchen.
• Keeps up on behind-the- scenes work: makes coffee, set-ups and jellies, restocks juices, and cuts produce.
• Assists other servers when necessary.
• Assists cooks by running out food, restocking plates, etc.
• Finishes off “to go” orders which were taken by the cashier.
• Keeps work area cleaned and organized.
• Readily accepts direction from managers.
• Follows all safety precautions to prevent injury or illness.
• Performs cleaning duties and sidework as assigned.

Works in cooperation with:
• Other servers – will assist one another by delivering food orders, relaying messages, and providing water and coffee for each other’s stations.
• Bussers – while servers and bussers are jointly responsible for setting up the tables with silverware, water, and coffee, the server is primarily responsible for seeing that the customers are set up and taken care of properly.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

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 and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of two years of high school education; or up to one year related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Must be able to read, write, and speak English. Able to effectively communicate with customers or other employees in a one-on-one or small group situation.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Must be able to perform simple mathematical calculations, such as, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole mumbers, common fractions, decimals, and percents. (A calculator may be used.) Ability to count back money when giving change.

REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense in carrying out instructions given by a manager, customer, or another employee. Ability to handle problems of a repetitive nature which have variable solutions, such as, customer requests for special service or customer complaints.

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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly(up to the entire shift) required to:
• Exert fast-paced mobility,
• Stand
• Walk
• Use hands to grasp or handle objects (glasses, plates, cups)
• Use hands for handwriting and operating a cash register keyboard
• Talk and hear

The employee is frequently required to:
• Reach with hands and arms (hanging checks and setting down plates)
• Turn or twist
• Stoop or bend (reaching into a refrigerator or placing plates into a bus pan)
• Taste or smell
• The employee must frequently (throughout the entire shift) lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (carrying plates, bus pans, or produce.)
• The employee is required to be able to see objects clearly at a distance of 20 inches or less, such as when reading and writing guest checks or operating the computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Employees must be able to work effectively in a fast paced and busy environment. The noise level in the restaurant is usually moderate and occasionally loud. The work space in the service area may be limited. Employees must be comfortable working in congested areas as servers and bussers move past each other in the kitchen and server aisle.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
• Employee Meal Discounts
• Flexible Schedule
• Paid Time Off
• 401k
• Opportunity for growth
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Restaurant Jobs in United States

Q What is the federal minimum wage for tipped restaurant servers in the United States in 2026?
As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum cash wage for tipped employees such as restaurant servers is $2.13 per hour, with tips required to bring total earnings to at least $7.25 per hour as of January 1, 2026. Employers must make up the difference if tips plus cash wage fall below $7.25 per hour. Overtime is 1.5 times the full minimum wage for hours over 40 per week.
Q What is the median annual wage for cooks in restaurants in the United States in 2026?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cooks in restaurants is $37,200 as projected for 2026 based on May 2023 data adjusted for inflation. Entry-level cooks earn $28,500 annually, while experienced ones reach $47,800. These figures apply to full-time positions nationwide.
Q What visa is required for foreign nationals to work seasonal restaurant jobs in the United States in 2026?
As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, foreign nationals need an H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural restaurant jobs, with a statutory cap of 66,000 visas per fiscal year starting October 1, 2025 for FY2026. Employers must file Form I-129 at least 75 days before the start date and obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL. Supplemental caps may add up to 64,716 visas if authorized.
Q What education or experience is required for entry-level restaurant server jobs in the United States?
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, no formal education is required for entry-level restaurant servers; most receive short-term on-the-job training lasting 1 month or less. A high school diploma is preferred but not mandatory for 40% of positions. Prior customer service experience increases hiring chances by 25%.
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