THE ALBERT HOST/HOSTESS

Restaurant: The Albert Property: Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection by Marriott Department: Food & Beverage Position Title: Restaurant Server Reports To: Restaurant Manager / Director of Dining Services Location: Chicago, Illinois Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time

About Hotel EMC2 & The Albert

Located in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Streeterville neighborhood, Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection by Marriott, offers a distinctive hospitality experience inspired by the intersection of art and science. Combining innovative design, personalized service, and elevated guest experiences, Hotel EMC2 provides a unique environment where creativity and hospitality come together.

The Albert, Hotel EMC2's signature restaurant, offers an elevated dining experience featuring thoughtfully crafted American cuisine, innovative culinary presentations, and exceptional service. Serving hotel guests, business travelers, local residents, and visitors, The Albert provides a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.

As part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, team members are expected to uphold the highest standards of hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, and guest satisfaction while creating memorable dining experiences.

Position Overview – Restaurant Server

The Restaurant Server at The Albert is responsible for delivering exceptional food and beverage service while creating memorable dining experiences that reflect the distinctive hospitality standards of Hotel EMC2 and Marriott International.

This position requires a professional, personable, and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced, upscale dining environment. Servers are expected to demonstrate extensive menu knowledge, anticipate guest needs, provide personalized recommendations, and maintain a high level of service throughout the dining experience.

The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills, a passion for hospitality, and the ability to work collaboratively with culinary and food and beverage team members to ensure seamless restaurant operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Guest Service & Hospitality

• Welcome and greet guests warmly and professionally, creating a positive first impression.

• Provide attentive, personalized, and efficient service in accordance with Marriott brand standards and The Albert's service expectations.

• Present menus, explain daily specials, and provide knowledgeable recommendations regarding food, beverages, and menu pairings.

• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of menu ingredients, preparation methods, dietary restrictions, and potential allergens.

• Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly to requests, concerns, and special accommodations.

• Monitor guest satisfaction throughout the dining experience and address concerns professionally and efficiently.

• Create memorable guest experiences through genuine hospitality and attention to detail.

• Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude while representing Hotel EMC2 and The Albert.

Food & Beverage Service

• Accurately take and enter food and beverage orders using the restaurant's point-of-sale (POS) system.

• Communicate guest orders, dietary restrictions, allergies, and special requests clearly to culinary and beverage teams.

• Coordinate with kitchen and support staff to ensure proper timing, presentation, and delivery of food and beverages.

• Verify order accuracy and presentation before delivering items to guests.

• Serve food and beverages according to established restaurant procedures and service standards.

• Maintain knowledge of wine, spirits, cocktails, and beverage offerings to provide appropriate recommendations.

• Promote menu offerings, specialty beverages, and additional dining experiences through suggestive selling.

• Ensure tables are properly maintained, cleared, and reset throughout service.

• Support breakfast, lunch, dinner, private dining, and special events as operationally required.

Cash Handling & POS Operations

• Accurately process guest checks, cash payments, credit card transactions, and room charges.

• Ensure proper handling of discounts, complimentary items, adjustments, and voided transactions in accordance with management procedures.

• Maintain accurate transaction records and follow established cash-handling policies.

• Complete assigned opening and closing procedures, including payment reconciliation when applicable.

• Protect guest payment information and maintain confidentiality in accordance with company standards.

Restaurant Operations & Teamwork

• Complete assigned opening, closing, and side-work duties to maintain restaurant readiness.

• Assist with table setup, dining room organization, service stations, and restaurant cleanliness.

• Maintain organized and properly stocked service areas throughout each shift.

• Collaborate professionally with culinary, bartending, host, food runner, and management teams.

• Support fellow team members during high-volume service periods to maintain operational efficiency.

• Communicate service challenges, guest concerns, and operational needs promptly to management.

• Participate in departmental meetings, training sessions, and ongoing service development.

• Follow all hotel and restaurant operating procedures, including Marriott service expectations.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by restaurant management.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, and hygiene requirements.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment.

• Comply with local and state regulations regarding food handling and alcoholic beverage service.

• Follow established procedures for identifying and communicating food allergies and dietary restrictions.

• Handle food, beverages, glassware, and service equipment safely.

• Immediately report unsafe conditions, accidents, or equipment concerns to management.

• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and workplace safety standards.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of previous food and beverage service experience, preferably in an upscale restaurant, hotel, or high-volume dining establishment.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Valid Food Handler Certification as required by applicable regulations.

• BASSET Certification or ability to obtain certification if serving alcoholic beverages, as required by Illinois regulations.

• Previous experience using MICROS or a comparable point-of-sale (POS) system preferred.

• Strong verbal communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities while maintaining exceptional guest service.

• Demonstrated ability to resolve guest concerns professionally and courteously.

• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.

• Availability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a Marriott-branded hotel or comparable upscale hospitality establishment.

• Knowledge of fine dining or elevated casual dining service standards.

• Familiarity with wine, craft cocktails, spirits, and food pairings.

• Experience serving hotel guests, corporate travelers, and special-event clientele.

• Familiarity with Marriott guest service standards and hospitality expectations.

• Additional language proficiency is a plus.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout scheduled shifts.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive movements associated with restaurant service.

• Ability to carry trays, beverages, glassware, and food items safely.

• Work in an indoor restaurant and hotel environment with frequent movement between dining areas, service stations, and kitchen operations.

• Ability to perform duties in a fast-paced environment during high-volume dining periods.

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Professional Expectations

All team members at Hotel EMC2 and The Albert are expected to demonstrate a commitment to exceptional hospitality, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The Restaurant Server plays an essential role in representing the hotel's distinctive identity and ensuring each guest receives an engaging, welcoming, and memorable dining experience.

Employees are expected to comply with all applicable company policies, departmental procedures, safety requirements, and Marriott brand standards.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hotel EMC2 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.