Job Description

Front Waiter

The Front Waiter plays a vital role in the flow of service, working directly behind the Captain to deliver thoughtful, polished, and attentive hospitality throughout the dining experience. This position ensures that each table is cared for with seamless timing, warm engagement, and a deep understanding of the menu and the Chesapeake stories behind it. This is an excellent role for an individual passionate about elevated service and eager to grow within a luxury dining environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this role.

• Support the Captain in providing refined, attentive service, ensuring guests feel welcomed, known, and genuinely cared for.
• Guide guests through menu offerings with confidence, highlighting local ingredients, seasonal preparations, and the stories behind our culinary program.
• Deliver food and beverages with grace, accuracy, and proper service etiquette.
• Maintain an intuitive awareness of guest needsrefilling beverages, clearing plates, resetting cutlery, and anticipating moments of service.
• Assist with wine and beverage service as trained, including proper glassware and presentation standards.

Ensure the dining room is impeccably prepared for servicetable settings, linens, glassware, and ambiance in line with Forbes and Relais & Chteaux expectations.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the shift, contributing to an atmosphere of ease and warmth.
• Support side work, setup, and breakdown to ensure smooth transitions between meal periods.

Communicate clearly and kindly with Captains, Servers, Runners, Hosts, and the Culinary Team to create a harmonious, efficient service environment.

• Participate in daily pre-shift meetings, absorbing information about menu changes, sourcing stories, specials, and service priorities.
• Assist teammates whenever possible, reflecting the Tides Inn's values of community, connection, and shared responsibility.

Maintain strong knowledge of the menu, including local sourcing partnerships, preparations, and allergens.

• Learn and support beverage service standards, including wine-by-the-glass offerings, cocktails, and nonalcoholic pairings.
• Convey a sense of craftsmanship and pride in the ingredients of the Chesapeake Bay.

Share the Tides Inn's values through warm, genuine engagementhelping guests feel at home while experiencing elevated service.

• Serve as an ambassador of our Chesapeake identity, sustainability initiatives, and relationships with local purveyors.
• Reflect the grace, calmness, and thoughtful presence associated with Michelin-level service.

Exemplifies the Tides Inn Mission and Values. Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Customer Focus, Dealing with Ambiguity, Functional & Technical Skills, Action Oriented, Self Development.

Qualifications

Provide a list of the qualifications that are necessary for someone to fill this position:

• 13 years of experience in upscale or fine-dining service; luxury resort experience preferred.
• A gracious and polished communication style.
• Strong understanding of elevated service steps, table etiquette, and dining-room flow.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for regional cuisine, wine, and storytelling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with poise and professionalism.
• Availability for weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability to lift and carry trays or equipment as needed up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for upwards of 8 hours.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job Tags

Similar Jobs