Job Details

Novo Restaurant & Lounge is currently hiring Support Staff with holiday availability to join our team! Please complete the application if you are interested, and please include your work availability. We look forward to hearing from you!

About the Company:

Novo Restaurant has become known as a favorite for both locals and visitors alike due to its beautiful creekside ambiance, friendly service and eclectic and creative menu. We are a small, dedicated team of selfless, authentic individuals bonded by a passion for quality and an unshakeable work ethic. Above all else, we care. We are committed to supporting locality and sustainability whenever possible and harbor a genuine desire to nurture humankind through the shared experience of food, drink and atmosphere.

Summary of Position:

Our support staff is the foundation upon which Novo's service model is built. They are responsible for a wide variety of tasks, dependent on their specific assigned role for the shift. These primary roles include: Host, Busser and Food Runner. Most support staff members will progress through several roles (in the above order) during their employment at Novo, and training is designed so that each new role builds on what has been learned in the preceding role.

BUSSER Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Novo's operations, including operational hours, menus, promotions, events, and managerial contacts, as well as awareness of sister restaurants' activities. Our bussers should be able to answer general questions about the restaurant
• Thoroughly bus, reset, and inspect tables to ensure they are clean, properly arranged, and ready for the next guests (mise en place)
• Assist servers with pre-bussing tables in between courses using proper bussing and plate stacking technique and set tables with a sense of urgency and attention to detail
• Help set up and break down tables, chairs, and equipment for special events or large parties, and assist in other areas of the restaurant as needed
• Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper food handling and sanitation practices
• Work quietly with minimal guest disruption when going about your tasks
• Exercise care for company assets by stacking and placing items properly and protecting table tops from scratches to minimize damage and loss
• Serve and refill water for guests, keeping a pleasant demeanor and using proper, sanitary glassware handling techniques
• Commit to a culture of cleanliness. Pick up items from the ground, clean dirty areas, and regularly check and restock restrooms. Keep bus carts, service stations, high chairs, and booster seats organized and clean
• Always keep busy. Move throughout the restaurant or assigned section to look for opportunities to support team members and enhance guest service
• Move quickly, especially during rushes, as the restaurant relies on your speed
• Communicate any issues, special requests, order modifications, or guest concerns promptly to the manager on duty
• Follow proper linen organization by keeping clean linens off the ground, folding unused cloths correctly at closing, and keeping a stocked and organized linen area
• Greet all guests with eye contact and a smile when serving water, and always be aware of their needs
• Complete all opening, sidework, and closing tasks as assigned in checklists diligently to contribute to the smooth operation of the restaurant

HOST Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Novo's operations, including operational hours, menus, promotions, events, and managerial contacts, as well as awareness of sister restaurants' activities. Our hosts should be able to answer general questions about the restaurant
• Warmly greet guests to the restaurant, whether in person or over the phone
• Seat tables as directed by Lead Host (if present) or FOH on-duty manager to designated table numbers, present the guests with menus, and tell the assigned server that a table has been seated in their section
• Manage seating to optimize capacity, attend to guest needs, and distribute tables evenly among servers
• Ensure that the floor is running smoothly by making seating decisions as needed to provide remarkable service to each table
• Effectively handle reservations and walk-ins, accommodating special requests and managing waitlists and table turn times
• Assign tables efficiently, update reservation statuses promptly, and utilize dining areas effectively
• Check reservations for notes, special occasions and large parties. Communicate any special arrangements (cake needing to be held in walk-in, severe allergies) to servers and managers as needed to provide a remarkable experience for the guest
• Communicate any issues (extended wait times, cancellations, etc.) or reports of guest dissatisfaction promptly to the FOH manager on duty
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the front area of the restaurant at all times. This includes menus, promotional material, kids' coloring sheets, etc.
• Take accurate phone messages or transfer lines to appropriate extensions
• Assist bussing and resetting tables promptly for reseating, pre-busing empty glassware and flatware, and assisting guests when necessary
• Exercise care for company assets by stacking and placing items properly and protecting table tops from scratches to minimize damage and loss
• Complete all opening, sidework, and closing tasks as assigned in checklists diligently to contribute to the smooth operation of the restaurant

FOOD RUNNER Duties and Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Novo's operations, including operational hours, menus, promotions, events, and managerial contacts, as well as awareness of sister restaurants' activities. Our food runners should be able to answer general questions about the restaurant
• Make sure food orders are accurate and of top quality. Sort and deliver food efficiently according to ticket instructions, and provide informative descriptions of menu items upon delivery
• Communicates clearly and positively with both kitchen and service staff, as well as with guests to help facilitate smooth operations
• Keep management and servers informed about any menu changes throughout the shift, including items that are no longer available ("86ed") and countdowns for dishes
• Notify servers when you need assistance with food pick up or delivery
• Set up/break down your station in a thorough and timely manner to set yourself and others up for success
• Assist with light food preparation tasks such as soup and garnish preparation, grains, and preparing plates for service
• Actively promote a supportive and collaborative work environment with your team
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and organization at your workstation, keeping it fully stocked with supplies throughout service hours to deliver consistent quality
• Thoroughly inspect tables to ensure they are clean, properly arranged, and ready for the next guests (mise en place)
• Monitor food quality and presentation standards closely throughout your shift to maintain the restaurant's reputation for excellence
• Backwait for server when delivering food to their tables by taking care of any immediate guest needs before departing
• Relay guest feedback and pertinent information promptly to servers and/or management to support their ability to provide exceptional service
• Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper food handling and sanitation practices
• Be proactive in enhancing the guest experience and supporting your team, especially during quieter times, by helping with cleaning, bussing, and sidework tasks
• Complete all opening, sidework, and closing tasks as assigned in checklists diligently to contribute to the smooth operation of the restaurant

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong ability to juggle multiple tasks with grace and efficiency
• Maintain a cool, calm and collected demeanor when under pressure
• Demonstrates the ability to adapt to the varying flow of a fast paced environment
• Must have the high level of integrity and strong eye for detail necessary to maintain high standards of excellence in all aspects of the job
• Communicates clearly and effectively, ensuring that information is relayed accurately and comprehensively
• Self-motivation to complete tasks and to seek out projects
• Strong sense of urgency and speed in all duties
• Flexible working hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays, when necessary
• Coachability: Willing to learn and take direction from managers/supervisors
• Positive attitude and willingness to contribute to the restaurant's overall success
• Willingness to contribute to a cohesive team in a supportive manner
• Ability to adhere to attire and uniform standards, including high standards for personal hygiene and sanitation

Education and Experience:

• Must have or be able to attain a valid California Food Handlers card
• Valid California Sexual Harassment Prevention Certificate
• Previous experience in a full service, upscale restaurant is preferred

Physical Requirements:

• High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time up to 8 hours)
• Must be able to occasionally lift, balance, and move equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Must be able to perform in a fast paced, busy environment with attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Genuine joy for the hospitality/restaurant industry
• Spanish speaking is a plus

Disclaimer: This description includes essential functions. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. In accordance with California law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Novo Restaurant offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.