Restaurant Staff Needed! Hiring Full Opening Team

We are seeking enthusiastic, passionate, guest-focused individuals to join the service team at our new restaurant, Ajja.

Ajja is the new restaurant from Cheetie Kumar and husband & business partner Paul Siler. Kumar is a two-time James Beard finalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, and previously owned Garland in downtown Raleigh with Siler, along with music venue Kings and cocktail bar Neptunes.

This new project, whose name means “come over”, will bring the cuisine of the East Mediterranean and South-West Asia to the Five Points neighborhood in Raleigh. Cheetie’s cooking focuses on bold but balanced flavors, and celebrates the diverse foodways and cultures of that region of the world - while closely working with North Carolina’s growers and farmers.

We are developing an exciting beverage menu, focused on wines from underrepresented regions and producers, and thoughtful cocktails that take from the Eastern Mediterranean pantry. Our bartenders are trained to prep homemade ingredients, make signature and classic cocktails, advise and serve dining guests - and we value their input and creativity.

We are looking to fill all service positions to build our opening team. This includes servers, bartenders, hosts, and support staff. Applicants must have evening availability Wednesday through Saturday, and all day Sunday – schedule flexibility will be valued as we grow Ajja and expand our opening hours. We are looking for experienced professionals, but would welcome motivated and driven beginners for junior support positions. While experience with global cuisines is not a requirement, initiative and active curiosity are key.

The starting hourly rate for all service positions is $8. We pool tips among the entire staff (service and kitchen), and offer daily staff meals and a supportive work environment. Further benefits including telehealth services and sick leave are available to all full-time employees after a 90-day introductory period. We encourage cross-training and welcome applicants interested in multiple roles, or wanting to diversify their skillset.

Job responsibilities may include:

· Greeting and seating guests, advising guests on menu items, taking orders accurately

· Prepping, stocking, maintaining and cleaning your work station

· Clearing and resetting tables

· Answering phone calls and emails, taking reservations and maximizing turn-times

· Completing your duties while coordinating and communicating with your teammates and supervisor for smooth, efficient, and organized service.

· Completing assigned sidework, and working as a team to ensure procedures are followed

· Taking part in training sessions as and when required

Requirements:
· An open mind, great observation skills and a desire to learn!

· A positive attitude and ability to communicate clearly with co-workers and managers

· Be punctual, organized, clean, professional, and efficient without compromising quality

· Be tolerant, respectful of fellow team members and guests, and comply with company policies

· Be engaged and able to communicate and articulate ideas for improvement in a mature, positive way.

· Be able to be on your feet for 8-9 hours, reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 40 pounds.

· Understand and adhere to hygiene standards and fine dining hospitality protocol

· Preferred, but not required: 2 years experience working in an ingredient-driven restaurant

References will be checked before hiring.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid sick time

Physical setting:

• Casual dining restaurant

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Tips

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Raleigh, NC 27608: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• What position(s) are you interested in?

Work Location: In person