Server/Bartender

We are seeking enthusiastic, experienced, guest-focused individuals to join the service team at our Eastern-Mediterranean restaurant, Ajja.

Ajja is the new (ish) 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.

Ajja focuses on the cuisine of the East Mediterranean and South-West Asia. We opened in June last year and have been constantly booked out – and fortunate to receive several accolades, including a Best New Restaurant nomination from the James Beard Foundation. As we gear up for the warmer months, we are looking to grow our team.

Applicants must have evening availability Wednesday through Sunday – and be happy to work a mix of serving and bartending shifts, as our team is mostly cross-trained.

We have developed 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.

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.

Job responsibilities include:

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

· Inputting all orders accurately into POS system. Experience with handheld devices preferred but not required

· Simultaneously serve guests, field any questions from the floor, and make drinks in a timely manner

· Have a deep knowledge of all ingredients, house-made products that go into our drinks

· Know our most common off-menu specs by heart.

· Be able to use proper techniques (stirring, shaking, pouring, etc) in a quick and efficient manner.

· Prepping, stocking, maintaining and cleaning your work station

· 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:
· 1 year experience working as a bartender in an ingredient-driven restaurant or cocktail bar

· 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

· Have a working vehicle and a clean driver's license

· Preferred: Experience with Toast and familiarity with Resy

References will be checked before hiring.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $45.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 35 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Restaurant type:

• Upscale casual restaurant

Shift:

• Evening shift

Weekly day range:

• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• What's the most interesting cocktail that you've had in RDU?

Work Location: In person