Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
N
North & River Restaurant
Server
Career Insights for Waiter / Waitress
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on California data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Waiter or Waitress takes orders and serves food and beverages to customers in restaurants. Answers customer questions about menu items, prepares checks and collects payment, and assists with clearing dishes and tables. May work in banquet or dining halls.
$33,929 / year median in California
+11% projected growth
Job Description
Server North & River Restaurant Ripon, CA Job Details Part-time | Full-time $16.90 an hour 2 days ago Qualifications Upscale casual experience Spirits experience Sales Fine dining experience Client rapport building Greeting customers Client inquiry handling Table management Complementary wine pairings Task prioritization Beverage pairing Organizational skills Accommodating special dietary needs Guest rapport building Guest direction assistance Communication skills Entry level Cross-functional communication Addressing dietary restrictions in food service Under 1 year Time management Communication with kitchen staff Full Job Description Position Summary At North & River, we believe exceptional service is an art. Our servers are not order takers—they are experience makers, trusted guides, and ambassadors of genuine hospitality. Every interaction should leave guests feeling welcomed, understood, and excited about their dining experience. We are building an elite team of professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, think quickly under pressure, and take pride in delivering polished, knowledgeable, and gracious service. The ideal candidate combines warmth with confidence, anticipates guests' needs before they arise, and creates memorable experiences through exceptional hospitality. Primary Responsibilities Hospitality & Guest Experience
- Create memorable dining experiences through authentic hospitality and meaningful guest interactions.
- Welcome every guest with warmth, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm.
- Build trust quickly by confidently guiding guests through the menu rather than simply recording orders.
- Listen carefully to guest preferences and recommend dishes, wines, and cocktails that best fit their tastes.
- Anticipate guest needs before they have to ask.
- Resolve concerns with professionalism, empathy, and confidence while maintaining composure under pressure. Menu & Beverage Knowledge
- Develop expert knowledge of seasonal menus, ingredients, preparation methods, and culinary techniques.
- Understand the philosophy behind each dish and communicate it with confidence.
- Maintain strong knowledge of fine wines, craft cocktails, spirits, and beverage pairings.
- Confidently recommend pairings that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Continuously study menu changes, seasonal ingredients, and beverage offerings. Sales & Guest Guidance
- Lead guests toward dishes that best represent the chef's vision while respecting dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Recommend thoughtful alternatives instead of encouraging unnecessary menu modifications whenever possible.
- Explain the reasoning behind menu design and ingredient combinations with confidence.
- Recognize opportunities to elevate the guest experience through appetizers, desserts, wine pairings, premium cocktails, and after-dinner beverages.
- Create value by helping guests discover dishes they may not have considered. Service Excellence
- Successfully manage multiple tables while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Deliver accurate, efficient, and seamless service during both calm and high-volume periods.
- Prioritize tasks effectively while maintaining composure and urgency.
- Communicate proactively with kitchen and bar teams to ensure flawless execution.
- Maintain impeccable timing throughout every course of service. Teamwork
- Support fellow team members without being asked.
- Communicate respectfully and professionally with both front- and back-of-house teams.
- Lead through positivity, accountability, and consistency.
- Contribute to a culture where everyone succeeds together.
Our servers are expected to:
- Treat every guest like a welcomed guest in their own home.
- Build trust through confidence rather than pressure.
- Guide guests with knowledge instead of simply taking requests.
- Think critically and respond thoughtfully to unexpected situations.
- Communicate with kindness, professionalism, and grace.
- Stay calm, organized, and composed during busy service.
- Take ownership of every guest's experience from beginning to end.
- Continually pursue excellence through learning and self-improvement. Qualifications
- Minimum of 2 years of upscale casual or fine dining serving experience preferred.
- Ability to manage large sections while maintaining exceptional service standards.
- Extensive knowledge of food, wine, spirits, and craft cocktails or a strong desire to master them.
- Strong multitasking, organization, and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Confidence in making recommendations and guiding guest decisions.
- Ability to think quickly and solve problems with professionalism.
- Passion for hospitality, teamwork, and creating memorable experiences.