Senior Server
Location: Dexter Hotel | Dexter, Michigan
Department: Food & Beverage — Noble Lounge
Reports To: Food & Beverage Leadership / General Manager
Compensation: $18.00/hour base + tips | Estimated total earnings: $25–$30/hour
Position Overview
The Senior Server is a key member of the Noble Lounge team at Dexter Hotel, responsible for delivering warm, polished, and highly attentive service while helping establish the standards and culture of our food and beverage operation.
This position is designed for an experienced hospitality professional who can confidently manage their own section while also serving as a leader on the floor. The Senior Server sets the example for service standards, supports newer team members, anticipates operational needs, and helps ensure every guest experience feels thoughtful, personal, and consistent.
This is a hands-on position. Leadership is demonstrated through presence, preparation, communication, and a willingness to step in wherever needed.
Essential ResponsibilitiesGuest Experience & Service
- Deliver knowledgeable, gracious, and efficient service throughout the guest experience.
- Create genuine connections with hotel guests, local guests, and returning regulars.
- Maintain strong knowledge of all food, cocktail, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic offerings.
- Confidently guide guests through the menu and make thoughtful recommendations.
- Anticipate guest needs rather than waiting to be asked.
- Maintain awareness of dietary restrictions, allergies, and special requests and communicate them appropriately.
- Handle guest concerns professionally and involve leadership when additional recovery is appropriate.
- Create an atmosphere that feels polished and elevated without becoming overly formal.
Floor Leadership
- Serve as a consistent example of Dexter Hotel and Noble Lounge service standards.
- Help establish the pace, organization, and communication of the floor during service.
- Support opening and closing procedures and ensure duties are completed thoroughly.
- Assist with pre-shift preparation and make sure the team and space are ready before service.
- Support and coach servers, bartenders, support staff, and newer team members.
- Identify service issues early and proactively help resolve them.
- Communicate clearly with the bar and culinary teams to maintain smooth service.
- Assist leadership with sections, side work, service flow, and other operational needs when requested.
- Step into other responsibilities when necessary to protect the guest experience.
Standards & Ownership
- Maintain exceptional cleanliness and organization throughout the lounge, dining areas, service stations, and guest-facing spaces.
- Ensure tables, glassware, silverware, menus, and service areas consistently meet presentation standards.
- Follow all cash handling, POS, payment, tip, and closing procedures.
- Maintain accurate checks and ensure all items are properly entered and accounted for.
- Follow all food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service requirements.
- Help reinforce standards respectfully when something is being missed.
- Communicate maintenance, cleanliness, inventory, or operational concerns to leadership promptly.
- Take ownership of the space rather than waiting to be assigned every task.
Hotel & Property Experience
Noble Lounge is an important part of the overall Dexter Hotel experience. The Senior Server should understand the broader property and be prepared to assist guests with basic hotel information, local recommendations, programming, and general questions.
Whether serving an overnight guest, a first-time visitor, or a local regular, every interaction should reinforce the level of hospitality we want associated with Dexter Hotel.
What We're Looking For
- Previous serving experience in an upscale, high-volume, boutique, or hospitality-driven environment.
- Strong working knowledge of food, cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Confidence leading by example without requiring a formal management title.
- Strong attention to detail and an instinct for anticipating guest needs.
- Ability to remain composed, organized, and positive during busy service.
- A collaborative approach and willingness to support any area of the operation.
- Good judgment when handling guest concerns.
- Reliability, professionalism, and strong attendance.
- Genuine enthusiasm for hospitality and creating memorable experiences.
Previous luxury hotel, boutique hotel, upscale restaurant, cocktail bar, or fine-dining experience is preferred.
Senior-Level Expectations
A Senior Server is expected to operate with a greater level of ownership than a standard serving position.
That means noticing when something needs attention and addressing it. It means helping a teammate before being asked. It means recognizing when a guest experience is beginning to fall short and taking action. It means knowing the standards well enough to help others execute them.
The Senior Server is not simply responsible for their own tables; they share responsibility for the success of the entire room.
Physical & Scheduling Requirements
- Ability to stand and move throughout the duration of a shift.
- Ability to safely carry trays, glassware, plates, and service equipment.
- Ability to lift and carry approximately 30–40 pounds as needed.
- Availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events based on business needs.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
Our Service Philosophy
At Dexter Hotel and Noble Lounge, great hospitality should feel natural, thoughtful, and personal.
We want guests to feel recognized rather than processed. Details matter. Cleanliness matters. Communication matters. Most importantly, the way we make people feel matters.
The Senior Server helps bring that philosophy to life every night—setting the standard for the team while creating the kind of experience that makes guests want to return.
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
