SERVER ASSISTANT
North & River | California Wood Fire
At North & River, hospitality is a team effort. Our Server Assistants play an essential role in creating a seamless, elevated dining experience by anticipating the needs of both our guests and our service team.
This is not simply a bussing or food-running position. We are looking for someone who is attentive, knowledgeable, confident, and eager to learn. Our Server Assistants work closely alongside Servers to maintain the flow of service and are expected to have a strong understanding of our food and beverage program so they can confidently engage with guests when a Server is assisting another table.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Server Assistant supports the Server throughout the entire guest experience—from the moment a table is seated until it is reset for the next reservation.
You will help run food, maintain water service, clear and reset tables, communicate with the kitchen and service team, and continually observe your section for what needs to happen next.
Most importantly, you should understand why we are serving what we serve.
Server Assistants are expected to develop extensive knowledge of North & River’s seasonal menu, ingredients, preparation techniques, wine program, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. When a Server is unavailable, you should be comfortable answering guest questions and helping guide the experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist Servers in providing attentive, polished, and efficient table service.
- Run food promptly and accurately while confidently identifying and describing dishes to guests.
- Maintain water service throughout the dining experience without guests needing to ask.
- Clear and bus tables thoughtfully and unobtrusively between courses.
- Reset and prepare tables according to North & River service standards.
- Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked service stations.
- Assist with polishing and maintaining glassware, silverware, and service pieces.
- Communicate guest requests, allergies, concerns, and special needs immediately to the appropriate Server or Manager.
- Understand table numbers, seat positions, course pacing, and proper food delivery.
- Support the Server in monitoring the overall flow and needs of the section.
- Work closely with Servers, Bartenders, Hosts, Culinary Team, and Management to create seamless service.
- Anticipate what needs to happen next rather than waiting to be asked.
FOOD & BEVERAGE KNOWLEDGE
Server Assistants are expected to continuously develop their knowledge of:
- Seasonal menu items and daily features
- Major ingredients and preparation methods
- Wood-fire cooking techniques used throughout our menu
- Common allergens and dietary considerations
- Proper pronunciation and presentation of dishes
- Wine styles, varietals, and basic food-and-wine pairings
- Craft cocktails, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic offerings
- The story and inspiration behind North & River’s food and beverage program
You do not need to know everything on your first day—we will train you—but you must have the desire and discipline to learn it.
THE GUEST EXPERIENCE
At North & River, every team member who approaches a table represents the restaurant.
If a guest asks you a question, your first response should not automatically be, “I’ll get your Server.”
When you know the answer, confidently help the guest.
When you don’t know the answer, acknowledge the question and find the correct information for them.
Our goal is to create a service team where guests feel cared for regardless of which team member is standing at their table.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
The ideal Server Assistant is:
- Warm, polished, and genuinely hospitable
- Highly observant and attentive to details
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced restaurant
- Able to multitask and prioritize effectively
- Confident communicating with guests
- Curious and passionate about food, wine, and hospitality
- Coachable and eager to continuously improve
- Able to work collaboratively without an ego
- Someone who notices what needs to be done and takes initiative
- Interested in growing within the hospitality industry
Previous upscale or full-service restaurant experience is preferred, but attitude, work ethic, hospitality, and willingness to learn are equally important.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
A great Server Assistant doesn’t wait for a water glass to become empty.
They don’t wait for a Server to ask them to clear a finished course.
They notice.
They anticipate.
They understand the rhythm of the table and quietly help keep the experience moving.
At North & River, exceptional hospitality is created through dozens of small details—and our Server Assistants are an essential part of making those details feel effortless.
Join us today to become part of a vibrant hospitality environment where your energy makes a real difference!
Pay: $16.90 per hour
Work Location: In person
