1. Our Brand Mission & Culture –
Nestled in Nashville’s heart since 1910, “the Hermitage Hotel”—Nashville’s original million‑dollar landmark and the storied backdrop of generations of gatherings—continues to uphold its timeless motto: “Meet me at The Hermitage.” A National Historic Landmark since 2020, our iconic Beaux Arts architecture connects history and modern luxury under one welcoming roof.
Guided by Our Mission—our commitment to exceptional hospitality through highly personalized service delivered by exceptional staff—and shaped by six core values, we set the gold standard across luxury hospitality:
- Excellence – we continually raise the bar, surprising and delighting guests with poise and polish.
- Accountability – we take ownership of our goals, informed decisions, and guest satisfaction.
- Integrity – we act with consistent character, in every interaction, whether seen or unseen.
- Teamwork – we support one another in service, honesty, and respect, attending thoughtfully to every guest and teammate.
- Tradition – we honor the hotel’s legacy by ensuring our historic reputation grows brighter.
- Community – we are invested in Nashville’s well-being and continue our role in civic enrichment.
Our century‑plus evolution includes a respectful 2021–2022 restoration that refreshed our 122 suites while preserving arresting features like the marble lobby and stained-glass ceiling—alongside the debut of refined dining experiences shaped by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Why you'll thrive here:
When you join us, you become part of a team committed to preserving a cherished landmark and shaping its future—offering competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a professionally rewarding environment where growth, collaboration, and pride in legacy go hand in hand.
2. Position Overview:
As a Server at Drusie & Darr at The Hermitage Hotel, you are a front-line ambassador of refined hospitality, delivering polished, intuitive, and highly personalized dining experiences. You execute service with precision, warmth, and discretion—anticipating guest needs, honoring timeless service rituals, and contributing to an atmosphere of effortless elegance within Nashville’s most distinguished dining room.
3. Key Responsibilities
Service Execution & Floor Presence
- Maintain a polished, composed, and attentive presence on the floor throughout all service periods.
- Execute all service sequences with accuracy, grace, and consistency—from greeting to farewell.
- Manage assigned tables with seamless pacing, awareness, and unobtrusive attentiveness.
- Ensure tables are impeccably maintained at all times, including proper place settings, table resets, and environmental awareness.
Guest Experience & Personalization
- Anticipate guest preferences by observing cues, referencing prior visit notes, and noting dietary restrictions or special occasions.
- Deliver personalized, conversational service that balances professionalism with genuine warmth.
- Practice refined name recognition, thoughtful menu guidance, and elevated storytelling when describing dishes and beverages.
- Address guest feedback or concerns promptly and discreetly, escalating when appropriate to preserve the dining atmosphere.
Menu, Beverage & Product Knowledge
- Demonstrate thorough knowledge of all food, beverage, wine, and cocktail offerings, including ingredients, preparation methods, and pairings.
- Guide guests confidently through menu selections, making tailored recommendations aligned with their preferences.
- Execute refined tableside techniques when required, maintaining precision and poise.
- Stay current on seasonal menus, daily features, and culinary narratives.
Team Collaboration & Communication
- Work in seamless coordination with captains, hosts, sommeliers, bartenders, and culinary teams to ensure synchronized service flow.
- Participate in daily pre-shift briefings and service walk-throughs to align on guest insights, VIPs, and service focus points.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with back-of-house teams to ensure accurate timing and execution.
- Support peers during peak periods while maintaining accountability for assigned sections.
Service Standards & Quality Assurance
- Uphold the highest standards of grooming, posture, language, and professional demeanor.
- Ensure compliance with all service rituals, hygiene practices, and brand-level presentation standards.
- Conduct table maintenance checks to ensure glassware, flatware, linens, and amenities are flawless.
- Follow all POS procedures accurately, ensuring check accuracy and secure payment handling.
Operational Awareness & Efficiency
- Manage time effectively to support smooth pacing, proper course timing, and guest comfort.
- Adhere to service procedures that support cost control, waste reduction, and product integrity.
- Remain adaptable to real-time changes in guest flow, seating adjustments, and special requests.
- Support opening and closing duties as assigned to ensure full service readiness and reset.
4. Qualifications & Requirements
Required Experience & Certifications
- 2–4 years experience in fine dining or luxury hospitality service environments.
- Strong foundation in formal dining service, steps of service, and elevated guest engagement.
- Knowledge of wine service standards, cocktail fundamentals, and food & beverage pairings.
- Ability to operate POS systems accurately and efficiently.
- Certified in Alcohol Service (TIPS/ServSafe) and able to pass all compliance requirements.
- Must be 18+ with availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and high-demand service periods.
Soft Skills & Service Competencies
- Service Poise: Calm, polished, and confident demeanor in fast-paced, high-expectation environments.
- Guest Awareness: Ability to read subtle cues and adapt service style accordingly.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on timing, presentation, and consistency.
- Interpersonal Awareness: Approaches guests and colleagues with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.
- Communication Excellence: Clear, articulate, and gracious verbal engagement.
- Team Mindset: Collaborative, supportive, and accountable to shared service success.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in luxury hotel dining rooms or chef-driven restaurant concepts.
- Multilingual capabilities to support international guest engagement.
- Wine or beverage certifications or active pursuit of advanced service education.
- Background in historic or culturally significant hospitality settings.
- Demonstrated interest in service craft, storytelling, and elevated dining traditions.
5. Why This Role Shines at The Hermitage Hotel
As a Server at Drusie & Darr, you are entrusted with carrying forward a legacy of refined hospitality within one of Nashville’s most iconic destinations. Your role is essential in transforming meals into memorable experiences through thoughtful service, precision, and genuine care. This is an opportunity to hone your craft, grow within a culture of excellence, and contribute daily to moments that guests will remember long after they leave the table.
6. Benefits
At The Hermitage Hotel, we value our team members and offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and professional growth for Full Time Employees:
- Health & Wellness: Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance, with options to extend coverage to spouses, children, or domestic partners.
- Financial Security: Company-provided life insurance and a 401(k) plan with a 3% annual match.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid time off starting at 15 days per year after initial 90 day probationary period, increasing with tenure up to 30 days per year.
- Employee Support: Access to mental and behavioral health services, telehealth consultations, and an employee assistance program.
- Additional Perks: Complimentary meals in the employee cafeteria, subsidized on-site parking, and generous discounts at our retail and restaurant outlets.
- Professional Development: Ongoing education support, including industry training.
- Exclusive Rates: Special hotel rates for employees and discounted rates for friends and family.
7. Schedule:
· Must be available for Weekends/ Holidays
· Morning/Day/Night Shifts
· Shift Length 6(+) Hours
· Part Time/ Full Time range up to 12-40(+) Hours per week
· Location: In Person
8. Compensation
· Starting hourly 7.50 + Tips & Gratuity
· Paid Biweekly
NOTICE
It is the policy of The Hermitage Hotel to employ the most qualified individuals. Promotion from within will be given priority whenever possible thus providing for growth, advancement, and increased responsibility for employees. All candidates are required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check prior to beginning employment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Hermitage Hotel is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against associates or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other condition protected by applicable state and federal laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $7.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Luxury Fine Dining: 2 years (Required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
