Open Job Postings - The Kennedy

Kennedy Concepts’ mission is to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through serving the highest level of food quality, bar drink quality, and legendary guest service in a clean and comfortable environment with an energetic ambiance. We believe in treating our team members and guests like family and know that our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest, every time and creating memories our guests will never forget.

Summary of Position:
As the first point of contact for guests, the first responsibility is to ensure they feel welcomed and valued as soon as they enter the restaurant. Hosts will manage the flow of guests, coordinate reservations, and maintain an organized front-of-house environment. This role is crucial in creating a positive first impression and setting the tone for a great dining experience. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a friendly, professional demeanor are key to success in this position.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Greet guests warmly as they arrive, offering a friendly and professional introduction to the restaurant.
• When possible, open the front door for guests entering or leaving the restaurant.
• Manage reservations and efficiently assign tables based on guest preferences and availability.
• Answer phone calls and assist with inquiries about the menu, wait times, and reservations.
• Assist with managing guest flow during busy periods, ensuring an efficient seating arrangement.
• Maintain an organized waiting area, ensuring guests are comfortable & understand wait times.
• Accommodate special seating requests for guests whenever possible.
• Escort guests to their tables and provide menus, ensuring a smooth transition to the dining area.
• Monitor the dining area & coordinate with servers so that guests are attended to promptly.
• Handle customer concerns or complaints professionally. Resolve issues quickly & effectively.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand, lobby, entry area and menus.
• Monitor restrooms for cleanliness and proper stock of toiletries.
• Assist with other front-of-house tasks, including greeting take-out orders and assisting guests.
• Support the restaurant team in ensuring a positive guest experience from start to finish.
• Assist in rolling silverware consistently through the shift.
• Thank guests as they leave and invite them to return.

Required Skills:

• Outgoing personality
• Ability to engage guests and put a smile on their face
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner.
• Possess good problem-solving skills
• Impeccable customer service standards
• Ability to remain calm and composed during peak hours or high-pressure situations.
• Team-oriented, with an emphasis on creating an enjoyable environment for guests and staff alike.

Qualifications:

• No previous restaurant experience required.
• Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 5 hours).
• Requires flexibility in hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Be able to communicate clearly and effectively in the predominant language(s) of our guests.
• Enjoys a fast-paced, high-energy atmosphere.

Kennedy Concepts’ mission is to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through serving the highest level of food quality, bar drink quality, and legendary guest service in a clean and comfortable environment with an energetic ambiance. We believe in treating our team members and guests like family and know that our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest, every time and creating memories our guests will never forget.

Line Cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking high-quality dishes according to Kennedy Concepts menu and specifications. Teamwork and communication with other kitchen team members is vital to ensure efficient food preparation and timely delivery of meals.  An individual in this role will need to have an amazing attention to detail, strong cooking skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment are essential for success in this role. Accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups and other hot food products as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Also perform other duties in the areas of food and final plate preparation including plating and garnishing of cooked items and preparing appropriate garnishes for all hot menu item plates.

·        Prepare a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers and a variety of other kitchen equipment according to recipes and restaurant standards, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish.

·        Assumes 100% responsibility for the quality of products served.

·        Know and comply consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and kitchen rules, policies and procedures.

·        Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations to assure a smooth service period.

·        Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.

·        Maintains a clean and sanitary workstation area including tables, shelves, grills, broilers, fryers, pasta cookers, sauté burners, convection oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.

·        Prepares item for broiling, grilling, frying, sautéing or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, breading, seasoning and/or marinating.

·        Cook food to the correct temperature and plate dishes in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

·        Work efficiently to manage multiple orders at once, ensuring that food is prepared and delivered promptly during peak hours.

·        Ensure food safety guidelines are followed, including proper storage and handling of food products. Adhere to all health and safety regulations.

·        Follows proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes.

·        Handles, stores and rotates all products properly.

·        Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed.

·        Assist with cleaning duties at the end of shifts, including washing dishes, cleaning kitchen equipment, and disposing of waste.

·        Close the kitchen properly and follow the closing checklist for kitchen stations. Assists others in closing the kitchen.

·        Attend all scheduled employee meetings and bring suggestions for improvement.

·        Communicate and work closely with other kitchen team members, including prep cooks, dishwashers, and servers, to ensure smooth and effective kitchen operation.

·        Performs other related duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager or manager-on-duty.

·        A minimum of 2 years of experience in kitchen preparation and cooking.

·        At least 6 months’ experience in a similar capacity.

·        Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, kitchen equipment, and food preparation methods.

·        Communicate clearly with managers, kitchen and dining room personnel.

·        Ability to follow recipes precisely and ensure consistent food quality and presentation

·        Understanding of food safety and hygiene practices, including proper food storage and handling.

·        Knowledge of food safety regulations and cleanliness standards.

·        Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift items (up to 40 pounds).

·        Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 9 hours).

Kennedy Concepts’ mission is to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through serving the highest level of food quality, bar drink quality, and legendary guest service in a clean and comfortable environment with an energetic ambiance. We believe in treating our team members and guests like family and know that our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest, every time and creating memories our guests will never forget.

An Expo (Expediter) will be the bridge between the kitchen and the dining room, ensuring that food is prepared, plated, and delivered to guests in a timely and accurate manner. This role is crucial in maintaining the flow of the restaurant, organizing orders, and ensuring that the final presentation of dishes meets the restaurant's standards. Attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills are key to ensuring a smooth dining experience.

·        Communicate effectively between kitchen staff, servers, and management to ensure that orders are completed accurately and promptly.

·        Ensure that all dishes are properly plated and meet the restaurant’s standards for presentation and quality.

·        Check orders before they are sent to ensure accuracy in ingredients, special requests, and dietary restrictions.

·        Oversee the timing of food orders to ensure that all items are delivered to the dining room in a timely manner, ensuring no delays or incorrect orders.

·        Keep the expo station clean and organized, ensuring that all tools and equipment are in proper working condition.

·        Communicate with servers regarding order status, timing, and any special requests or concerns from guests.

·        Occasionally assist in delivering food to guests, especially during busy periods or when necessary.

·        Monitor inventory levels of items needed at the expo station, such as garnishes, condiments, and utensils, and inform management when supplies are low.

·        Work closely with kitchen team members, servers, and management to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction.

·        Address and resolve any issues related to incorrect orders, food quality, or delays, ensuring that customer satisfaction is maintained.

·        Ability to think quickly and address any issues or discrepancies in a professional and calm manner.

·        Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house team.

·        Previous experience in a restaurant environment, especially in an expediting or food runner role, is preferred.

·        Excellent verbal communication skills to clearly relay information between kitchen staff, servers, and guests.

·        Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in orders, food presentation, and guest requests.

·        Ability to manage multiple tasks at once and keep the work area organized and efficient.

·        Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time effectively to ensure timely delivery of orders.

·        Work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 5 hours).

·        Safely lift bags, cases and stacks weighing up to 60 pounds as needed.