Banquet Server in Buffalo, New York at Ember Custom Event Planning & Catering LLC

Position Summary

The Banquet Attendant plays a key role in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences for catered meetings, corporate functions, employee events, executive gatherings, and special events throughout the building. This position is responsible for event setup, food and beverage service, guest interaction, event maintenance, and event breakdown while ensuring all functions are executed according to Ember Kitchen's standards of hospitality, professionalism, and presentation.

At Ember Kitchen, hospitality is more than serving food—it is creating memorable experiences. Banquet Attendants are expected to actively engage with guests, anticipate needs, and contribute to an exceptional experience from setup through final cleanup.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Event Setup
-Set up conference rooms, meeting spaces, dining areas, buffets, beverage stations, and service areas according to Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and event specifications.
-Arrange tables, chairs, linens, place settings, signage, and equipment as directed.
-Ensure all event spaces are clean, organized, and guest-ready prior to service.
-Assist with transporting food, beverages, equipment, and supplies throughout the building.
-Verify setup details and communicate any concerns to supervisors prior to service.

Food & Beverage Service
-Deliver and serve food and beverages in a professional and courteous manner.
-Maintain buffet stations, replenish food and beverage items, and ensure attractive presentation throughout service.
-Monitor food quality, temperatures, and cleanliness of service areas.
-Clear used dishes, glassware, and service items promptly and professionally.
-Assist with coffee service, beverage stations, and meeting refreshments.
-Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements.

Guest Service
-Provide outstanding customer service to guests, clients, tenants, and visitors.
-Greet guests in a friendly and professional manner.
-Respond promptly to guest requests and communicate needs or concerns to supervisors.
-Maintain a positive attitude and professional appearance at all times.
-Represent Ember Kitchen with professionalism and hospitality during all interactions.

Event Maintenance
-Monitor meeting rooms and event spaces during service to ensure cleanliness and proper presentation.
-Refresh food, beverages, condiments, and supplies as needed.
-Conduct follow-up checks on events to ensure guest satisfaction and service standards are maintained.
-Assist with room resets and transitions between events when required.

Event Breakdown
-Break down meeting rooms, buffet stations, beverage stations, and event setups following service.
-Remove equipment, service items, linens, and supplies from event spaces.
-Clean and reset areas according to company standards.
-Properly store equipment, inventory, and supplies.
-Complete inventory sign out sheets, remit to Supervisor
-Assist with post-event cleanup and preparation for future events.

Team Responsibilities
-Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, catering staff, café staff, and management.
-Follow all company policies, procedures, safety guidelines, and service standards.
-Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
-Assist in other areas of the operation as business needs dictate.
-Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required
-High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
-Excellent customer service and communication skills.
-Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
-Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
-Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.
-Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Preferred
-Previous experience in catering, banquet service, hospitality, food service, or customer service.
-Experience working corporate events, business meetings, or conference services.
-Food Handler Certification (if applicable).

Physical Requirements
-Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
-Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
-Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach frequently.
-Ability to transport food, beverages, equipment, and supplies throughout the facility.
-Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Work Environment

This position works throughout the Ember Kitchen operation, including the corporate cafeteria, Café 257, guest dining areas, conference rooms, executive meeting spaces, and special event venues within the building. The role requires flexibility to support daily dining operations, catered meetings, corporate functions, employee events, and special events as business needs dictate.

Banquet Attendants regularly interact with employees, tenants, executives, clients, and guests and are expected to maintain a professional, hospitality-focused presence at all times. Work uniform standards must be adhered to. Work schedules will mainly include early mornings through mid-day (for breakfasts and lunches) - it may also include evenings, and occasional weekends based on event schedules and operational needs.

Success Factors

Successful Banquet Attendants consistently:
-Arrive on time and prepared for every shift.
-Demonstrate exceptional hospitality and professionalism.
-Maintain a positive attitude in fast-paced environments.
-Take pride in the presentation and execution of events.
-Anticipate guest needs and respond proactively.
-Follow instructions and event specifications accurately.
-Work effectively as part of a team.
-Uphold Ember Kitchen's commitment to quality, service, and hospitality.

Ember Kitchen is committed to providing exceptional hospitality experiences through outstanding food, service, and attention to detail. Every team member plays an important role in creating memorable experiences for our guests and clients.