Grand Lake Kitchen is hiring Servers

Server (Part-Time)

Pay: $17.34/hour + tips (pooled house)

Schedule: Part-time, 3–5 shifts per week

Start Date: asap

Who We Are

Grand Lake Kitchen Lake Merritt is the flagship location situated right in the heart of Oakland. We are an all-day neighborhood café known for busy brunches, bistro-style dinners, a full bar, and welcoming outdoor spaces.

GLK is a true neighborhood hangout—many of our guests come several times a week. Our food is contemporary American with classic roots, and our hospitality is warm, thoughtful, and efficient. Our work culture reflects the same values: high standards, clear communication, and genuine care for one another.

What This Role Is

The Server is a key part of our front-of-house team and plays a major role in creating a welcoming, gracious, and efficient guest experience. This position requires strong service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay positive and professional during busy services. Serving at GLK means more than taking orders — it means being engaged, thoughtful, and a supportive teammate throughout the shift.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years of serving experience in a full-service restaurant

Ability to maintain positivity under pressure and busy shifts

Proficiency with Toast POS

Reliable - show up on time for scheduled shifts

Must love people and remain gracious, even when it is busy

Ability to open and present a bottle of wine tableside

Strong teamwork skills — must be able to give help and ask for help

Clear, respectful communication with coworkers and management

Strong ability to create a guest-focused hospitality experience with attention to detail

Comfortable multitasking and leading by example during busy service periods

Must be 18+ years of age

Authorized to work in the United States

Valid Food Handler Card and RBS Certification

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for the duration of a full shift

BONUS: Host experience (using OpenTable)

BONUS: Working knowledge of wine, craft cocktails, and local beers

Responsibilities

Provide warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service to all guests

Accurately take orders, enter them into the POS, and manage coursing and pacing

Maintain awareness of seat numbers and overall service flow

Open and present wine tableside with confidence and professionalism

Communicate clearly with the kitchen and front-of-house team

Assist teammates as needed to ensure smooth service

Complete opening, closing, and side work thoroughly and on time

Help maintain cleanliness, organization, and a welcoming environment

What We Offer

$17.34/hour + tips (pooled house)

Shift meals (for 6 hour shifts or more) and dining discounts

Paid sick leave in accordance with Oakland and California law

Opportunity for growth — we are mom and pop, love promoting from within, and growing with our staff

A supportive, high-standard, genuinely kind workplace

Come Join Us!

Please send your resume in the body of an email and indicate what position and location you are applying for. We look forward to meeting you!