Jobs › Sonesta Hotels

Restaurant Server

Sonesta Hotels · Chicago, IL · $12.66–$13.66 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you made a guest's dining experience memorable.

What they are checking: Whether they create genuine connection, which is what the posting values.

Tell me about working closely with a team in a busy restaurant.

What they are checking: Whether they support coworkers, which keeps service smooth during rushes.

This role could cover restaurants, lounges or banquets. Which have you worked, and how are they different?

What they are checking: Whether they can adapt across the different outlets the posting mentions.

What availability do you have, including nights, weekends and holidays?

What they are checking: Whether they can work the shifts hotel dining needs covered.

What would you do

A guest asks what you recommend on the menu. How do you answer?

What they are checking: Whether they know the menu and can make a personal, helpful recommendation.

Your section is full, the kitchen is backed up and a table wants their check. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage several tables under pressure and keep guests informed.

How do you handle a guest who sends food back and is upset?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, fix the issue and know when to involve a manager.

About the work

A guest tells you they have a severe food allergy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they take allergies seriously and communicate clearly with the kitchen.

What do you know about responsible alcohol service, such as checking IDs and spotting intoxication?

What they are checking: Whether they understand their legal responsibility when serving alcohol.

How do you suggest a drink or dessert without sounding pushy?

What they are checking: Whether they can raise the check naturally by focusing on the guest's enjoyment.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Sonesta Hotels from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Sonesta Hotels.

We’re People People. Are you? We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast 🚀). With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be. But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting). What this role is all about What this role is all about At Sonesta, great dining experiences are all about connection, energy, and exceptional service. As a Food Server, you’ll help create memorable moments for guests by delivering attentive hospitality, personalized service, and outstanding food & beverage experiences across our restaurants, lounges, banquets, or dining outlets. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, enjoys interacting with people, and loves creating experiences guests genuinely remember. From menu recommendations to seamless service and genuine conversation, you’ll play an important role in bringing our People People culture to life every day. If you’re outgoing, service-driven, and passionate about hospitality — we’d love to meet you. What you’ll be doing What you’ll be doing • Provide friendly, attentive, and professional food & beverage service to guests across restaurants , lounge, banquet , and dining operations. • Take guest orders accurately, answer menu questions, make recommendations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences throughout service. • Serve food and beverages according to hotel service standards, presentation guidelines, and timing expectations. • Maintain a strong knowledge of menu offerings, beverages, wine selections, promotions, and daily specials. • Process guest transactions, payments, and POS system operations accurately and efficiently. • Monitor guest satisfaction throughout dining experiences and respond quickly and professionally to guest requests or concerns. • Maintain cleanliness and organization across dining rooms, service stations, tables, and guest-facing areas. • Support opening duties, closing side work, banquet setup, and operational readiness throughout shifts. • Partner closely with Culinary, Bartenders, Food Runners, Banquets, and Food & Beverage leadership teams to support smooth operations. • Follow food safety standards, sanitation procedures, responsible alcohol service guidelines, and hotel operational policies at all times. • Support upselling initiatives, promotions, and guest engagement opportunities that drive revenue and enhance the dining experience. • Help create a welcoming, energetic, and team-oriented atmosphere aligned with Sonesta’s People People culture. • Any other duties as assigned What great looks like • Previous restaurant, hotel, banquet, hospitality, food service, or customer service experience preferred. • Strong communication, interpersonal, and guest service skills with a friendly and professional attitude. • Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced hospitality environment. • Knowledge of food & beverage service, dining etiquette, POS systems, and responsible alcohol service practices preferred. • Strong attention to detail, presentation, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction standards. • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a high-energy hospitality team. • Food Handler Certification, TIPS Certification, or alcohol service certification preferred where applicable. • A passion for hospitality, guest engagement, teamwork, and creating memorable dining experiences. • Flexible availability including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and event support as needed. Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information Pay range $12.66 -$13.66 Pay rate outlined follows contract requirements. Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. Employees are offered a variety of benefits including: • Medical and Dental Insurance • Paid Vacation and Sick Days • Paid Holidays • Pension • Legal Services • Maternity and Parental Leave Go Beyond @SonestaHotels WHO WE ARE We are an organization made up of people, thoughts and ideas – all working towards fulfilling our simple mission: To wow every guest, team member, partner & community we operate in by delivering quality, value & amazing hospitality. We will achieve our mission by being passionate about exceeding expectations - by being persistent, resilient, and constantly seeking new and creative ways to succeed. Doing the Right Thing and Going Beyond are our principles that guide everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Our Commitment to You Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Before You Apply To be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

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