Counterperson

We’re Sonesta International Hotels.
The 8th largest hotel company in the U.S.—and growing fast.

An epic blend of full-service and focused hotels in major cities, Sonesta’s uniquely diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties makes us everywhere you want to be. Driven by the human side of hospitality, we deliver service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and experiences that truly connect.

Together We Thrive—bringing quality, value, and amazing hospitality to every guest, every stay, across 1000+ properties in eight countries and counting.

Job Description Summary

The Counterperson/Barista will prepare and serve hot or cold beverages, including coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, teas, and other specialty beverages. This also includes serving, taking orders for baked goods and sandwiches. The Counterperson will also describe menu items to guests or suggest products that might appeal to them. Order, receive, or stock supplies or retail products. The Counterperson will take phone orders and may deliver to the guest.

Job Description

Special Qualifications, Education or Licenses:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Food Handler Certificate required
• TABC required
• Minimum one year of experience as a cashier, prior experience in customer service preferred
• Must speak, read, and understand English fluently and clearly;
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule ( weekends,

Essential Elements:

• Ability to lift and move approximately 15 pounds, including setting and storing in overhead areas
• Ability to carry out all safety and emergency procedures, (for example fire, crowd control, inclement weather, and bomb threats)
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, climb, and reach daily
• Ability to effectively utilize point of sale equipment
• Ability to perform tasks requiring sustained repetitive motion and/or fine motor skills, (for example: answering phones, using calculators, etc.)
• Ability to work in extreme temperature
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests regarding menu items, (including beverages, delivery times, etc.)
• Ability to communicate with guests and be able to direct/escort them to the various facilities and functions within the hotel
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including the use of percentages.
• Ability to read and write effectively
• Ability to read or understand diagrams and count
• Ability to sustain direct contact with the public; must establish a high degree of customer service and a high volume of interaction with guests and staff

Service Responsibilities:

• Upselling and suggestive selling techniques
• Present a positive image of PJ's and Royal Sonesta Houston guests
• Be affable and accommodating when serving guests and offer excellent customer service
• Be aware of PJ's service objectives and work to fulfill those
• Ensure that the store offers excellent customer service as it pertains to the operation of the staff and physical upkeep of the store
• Operate in such a manner that aids in achieving the goal of increased sales and lowered operational costs

Product Knowledge and Quality:

• Accurately prepare and serve PJ's and Royal Sonesta Houston beverages and food products
• Command an understanding of our products and use this knowledge to answer customers' questions and to educate the customer about our products
• Attend training sessions designed to increase coffee knowledge and work skills and apply that knowledge to counter serving operations
• Assist on-the-job training of new employees
• Assist retail customers by offering information and suggestions as well as help in selecting purchases

Presentation of the Store:

• Brew beverages to ensure that customers always receive fresh products, quickly served
• Replenish the pastry case in an attractive manner and store all back stock of food to ensure freshness
• Throughout a shift, be aware of on-hand levels of pastry, coffee, tea, and needs such as keeping condiment stand stocked, and general cleanliness of the store
• Maintain a clean counter area for sanitary and safety reasons and present a pleasing work area to guests.
• Execute the indoor and outdoor cleaning responsibilities as assigned by the manager
• Ensure the quality of the brewed beverages by regularly cleaning brewing equipment
• Restock all food products, serving supplies, condiments, and paper products
• Follow proper opening, closing, and shift-change procedures

Ideas and Information Responsibilities:

• Alert management to operational needs, equipment failure, and necessary improvements that are needed
• Be informed of store issues and command an understanding of the services offered by the company
• Assist in the organization and physical improvement of the store
• Enforce and abide by company policies, procedures, and safety rules

Additional Job Information/Anticipated

Pay Range

Benefits

Sonesta recognizes that benefits play a vital role in helping ensure the health and financial security of employees and their families. We offer a variety of benefits to our employees including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Various Employee Perks and Discounts
• Hospital Indemnity
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance

Sonesta is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Upon submitting your application, please ensure you complete a full application in addition to attaching a resume. Incomplete applications received will not be considered.