Job Description

Momofuku

Momofuku was founded by chef David Chang in 2004 with the opening of Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City. Credited with “the rise of contemporary Asian-American cuisine” by the New York Times and named the “most important restaurant in America” by Bon Appétit magazine, Momofuku has restaurants in the New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as well as Momofuku Goods, a line of restaurant-grade products for home cooks.

About Kabawa

Kabawa and Bar Kabawa are the forthcoming projects from Chef Paul Carmichael and Momofuku. They are dedicated to celebrating Caribbean culture in the East Village and reflect Chef Paul’s culinary journey.

Anticipated start date for this position is January 3rd, 2025.

The Kabawa Sommelier involves being a leader in all beverage and service-related areas. This individual will provide assistance in maintaining the beverage program, while working closely with the Beverage Manager, Chefs, and FOH Managers on its creative development and standards implementation. The Sommelier will be directly responsible for guest-facing beverage interactions, staff and personal education developments, and structure and daily upkeep of beverage offerings.

Compensation Band: $16.00 - $21.00 per hour plus applicable tips

Why Momofuku?

At Momofuku, we value our team members and make it a priority to offer competitive compensation packages that encourage longevity with the company and long-term growth. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including vision/dental/medical, 401k, paid time off, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, and dining discounts, plus more after required wait periods. We encourage our team members to grow and learn, and offer many opportunities for personal and career development.

Responsibilities

• Drive the guest experience in accordance with restaurant goals through prioritization of beverage sales, service, and pairing
• Serve alcoholic beverages responsibly
• Produce and serve beverage according to restaurant specifications
• Proactively seek opportunities for sales, in line with guests’ preferred experience
• Ensure food and beverage arrive to guests quickly and correctly
• Ensure that beverages are served at the right temperature and within the proper servingware
• Ensure proper table maintenance, including water service, bussing, and crumbing
• Assist other FOH team members to execute menu according to service pacing
• Utilize the POS system correctly and confidently for order entry and payment processing
• Assist the Host Team in table turn time management and resetting for the next seating
• Gain full knowledge of Momofuku and the restaurant and utilize it to answer FAQs.
• Gain full knowledge of food and beverage menus, including but not limited to ingredient provenance and simple descriptions of unfamiliar ingredients or preparation methods
• Build relationships with guests to facilitate return visits or private event bookings
• Communicate of any menu changes and stock changes to Beverage Manager and relevant staff, including ordering needs
• Ensure all BTG, Wine Pairing wastage and corked bottles are properly documented
• Continuously suggest program refinements to Beverage Manager, Chefs and FOH Managers
• Maintain accuracy of pre-service beverage notes
• Assist the FOH Managers in defining and enforcing beverage service standards
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service areas throughout the shift
• Effectively and respectfully communicate service and/or guest irregularities
• Constantly push to creatively interpret positive guest relations and industry standards
• Adhere to grooming and dress code guidelines
• Assist team mates to anticipate all other FOH needs

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of Sommelier or other wine-focused service position in a moderate to high volume, upscale restaurant
• Solid foundational knowledge of wine required, other beverage knowledge such as spirits, N/A bev, etc preferred and welcomed
• Team-focused mindset and empathetic approach to collaboration
• A positive and enthusiastic attitude, as well as a desire to learn, grow, and develop new skills
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and resolve guest conflict
• Willing to accept guidance in a positive manner and implement the direction in a way that is productive for both you and the team
• Ability to demonstrate quick thinking and adaptability in a constantly changing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years Sommelier or other wine-focused service position in moderate to high volume, upscale restaurant
• Proven ability to consistently generate a high level of beverage sales daily, including upper echelon wine bottles
• Consistently contribute to the expansion and versatility of the wine list to the benefit of the overall program
• Continued self-education and expansion of beverage knowledge base following proven mastery of Momofuku’s beverage program
• History of educating the service team effectively on wine, beer, sake, spirits and N/A bev
• Proven ability to perform the responsibilities of all FOH service positions
• Ability to train new sommeliers in all aspects and responsibilities of the role
• A proven track record of dependability, a continuous focus on learning and development, and a history of consistently and successfully fulfilling all role responsibilities

Physical Demands

• The physical demands for this position are seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, frequently lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting, standing, for 4 to 8 hours, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations. The duties of this position may change from time to time. Momofuku reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Momofuku or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Momofuku is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status.

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