Food & Beverage
Grand Rapids enjoys an international reputation for fine food, beer, and craft beverages – and a constant need for new talent to uphold our standards. Chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, line cooks, bartenders, servers, sommeliers, buyers, purchasing clerks, order writers, brew masters, production managers, general managers … the opportunities run the gamut from entry to executive level and from front to back-of-the-house. Grand Rapids also has great hospitality education opportunities at Grand Valley State University and Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Keep in mind that Grand Rapids is an entrepreneurial city, and many individuals who learn the ropes working for other people eventually open their own restaurants, bars, breweries, cideries, distilleries, and coffeehouses, adding to the richness and diversity of our food & beverage scene.
Choose Your Starting Point
Hostess:
Do you have a warm and welcoming demeanor coupled with exceptional organizational skills? As a hostess, you'll be the first point of contact for guests, greeting them with a friendly smile and ensuring they feel valued and attended to. Manage reservations, seat guests, and coordinate with servers to maintain smooth flow in the dining area.
Food and Beverage Server:
Are you personable, attentive, and passionate about hospitality? As a food and beverage server, you'll provide guests with exceptional dining experiences by taking orders, serving food and beverages, and attending to guest needs. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills, product knowledge, and attention to detail to ensure guest satisfaction and enhance the overall dining experience.
Waiter/Banquet Server:
Are you organized and efficient with a knack for event service? As a banquet server, you'll assist in the setup, execution, and breakdown of events, such as weddings, conferences, and banquets. Serve food and beverages to guests, maintain cleanliness and presentation of event spaces, and provide attentive service to ensure seamless and memorable events for guests.
Kitchen Assistant:
Are you eager to learn and contribute to a dynamic culinary team? As a kitchen assistant, you'll support culinary operations by assisting chefs and cooks with food preparation, dishwashing, and kitchen maintenance tasks. Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, follow food safety protocols, and contribute to the efficient operation of the kitchen to ensure high-quality food service.
Line Cook:
Are you skilled in culinary techniques and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment? As a line cook, you'll prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and specifications, ensuring consistent quality and presentation of dishes. Work collaboratively with kitchen team members, follow food safety guidelines, and maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen to support smooth and efficient operations.
Explore Mid-Level Opportunities
Sommelier:
Are you knowledgeable about wine and passionate about providing elevated dining experiences? As a sommelier, you'll guide guests through the wine selection process, recommend wine pairings, and provide information about wine varietals and regions. Collaborate with chefs and restaurant management to pair wines with menu items, oversee wine service standards, and conduct wine tastings and educational events to engage guests and elevate their appreciation of wine.
Sous Chef:
Are you passionate about culinary excellence and thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment? As a sous chef, you'll work closely with the head chef to execute menu items, assist in food preparation, cooking, and plating to maintain high-quality standards and timely service, and supervise kitchen staff.
Move Up To Management
Food and Beverage Manager:
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for food and hospitality? As a food and beverage manager, you'll oversee all aspects of food and beverage operations, including dining outlets, bars, and banquet services. Develop and implement strategies to enhance guest experiences, manage inventory and cost control, and lead and motivate a team of food and beverage professionals to deliver exceptional service and drive revenue growth.
Executive Chef:
Are you a creative and skilled culinary professional with a passion for leading kitchen teams? As an executive chef, you'll oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, food preparation, and kitchen management. Create innovative and high-quality culinary offerings, ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards, and inspire and mentor kitchen staff to achieve excellence in culinary execution and guest satisfaction.
Restaurant Owner/Operator:
Are you an entrepreneurial spirit with a love for the restaurant industry? As the owner-operator of a restaurant, you'll oversee all aspects of business operations, including concept development, staffing, customer service, and financial management. Create a welcoming and memorable dining experience for guests, build and maintain relationships with customers and suppliers, and lead a team to deliver exceptional food and service that reflects your vision and values as a restaurateur.
Are you interested in more information about Discover Tourism? Do you have questions about the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism? We'd love to hear from you!