Captain

Job Details

Established by chef and founder Alex Stupak in 2011, Empellón has grown into a multi-restaurant company with locations in Manhattan’s east village, west village, and midtown east neighborhoods with more in development. Empellón simultaneously embraces the greatness of Mexican cuisine as it is, while constantly striving to realize what it could be. Empellón translates to jostle. For us, it means to push in a new direction and to push ourselves to strive for the best.

We are seeking an experienced, hospitality-driven Captain to join our team at our Midtown Flagship. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads service with confidence and grace, and consistently delivers an elevated guest experience while supporting the overall flow of the dining room.

Qualifications & Key Responsibilities

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a high-volume restaurant, preferably in a Captain or senior server role
• Provide warm, engaging, and knowledgeable service to every guest, anticipating needs and cultivating repeat guests
• Demonstrate full knowledge of food, beverage, wine, and specialty offerings in order to confidently guide the guest experience
• Communicate clearly and proactively with other captains, support staff, bartenders, BOH team and management to ensure smooth and efficient service
• Ability to lead a section efficiently while maintaining poise under pressure
• Accurately enter orders and process payments using the POS system
• Address guest feedback professionally and resolve concerns with composure and discretion
• Complete opening, closing, and side work responsibilities with attention to detail
• Uphold the restaurant’s standards for hospitality, cleanliness, and professionalism at all times
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic and leadership presence
• Flexible availability, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to stand/walk for 8 hours; bend, push, pull; lift 30 lbs

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Benefits package, including vision/dental/medical, offered after 90 days to full-time employee
• Commuter Discounts
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K
  Opportunities for growth within the Empellón group

We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.