Captain

The Happy Crane, a modern Chinese restaurant in San Francisco that seeks to change the perception of what a Chinese restaurant can be, is now hiring Captains. At The Happy Crane, we aim to create an environment which celebrates both the individual and the collective. Our Captains are integral in leading the guest experience as they drive the pace of the meal. The goal of the Captain is to gain the trust of the guests so that they can share The Happy Crane story and mission as well as educating guests on Chinese culture & cuisine through the lens of our chef, Chef James Parry. The Happy Crane strives to push ourselves to be the best version of ourselves in the workplace, to nurture talent, hard work, and respect. The Happy Crane culture we are building is one that encourages learning and growth, striving to push ourselves to be the best version of ourselves, to nurture talent, hard work, and respect. We hope to find Captains that are aligned with that curiosity and dedication to their evolution as well as the restaurants.

Qualities Desired:

Excellence in Guest Service:

• Anticipate and fulfill guests' needs before they have an opportunity to request anything
• Patience and attentiveness to ensure guest satisfaction
• Ability to handle difficult situations calmly, professionally, and efficiently
• People person that enjoys conversation and building relationships with guests to create a community of The Happy Crane supporters

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Managing the floor operations efficiently and gracefully
• Excellent communication skills to coordinate with kitchen, service, and bar teams
• Willingness to assist colleagues during peak times without hesitation or request
• Multitasking skills to serve dining room guests, run food and beverage, and support any department in need throughout the operation
• Positive attitude and willingness to contribute to a positive work environment

Adaptability and Flexibility:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Capacity to prioritize effectively for guests, service, and team
• Quick thinking and problem-solving skills to resolve issues on the spot

Attention to Detail:

• Observant and proactive in identifying and addressing guest needs
• Commitment to maintaining a clean and organized work area

Creativity & Menu Development:

• Genuine curiosity and interest in people and Chinese culture/cuisine
• Fluent or conversational Mandarin or Cantonese is a plus but not required

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, and specialty drinks
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Collaborative work ethic
• Enthusiasm for Building something new from the ground up

Key Responsibilities:

Education and Leadership:

• Provide guidance and leadership to ensure smooth operations.
• Constantly educate yourself on the menu, ingredients, beverages, and even vendors/purveyors.

Quality Control:

• Ensure that products and services meet quality standards set by the company.
• Conduct regular inspections to maintain cleanliness, organization, and overall quality on the floor.

Safety and Security:

• Implement and enforce safety and security protocols to protect both guests and staff.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with appropriate personnel.
• Mindfulness of guests’ alcoholic consumption and knowledge of local laws and regulations regarding alcoholic beverages, age restrictions, etc.
• Process payment transactions, including accepting cash, credit cards, or other forms of payment like Apple Pay; handle money securely, accurately count cash, and provide guest receipts.

Reporting:

• Provide regular reports to management on key performance indicators, customer feedback, and any issues that may arise on the floor.

Promotions and Upselling:

• Implement and oversee promotions or marketing initiatives on the floor.
• Encourage upselling and suggestive selling among the staff.

Inventory Management:

• Monitor and manage inventory levels on the floor, ensuring that products are adequately stocked.
• Coordinate with relevant departments to restock inventory as needed.

Benefits:
Medical Benefits (50% Contribution from The Happy Crane), Dental Insurance, Wellness Practices, 50% Dining Discount at the restaurant (exclusive of alcohol and limited to 2x per year and up to 4 guests)