Front of House Staff

Opening Front of House Team For an Ambitious Elevated Mexican Restaurant

About Us

Maria Isabel is an upcoming Mexican restaurant grounded in heritage, craft, and community. Our cooking is rooted in the regional traditions of Mexico—shaped by memory, seasonality, and place—while expressing them through the lens of Northern California’s extraordinary produce and purveyors. The food is soulful and generous, built on time-honored techniques, vibrant flavors, and a deep respect for origin.

Our approach to hospitality mirrors our philosophy in the kitchen: warm, human, and intentional. We believe restaurants are built by people first, and that meaningful work happens when a team grows together—sharing knowledge, responsibility, and pride in the experience we create for our guests.

Maria Isabel is scheduled to open in February, and we are currently assembling our founding team. This is an opportunity to help shape a restaurant from the ground up—its culture, its standards, and its voice—alongside a leadership team committed to mentorship, inclusivity, and long-term growth.

The Opportunity

We are seeking self-motivated, organized, and charismatic team members to join our front-of-house team. Experience in a fine-dining environment is a big plus, but an innate sense of warmth and hospitality is the biggest qualification. The ideal candidates are inherently hospitable, infinitely curious, humble, and—above all—kind. You take pride in delivering thoughtful, polished service and thrive in a collaborative, high-standards environment.

We are primarily looking for applicants with full evening availability but all availability is welcome to apply. Opening hours for the restaurant are Tuesday - Saturday PM.

Positions include:

• Captains & Servers
• Bartenders & Barbacks
• Back waiters & Bussers
• Lead Captain & Sommelier

Essential Duties & Responsibilities For Servers & Bartenders

• Provide warm, attentive, and knowledgeable service consistent with fine-dining standards
• Guide guests through the menu, offering informed food and beverage recommendations, mindful of food allergies
• Maintain strong knowledge of menu items and ingredients
• Communicate clearly and efficiently with guests and team members
• Manage multiple tables while staying organized
• Remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced environment
• Support team service and contribute to a positive, respectful workplace culture
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Duties & Responsibilities For Back Waiters & Bussers

• Prepares dining room for guests by setting decorations, service plates, and utensils.
• Protects the establishment and guests by adhering to sanitation and safety policies.
• Maintains menu presentation by keeping menus clean, replacing damaged or soiled pages, and cleaning chalkboards.
• Maintains table setting by removing courses as completed, refilling water glasses, and being attentive to additional needs. Closes the restaurant by cleaning chairs and tables.
• Supports servers and bartenders by performing necessary work duties.
• Guest table maintenance: clearing plates, watering tables, resetting tables
• Removing trash, polishing glassware, restocking
• Run drinks to tables

Required Qualifications & Competencies

• Previous experience required in the role you are applying for
• Fine-dining or high-end restaurant experience preferred
• Curious and strong desire to learn about ingredients and preparations
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and communication skills
• Ability to perform well under pressure while maintaining genuine hospitality
• Passion for food, beverage, and exceptional guest experiences
• California Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within required time frame)

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk 6-7 hours per shift
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Ability to focus and multitask in a fast-paced, high-pressure dining environment
• Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs and event operations
• Comfortable working in varying conditions, including noise, lighting, and temperature changes
• Navigate stairs, slick surfaces, and all kitchen areas safely
• Travel between San Francisco locations as needed

What We Offer

• Personalized structured career development plan and advancement opportunities
• A supportive, growth-oriented environment with structured professional development
• A culture rooted in craftsmanship, collaboration, and respect
• Consistent scheduling
• Family meal everyday you work
• Generous dining in discounts and retail-cost wine
• 401K matching after 6 months of employment
• Paid sick days
• Subsidized Health, Vision & Dental insurance

Maria Isabel’s Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Maria Isabel is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team, enrich our hospitality, and deepen our connection to the community we serve.