Currently Hiring

Restaurant Helper

Job Description

Join a small, focused restaurant where reliability, attention to detail, and a calm presence directly affect the guest experience.

This hands-on position supports both front-of-house and back-of-house operations during a tasting-menu dinner for up to 14 guests. The Restaurant Helper works directly with the chef and performs defined food-preparation, dining-room, beverage-service, dishwashing, and closing duties.

Responsibilities

Before Service

- Clean and set the dining room according to restaurant standards, including tables, chairs, surfaces, place settings, and menus.

- Inspect and prepare the guest restroom; replenish toilet paper, hand towels, hand soap, and other supplies as needed.

- Stock and organize the bar and service stations.

- Replenish bottled water and prepare glassware and supplies for beverage service.

- Prepare the welcome cocktail and set up cocktail service.

- Plate the namasu and ohitashi according to the restaurant’s portioning, presentation, and food-safety standards.

- Wash and put away dishes and utensils used during preparation.

During Service

- Track the kitchen’s pace, deliver dishes promptly, and describe each course accurately and professionally.

- Monitor the dining room, clear finished plates and empty glasses promptly, and attend to guests without unnecessary interruption.

- Offer, prepare, and serve beverages.

- Assist the chef with plating and expediting while maintaining dining-room coverage and service standards.

After Service

- Wash, dry, and put away all dishes, glassware, utensils, and service items.

- Clean and reset the dining room, bar, dish area, and guest restroom for the next service.

- Replenish assigned supplies.

- Remove trash from the guest restroom and dish area.

Schedule

- Saturdays from 4:00–9:00 p.m.

- Additional dates may occasionally be offered by mutual agreement.

- This is a fixed shift with a defined start and end time. Consistent attendance is essential.

- Closing duties are expected to be completed by 9:00 p.m.

Requirements

- Conscientious, reliable, punctual, and attentive to detail.

- Able to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.

- Able to reproduce established preparation, plating, and service standards consistently.

- Able to communicate professionally with guests.

- Able to learn and accurately present course and beverage descriptions.

- Comfortable working independently in a quiet, focused, high-expectation environment.

- Able to follow sanitation, food-safety, and responsible alcohol-service procedures.

- Able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to stand and walk throughout the shift, bend and reach repeatedly, and safely carry dishes, glassware, service items, and restaurant supplies.

- At least 21 years old and holds a valid Blue Card issued by the County of Kauaʻi Department of Liquor Control.

- Authorized to work in the United States.

- Able to commit consistently to scheduled shifts.

About ‘Āina Kaua‘i

Located in Kapaʻa, ʻĀina Kauaʻi offers refined cuisine showcasing Kauaʻi’s bounty. Our prix fixe tasting menu serves up to 14 guests in a calm, meditative setting.

We have been recognized with Hale ʻAina “Best Kauaʻi Restaurant” (2023–2026) and OpenTable Diners’ Choice (2022–2026). This is a small, detail-oriented workplace where each team member directly contributes to the quality of the guest experience.

Application Process

Submit your application here. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule an in-person interview.