319 SW Broadway Portland, OR

We are seeking dedicated and polished Hosts with Tuesday through Saturday evening availability to deliver exceptional hospitality at one of the city's most prestigious fine dining establishments.

Your Role as a Host:

Benefits:

What We Expect:

Why El Gaucho?

At El Gaucho, hosting is more than just a job. It's a performance. You set the tone for every guest's experience and help make every visit memorable. Join a team that values excellence, teamwork, and hospitality.

Ready to welcome guests with warmth and professionalism?

Apply today and be a part of Portland's finest dining experience!

Fine Dining Server to Captain – Management Track

Join El Gaucho Portland's Leadership Team

El Gaucho Portland is seeking an experienced fine dining server ready to advance into a full-time salaried Captain position beginning January 2026. This unique opportunity combines exceptional service with leadership development for hospitality professionals who want to grow their careers.

The Opportunity

Start as a server while developing the operational and leadership skills needed to transition into a Captain role. You'll deliver world-class hospitality while learning the business side of fine dining from team management to financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

As a Server:

• Deliver polished, attentive service to a section of 3-4 tables, consistently exceeding guest expectations
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of food, beverage, and wine to guide guest choices and enhance their dining experience
• Accurately enter orders using POS systems, ensuring timely communication with kitchen and bar staff
• Uphold El Gaucho's steps of service and fine dining standards in all interactions
• Collaborate with front and back-of-house teams to ensure smooth, seamless service
• Manage cash handling and payment processing efficiently and accurately
• Maintain professional demeanor and appearance, contributing to the restaurant's elevated atmosphere

Compensation

• Server Phase: During the 2-week training period, and for certain limited activities thereafter (e.g., set-up for buy-outs, company meetings) you will get the applicable minimum wage for Portland: $16.30/hr. After training, the pay range is the minimum wage for your location ($16.30/hour) to $102/hour, which is calculated by a variable base amount per hour (ranging from $1 to $16.30/hour) plus 15% commission on your individual gross sales (gross sales less comps), which is paid 100% to you and not shared with support staff, plus any voluntary tips or gratuities ("bumps") paid at the guests' discretion, which are also paid entirely to you.* The average earnings, including commissions and bumps, are approximately $55-$70/hour; however, this rate is based on your gross sales and bumps, and as such may vary and is not guaranteed.

 In the unlikely event the base rate + commissions in a workweek do not meet or exceed the minimum wage, a server will be paid at least the Portland minimum wage ($16.30/hour).

 

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (25+ hours/week)
• 401(k) with employer match (after 1 year, age 18+)
• PTO
• Daily team meals
• Employee dining discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (all employees)
• Pet insurance
• Closed Sundays, Mondays (with exception of some private events and pre-determined holidays)

 

As a Captain (Starting January 2026):

• Lead, coach, and mentor service team members to maintain high performance and morale
• Oversee guest service flow and resolve escalated guest issues with diplomacy and professionalism
• Handle administrative duties including responding to guest feedback, designing SOPs, and creating quarterly goals
• Track and analyze operational data (inventory, COGS, sales reports) to optimize restaurant profitability
• Assist in onboarding, training, and development of new team members
• Model El Gaucho's hospitality standards and ensure adherence across the team
• Collaborate with kitchen and management teams to ensure quality control and service consistency
• Represent the restaurant's values in all interactions, both internally and with guests
• Act as a wine salesperson on the floor, guiding and educating guests to enhance wine sales and guest experience

Who You Are

• 5+ years of fine dining experience with exceptional guest service skills
• Strong wine and spirits knowledge
• Proficient in Excel, scheduling software, and booking systems (Affinity Publisher experience preferred)
• Natural leader with coaching abilities and management aspirations
• Highly organized with excellent multitasking capabilities
• Strong communicator skilled in conflict resolution
• Comfortable with operational tasks: inventory management, cost control, scheduling
• Professional, detail-oriented, and aligned with elevated hospitality standards

Captain Phase:

• Competitive salary with growth trajectory

Apply Now

Ready to elevate your hospitality career? Send your resume and a brief note explaining why El Gaucho and this management track opportunity are the right fit for you.