Job Description

We’re People People. Are you?

We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast 🚀).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Counterperson will prepare and serve hot or cold beverages, such as coffee, espresso drinks, blended coffees, or teas, and other specialty beverages. This also includes serving, taking orders for baked goods and sandwiches. The Counterperson will also describe menu items to guests or suggest products that might appeal to them. Order, receive, or stock supplies or retail products and provide room service for the guests.

What you’ll be doing

Special Qualifications, Education or Licenses:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Food Handler Certificate required
• TABC required
• Minimum one year of experience as a cashier, prior experience in customer service preferred
• Must speak, read, and understand English fluently and clearly
• Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays

Essential Elements:

• Ability to lift and move approximately 15 pounds, including setting and storing in overhead areas
• Ability to carry out all safety and emergency procedures, (for example fire, crowd control, inclement weather, and bomb threats)
• Ability to bend, squat, kneel, climb, and reach daily
• Ability to effectively utilize point of sale equipment
• Ability to perform tasks requiring sustained repetitive motion and/or fine motor skills, (for example: answering phones, using calculators, etc.)
• Ability to work in extreme temperature
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with guests regarding menu items, (including beverages, delivery times, etc.)
• Ability to communicate with guests and be able to direct/escort them to the various facilities and functions within the hotel
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including the use of percentages.
• Ability to read and write effectively
• Ability to read or understand diagrams and count
• Ability to sustain direct contact with the public; must establish a high degree of customer service and a high volume of interaction with guests and staff

Service Responsibilities:

• Upselling and suggestive selling techniques
• Present a positive image of PJ's and Royal Sonesta Houston guests
• Be affable and accommodating when serving guests and offer excellent customer service
• Be aware of PJ's service objectives and work to fulfill those
• Ensure that the store offers excellent customer service as it pertains to the operation of the staff and physical upkeep of the store
• Operate in such a manner that aids in achieving the goal of increased sales and lowered operational costs

Product Knowledge and Quality:

• Accurately prepare and serve PJ's and Royal Sonesta Houston beverages and food products
• Command an understanding of our products and use this knowledge to answer customers' questions and to educate the customer about our products
• Attend training sessions designed to increase coffee knowledge and work skills and apply that knowledge to counter serving operations
• Assist on-the-job training of new employees
• Assist retail customers by offering information and suggestions as well as help in selecting purchases

Presentation of the Store:

• Brew beverages to ensure that customers always receive fresh products, quickly served
• Replenish the pastry case in an attractive manner and store all back stock of food to ensure freshness
• Throughout a shift, be aware of on-hand levels of pastry, coffee, tea, and needs such as keeping condiment stand stocked, and general cleanliness of the store
• Maintain a clean counter area for sanitary and safety reasons and present a pleasing work area to guests.
• Execute the indoor and outdoor cleaning responsibilities as assigned by the manager
• Ensure the quality of the brewed beverages by regularly cleaning brewing equipment
• Restock all food products, serving supplies, condiments, and paper products
• Follow proper opening, closing, and shift-change procedures

Ideas and Information Responsibilities:

• Alert management to operational needs, equipment failure, and necessary improvements that are needed
• Be informed of store issues and command an understanding of the services offered by the company
• Assist in the organization and physical improvement of the store
• Enforce and abide by company policies, procedures, and safety rules

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you’ll want to use these ✈️)
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Before You Apply

To be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.