POSITION
Server
ABOUT THE LAKE:
The Lake is a new private social club opening in Fall 2026 in Chicago’s River North
neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and
limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that
is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake
will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together
individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends.
The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British
American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail
bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully
designed to create a dynamic and curated experience.
ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY:
Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and
operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class
company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial
performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property
to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and
North Carolina.
SERVICE PHILOSOPHY:
At The Lake, dining is at the heart of the member experience. Every meal should feel
thoughtful, personalized, and memorable, combining genuine hospitality with exceptional
food and beverage knowledge. Our service is designed to anticipate needs, foster
meaningful relationships, and create moments that encourage members and guests to
return again and again.
Team members are expected to uphold standards of service that are:
Detail-oriented and highly personalized
Professional, warm, and intuitive
Refined yet approachable
Consistent in quality while flexible to individual needs
Every interaction—from the initial greeting to the final farewell—should reflect a seamless
and elevated dining experience.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Server is responsible for delivering exceptional food and beverage service to members
and guests while creating memorable dining experiences that reflect The Lake's hospitality
philosophy. This role requires a polished, knowledgeable, and attentive professional who
thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment and takes pride in anticipating guest needs.
The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, possesses strong food and beverage
knowledge, and is committed to providing gracious, personalized service while contributing
to a collaborative team culture.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Member & Guest Experience
Deliver warm, personalized, and attentive service throughout every stage of the dining
experience.
Build genuine relationships with members by recognizing preferences and anticipating
needs.
Guide guests through food and beverage menus with confidence, providing thoughtful
recommendations.
Ensure every table receives timely, accurate, and polished service.
Handle member feedback and special requests professionally and with urgency.
Service Standards & Execution
Execute all service standards and sequence of service in accordance with The Lake's
hospitality philosophy.
Maintain expert knowledge of menus, ingredients, preparation methods, wine, spirits,
cocktails, and daily features.
Accurately enter orders into the POS system and communicate effectively with culinary
and bar teams.
Deliver food and beverages with precision while ensuring proper presentation and quality.
Maintain clean, organized, and properly set dining areas throughout service.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Work collaboratively with managers, hosts, bartenders, food runners, and culinary teams
to deliver seamless service.
Support fellow team members during busy periods and contribute to an efficient service
flow.
Participate in daily pre-shift meetings, training sessions, and ongoing education.
Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
Operational Excellence
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service standards.
Complete opening, side work, and closing responsibilities thoroughly and efficiently.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations and dining areas.
Assist with special events, private dining, and member programming as needed.
Sales & Member Engagement
Confidently recommend menu items, wine pairings, cocktails, and specialty offerings to
enhance the dining experience.
Promote club events, seasonal menus, and featured experiences when appropriate.
Demonstrate strong product knowledge to increase member satisfaction and overall sales.
Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement
Participate in pre-opening training, menu education, service rehearsals, and operational
setup.
Contribute feedback to improve service standards and operational procedures.
REPORTS TO:
Restaurant Manager
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
The Lake is seeking candidates who bring genuine hospitality, professionalism, and a
passion for exceptional food and beverage service.
Professional Experience:
2+ years of serving experience in upscale, fine dining, luxury hospitality, or private club
environments preferred.
Strong knowledge of food, wine, spirits, and service etiquette.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment.
Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Experience with POS systems and luxury service standards is preferred.
Previous private club or Michelin-level restaurant experience is a plus.
Core Values Alignment:
Candidates should demonstrate alignment with Topography's core values:
• Drive
• Empathy
• Excellence
• Integrity
• Positive Attitude
COMPENSATION:
The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes competitive hourly
wages, gratuities where applicable, and a 401(k) plan. Additionally, The Lake provides a
comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for
eligible employees, and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity
employer.
START DATE:
Fall 2026
LOCATION:
Chicago, IL