Sommelier - LAVO Tampa

In early 2027, Tao Group Hospitality is bringing two distinct dining experiences to Hotel Cala on Tampa's waterfront. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with signature coastal Italian cuisine and hospitality, while BarOnda will bring a vibrant atmosphere to the Riverwalk with curated cocktails, bites, and waterfront views. We're building our opening teams now. Join Tao Group Hospitality and be part of bringing two exciting new destinations to Tampa.

Actively takes wine and beverage orders and shares their expertise in the wine and beverage menus to assist guests in beverage pairings to enhance the dining experience. Interacts with the dining room guests, fellow team members, and supervisors in a polite, courteous and hospitable manner to ensure gracious hospitality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Anticipate and accommodate the needs of the guests

• Maintain general cleanliness of assigned stations and the entire venue

• Provides professional and exceptional service

• Accurately enter all orders into the POS system

• Follow supervisor's instructions, communicate with and support co-workers while being a team player

• Possesses in-depth knowledge of all food and beverage menus and the company

• Possesses excellent knowledge of venues wine list

• Well versed in both classic and creative wine and food pairings

• Assists in or leads staff education sessions

• Serves all alcoholic beverages in accordance with all state regulations and alcohol awareness training standards

• Complies with Department of Health standards

• Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members

• Accurately completes all end-of-shift Wine Sales reports

• Communicates the needs of the guests to Front-of-House and Heart-of-House support staff, managers, and chefs

• Properly sets-up floor and side stations, performs side-work and other opening/closing procedures as directed by management, including:

• Ensures the dining room is set for proper wine service

• Ice buckets are prepared and maintained throughout service

• Side stations have sufficient stemware, decanters, etc.

• Wine storage rooms are well-maintained and organized

• Reports all breakage, and damage of equipment or furniture immediately to management

• Attends and participates in daily pre-service meetings

• Attends and participates in any training sessions or departmental meetings

• Learn by listening, observing other team members, and sharing knowledge while leading by example

• Portrays a positive and professional attitude

• Demonstrates knowledge of Tao Group Hospitality, its partners, and supporting hotel environments

• Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members

• Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• Tao Group Hospitality in-venue sommelier training

EDUCATION/WORKING KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 3 years of Sommelier experience or equivalent related Tao Group Hospitality experience required.
• Certificate from an accredited wine program required.
• Previous food and beverage experience preferred.
• Knowledge of proper wine service techniques, proper serving temperatures, glassware selection, and decanting.
• Fundamental knowledge of the wine regions of the World
• Comprehensive knowledge of cocktails and spirits.

SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE

The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

• Ability to write, read, and verbally communicate
• Must have good positive energy throughout the day
• Must be able to print legibly for Team Members, management, and guests to read
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to move quickly
• Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistance
• Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
• Exposure to cleaning materials
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
• Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment
• Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards
• Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment