Are you interested in working in a local restaurant? RSVP for a West Philly Restaurant Job Fair on Wednesday, November 17th, from 10am to 4pm. University City District is working with local restaurants to offer $100 signing bonuses (some conditions apply) and, in some cases, on-the-spot interviews for candidates interested in front-and-back-of-house positions.
Simply fill out this online common application found here; if you have your information readily available, the application should take between 15-30 minutes to complete. In the application, we’ll ask for work experience, references, and which positions and restaurants you’re interested in applying for. We will share your responses with your selected restaurants before in-person interviews on November 17, so they have a chance to review your application in advance. We will also reach out to all of your references, so if you are applying to multiple jobs, your references only have to provide the information once.
Below, see a description of participating restaurants and available positions. We’ll see you on Wednesday, November 17th! If you have any questions, please email mariya@universitycity.org.
A note about signing bonuses: UCD has a budget to offer 50 signing bonuses to newly hired staff who complete five shifts after getting hired through the November 17th Job Fair.
Restaurants Participating in our West Philly Restaurant Job Fair
48th Street Grille – 310 South 48th Street
48th Street Grille is a full-service restaurant, BYOB and catering business located in the heart of West Philadelphia serving authentic Caribbean fare. The restaurant is recognized by Visit Philly as one of Philadelphia’s Top Cajun & Caribbean Restaurants! 48th Street Grille offers a supporting working environment, with many opportunities to grow, and excellent benefits that include a retirement plan and paid vacation.
Available Positions: Busser, Dishwasher, Host/Hostess, Line Cook, Pantry Cook, Prep Cook, Server, Sous Chef
Wage: $8-$20 (based on position, some position tipped)
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Dental Insurance, Other wellness programs, Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth, Regularly scheduled special events in-house, Diversity and inclusion training for staff, Sexual harassment training for staff, Educate consumers to respect your staff, Option to have either a flexible schedule or a set schedule two weeks in advance, Paid vacation
COVID Protocol: Staff are required to show proof of vaccination or mask throughout the restaurant. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
Aksum features a bright Mediterranean menu that focuses on simple and fresh ingredients, with accents from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Aksum is a black- and locally-owned business that is a favorite West Philly BYOB, drawing large crowds for brunch and dinner. Aksum hosts special events and large parties throughout the week.
Available Positions: General Manager, Sous Chef, Line Cook, Prep Cook.
Wage: $12-$18 (based on position, some positions tipped), salaried positions negotiable.
Perks: More than 4 shifts available; Weekend shifts available; Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth; Regularly scheduled special events in-house; Involved in supporting local community; Diversity and inclusion training for staff; Option to have either a flexible schedule or a set schedule two weeks in advance.
COVID Protocol: Staff are required to show proof of vaccination or mask throughout the restaurant. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at their table.
Atiya Ola’s Restaurant – 310 South 48th Street
Atiya Ola’s Spirit First Foods is proud to serve food that is not only good for the body but also good for spirit. Atiya Ola is deeply rooted in and supported by the West Philadelphia Community. Atiya Ola’s founder believes in the connection between physical and spiritual health, and uses herbs, spices, and creatively prepared vegetables to help diners connect with a sense of love, peace, harmony, and joy.
Positions: Chef de Cuisine, Dishwasher, Line Cook, Server
Wages: $4-$15 (based on position and experience, some positions tipped)
Perks: Weekend shifts available, Schedules known two weeks in advance.
COVID Protocol: Staff are required to wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
The Board and Brew – 3200 Chestnut Street
The Board and Brew is a board game restaurant serving specialty coffee, craft beer, and a full from-scratch menu. The staff strives to create a fun work environment for everyone! The restaurant hosts staff nights every Sunday, where everyone gets to play board games with each other. With over 600 games at this point, there’s never a dull night!
Positions: Dishwasher, Line Cook, Server, Barista (Coffee)
Wages: Minimum $12 and up (varies by position and experience, some positions tipped)
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Focus on mental health, Diversity and inclusion training for staff, Sexual harassment training for staff, Educate consumers to respect your staff, Flexible schedules, Medical Insurance for Full Time employees.
COVID Protocol: Staff are required to be vaccinated and wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
Dahlak – 4706-08 Baltimore Avenue
A beloved neighborhood staple serving Eri-Ethiopian food. Dahlak hosts several special events that bring in a crowd every week, such as open mic nights and karaoke. The staff works hard to sustain their long reputation of maintaining an inclusive/diverse atmosphere for staff and patrons. Dahlak offers new health benefits for staff on payroll such as managers and cooks.
Positions: Barback, Food Runner, Bartender, Line Cook, Server.
Wages: $8-$15 (varies by position and experience, some positions tipped).
Perks: Weekend shifts available, Medical Insurance, Regularly scheduled special events in-house, Involved in supporting local community, Option to have either a flexible schedule or a set schedule two weeks in advance.
COVID Protocol: Staff are required to wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
Dock Street Brewery South – Interviews hosted at 710 South 50th Street (Dock Street West location)
Please note Dock Street is only hiring for its Dock Street South location at 2118 Washington Avenue. Interviews will be held at Dock Street West, 710 South 50th Street. Dock Street Brewery is Philadelphia’s first craft brewery, opened in 1985. Dock Street serves wood-fired pizza, fresh craft beer and craft cocktails with house-made syrups and Pennsylvania spirits. Dock Street South offers a variety of special events, such as Quizzo nights, tarot readings, and live music. The restaurant also hosts parties and brewery tours.
Positions: Barback, Bartender, Dishwasher, Line Cook
Wages: Competitive hourly wages and tips, based on position
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Regularly scheduled special events in-house, involved in supporting local community, schedules known two weeks in advance.
COVID Protocol: Staff is required to be vaccinated and wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks when walking around and interacting with staff but remove them for eating and drinking.
Fuel Healthy Kitchen – 3200 Chestnut Street
Fuel is Philadelphia’s original healthy kitchen, serving new American and vegetarian options. Fuel was recently named a top healthy Philadelphia restaurant by USA Today and is constantly winning awards for its healthy and delicious menu items. Fuel invests in the community and offers growth and stability with a fun, energetic company.
Positions: General Manager, Line Cook, Prep Cook, Customer Service
Wages: $12-$15 (varies by position)
Perks: More than 4 shifts available; Weekend shifts available; Focus on mental health; Involved in supporting local community; Diversity and inclusion training for staff; Sexual harassment training for staff; Educate consumers to respect your staff.
COVID Protocols: Staff is required to wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
Paris Baguette – 3816 Chestnut Street
Paris Baguette brings expertly crafted baked and brewed goods to guests through a warm and welcoming bakery café experience that delivers joy to everyone. Paris Baguette serves delicious French-inspired cakes, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. They are a hard-working group with lots of room for growth.
Positions: Host/Hostess, Pastry Cook, Prep Cook, Server, Barista
Wages: $10-15/hour
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Focus on mental health, Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth, Regularly scheduled special events in-house, Involved in supporting local community, Diversity and inclusion training for staff, Sexual harassment training for staff, Educate consumers to respect your staff, Flexible schedules.
COVID Protocols: Staff is required to be vaccinated and wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
Renata’s Kitchen – 3940 Baltimore Avenue
Renata’s Kitchen is an all-day restaurant and bar featuring American and Middle Eastern classics, serving brunch and dinner daily with a full bar program. Renata’s started out as one of West Philadelphia’s favorite brunch spots and became so popular that it expanded into a bigger location, adding a full bar. The restaurant is always packed with patrons from all parts of West Philadelphia.
Positions: Barback, Bartender, Host/Hostess, Line Cook, Server, Sous Chef
Wages: Competitive hourly wages and tips, based on position
Perks: More than 4 shifts available; Weekend shifts available; Regularly scheduled special events in-house
COVID Protocols: Staff is required to be vaccinated and wear masks. Patrons are required to show proof of vaccination for indoor dining. Patrons are asked to wear masks when walking around for indoor and outdoor dining.
Schmear It – 3601 Market Street
Schmear It, is more than just putting cream cheese on a bagel. We take pride in creating the perfect ex-schmerience. Our mornings start with our guests and always end on a positive note in a team environment. The team has endless possibilities for growth and to showcase creativity. Schmear It also takes pride in giving back to our community and organizations on a monthly basis.
Positions: Server, Customer Service (Schmearing Bagels)
Wages: $10 for Team Members, Manager – based on experience.
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Focus on mental health, Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth, Involved in supporting local community, Diversity and inclusion training for staff, Sexual harassment training for staff, Educate consumers to respect your staff, Flexible schedules
COVID Protocols: Masks are required, unless customer is seated at table.
World Café Live – 3025 Walnut Street
Opened in 2004, World Cafe Live was designed to change the landscape for artists and audiences of all ages and become a new model of what an independent music venue in Philadelphia can and should be–a welcoming space for the community with exceptional hospitality. World Café Live prides itself on its people-first mindset focused on independent live music and shared culinary experiences.
Positions: Line Cook, Sous Chef
Wages: Hourly: $15-$19 (varies by experience), Salaried: $50K-$55K (varies by experience).
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Medical Insurance, Vision Insurance, Dental Insurance, Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth, Regularly scheduled special events in-house, Involved in supporting local community, Educate consumers to respect your staff, Option to have either a flexible schedule or a set schedule two weeks in advance.
COVID Protocols: Vaccination and masking required for both patrons and staff.
Below are restaurants seeking staff who are unable to participate the day of the event. If you’re interested in positions, please contact the restaurants directly to schedule an interview.
Chengdu Famous Food – 3635 Lancaster Avenue
Chengdu serves authentic Sichuan cuisine with a modern twist. Chengdu’s menu is truly authentic as their executive chef, Chef Xue, was trained in Chengdu and is one of the highest-level professional chefs in China. Chengdu also provides professional growth opportunities and training for Front-of-House staff.
Positions: Host/Hostess, Server
Wages: Minimum $12 (varies by position, some positions tipped).
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Dental Insurance, Involved in supporting local community; Option to have either a flexible schedule or a set schedule two weeks in advance.
COVID Protocols: Vaccination proof needed or show recent test results every other 7 days for staff. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
Contact chengdufamousfood@gmail.com to schedule an interview
Dim Sum House by Jane G’s – 3939 Chestnut Street
Dim Sum House, located in the heart of University City, provides an extensive selection of Cantonese and Shanghai dim sum, as well as wonderful dishes from the Jiang Nan region of China. Dim Sum House won Best of Philly Dim Sum in 2019, and its Norwegian King Crab meal ranks as one of Philly Mag’s “Favorite Philly Food Experiences.” The restaurant hosts in-house parties and offers catering.
Positions: Busser, Food Runner, Host/Hostess, Server
Wages: $8-$12 (varies by position, some positions tipped).
Perks: More than 4 shifts available, Weekend shifts available, Involved in supporting the local community
COVID Protocols: Staff is required to be vaccinated and wear masks. Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are seated at the table.
Contact jghgroup.3939@gmail.com to schedule an interview
