Chai Pani D.C. Hiring Servers

About Chai Pani

Chai Pani is an Indian Street Food restaurant that began as a humble, 50 seat restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina in 2009. We’ve since grown to a much larger space in Asheville and opened Chai Panis in Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC, along with 4 locations of our fast-casual concept, Botiwalla. Chai Pani is the recipient of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022, and has received six other nominations. We've also received a Zagat award, and multiple publications in Bon Appetit, Saveur, Food & Wine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, Southern Living, USA Today, and were one of Oprah's Favorite things.

Chai Pani is slang in India for going out for a cup of tea, a tasty bite, a snack, or “a little something.” For us, it means groundbreaking, fun, affordable, and delicious Indian street food, paired with a passion for making people happy and building connections through good food and compassionate hospitality.

If this sounds like a journey you want to take with us - providing extraordinary hospitality and changing the perception of Indian cuisine in America - we are currently accepting applications.

Position Summary

As a Server at Chai Pani, you’re not just taking orders — you’re guiding guests through an immersive dining experience. You’ll become an expert in our vibrant, crave-worthy menu and share your enthusiasm for Indian street food with love and care. Your goal is to make every guest feel seen, delighted, and welcomed.

Compensation : $10.00 / hr base + Tips (Most team members average $25–$30 / hr total)

What This Role Offers

The chance to work with a James Beard Award–winning restaurant group and chef

Flexibility, camaraderie, and a culture where your voice matters

Immersion in a vibrant, storied cuisine and food culture

Growth, mentorship, and a community that values excellence and care

What You Offer

A genuine love of hospitality and being of service to others

An instinct to delight guests

Some experience in a full-service restaurant

A growth mindset and commitment to upholding a culture of excellence, love, and care

A team-first attitude and willingness to go above and beyond

Openness to learning and sharing our vibrant cuisine with guests

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, disability, dependent care FSA, and supplemental life insurance (full-time)

Company-paid life insurance (full- and part-time)

Tip-share program

Flexible work schedules

Paid sick days

Free shift meals

Employee discounts on merch, Spicewalla products, and all our restaurant locations (Asheville, Charlotte & Atlanta)

Cash advance program

Opportunity to apply for our annual staff trip to India after 1 year

Our Mission

Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can — from supporting educational programs in Mumbai, to feeding the homeless with dignity, and within our own walls by offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony.

Join our team and help us build something truly special in D.C.!