Chai Pani is coming to one of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods - Union Market - and we’re building a passionate team to bring it to life!
In India, chai pani is slang for “going out for a cup of tea, a snack, or a little something.” For us, it means vibrant, joyful, delicious Indian street food paired with heartfelt hospitality — a place where people connect, celebrate, and feel taken care of.
We’ve been recognized with seven James Beard nominations, and in 2022, Chai Pani Asheville won Outstanding Restaurant. We've been featured in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and even landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things. But accolades don’t matter if the experience we offer doesn’t feel warm, genuine, and grounded. That’s where you come in.
We’re hiring Servers to help us build something truly special in D.C.
Position Summary: As a Server at Chai Pani, you’re not just taking orders. You’re guiding guests through an immersive 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 role is to make every guest feel seen, delighted, and welcomed.
What we 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 with 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
Some experience in a full-service restaurant
A growth mindset, and a commitment to upholding a culture of excellence, love and care
A team-first attitude and a drive to go above and beyond for guests and coworkers alike
A willingness to learn a vibrant and storied cuisine and share your genuine passion with our guests
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, dependent care FSA, and supplemental life insurance (full-time team members)
- Company paid life insurance (full and part-time team members)
- Tip-share program
- Flexible work schedules
- Paid sick days
- Free shift meals
- Employee discount on merch, Spicewalla products, and all of our other restaurant locations in Asheville, Charlotte & Atlanta
- Cash advance program
- Opportunity to apply to annual staff trip to India after 1 year of employment
Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can - from our partnership with an educational non-profit in Mumbai; to feeding the homeless with dignity in our communities; and within our own walls, offering competitive pay, schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony. We hope you’ll join our team and be a difference-maker too.