Retail & Counter Hospitality Specialist

Retail & Counter Hospitality Specialist

The Fish Guy (Midwestern Mariner Inc.) | Chicago, IL | Hourly, Full-Time

Introduction

At Midwestern Mariner Inc. (d/b/a The Fish Guy), we provide top-quality products and hospitality to Chicago’s restaurant community and seafood consumers. The Fish Guy staff share a commitment to our stakeholders: fisheries and fishing communities, our restaurant partners, our retail customers, and most of all, each other. Our team is made up of hospitality-minded individuals who love to learn and take pride in being friendly, thoughtful, collaborative, and detail-oriented.

As our Retail & Counter Hospitality Specialist, you’ll play a central role in making both the shop and The Counter run well. You’ll help our product shine, keep customers happy and well-informed, and ensure the store and dining experience are clean, organized, and welcoming. This role spans our retail counter and supports our 16-seat lunch counter (debuting Late Summer).

Expect variety, movement, and real ownership of the guest experience from start to finish.

Retail Responsibilities

• Greet customers and provide excellent customer service, including making recommendations and teaching guests about our products.
• Complete sales transactions accurately, including weighing products, applying discounts, and processing payments.
• Set up retail cases daily, adjust prices as needed, portion caviar, and communicate with management regarding needs. Maintain the appearance of cases and restock throughout the day.
• Stock retail shelves, adjust prices as needed, and maintain a clean and well-organized appearance throughout the day.
• Restock packaging and smallwares as needed; assist with inventory of retail, packaging, and smallwares.
• Complete temperature logs twice daily.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and tidy shop daily, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, washing dishes, and cleaning restrooms as needed.
• Complete weekly inventory of all products for sale on Saturday before the end of the day.
• Train new retail associates as needed.
• Assist with fulfillment of to-go, catering, and holiday pre-orders, including portioning and labeling products.
• Support compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (labeling, record keeping) and best practices.
• Assist with invoice support as needed.
• Help create and maintain a deep-cleaning schedule and adhere to it.
• Assist in developing specials, sales, and featured events.
• Assist with website updates as needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the Managing Partner, Wholesale Director, or Retail Director, including cooking classes, vendor tastings, and occasionally helping with wholesale deliveries.

Counter & Hospitality Responsibilities

The Counter is our 16-seat lunch counter inside the shop. As part of this role, you’ll support service and keep the experience running smoothly from open to close.

• Run food from the kitchen to guests at The Counter, ensuring accurate, timely delivery.
• Clear and reset covers between guests, including bussing plates, wiping surfaces, and resetting place settings
• Maintain the dining area throughout service: refill water, refresh drinks, and check in with guests during their experience.
• Wash dishes and maintain a clean and organized dish station during and after service.
• Assist with Counter opening and closing tasks as directed by the Exec Chef or Director on Duty.
• Support a warm, unforced hospitality tone that reflects who we are: knowledgeable and passionate about seafood, eager to share and educate without shaming

Skills & Qualifications

• Customer service experience in retail and/or restaurants.
• Willingness to learn and ability to communicate clearly within the team and to guests.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and reliable.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment that shifts between retail and service contexts throughout the day.
• Ability to stand for extended periods; reasonable accommodations will be considered.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Experience in food service is a plus.
• Food Handler’s license preferred; Manager’s license is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle preferred (for occasional deliveries).

Pay & Benefits

We believe good people deserve to be paid well and treated with respect. Here’s what this role offers:

• Base pay: $16.50-$19/hr
• Total comp target: $22–28/hr all in (base + QSEHRA + estimated tips)
• Tip pool participation: This role participates in a tip pool derived from retail and restaurant sales. Based on current revenue projections for retail and our future lunch counter, we anticipate tips will add $3.50–$7/hr to your total comp. All planned hourly (2-4 to start) staff will participate in the tip pool.

Currently, at our retail-only operation, our two hourly staff receive an average of $150 in tip compensation over a two-week pay period.

• Healthcare: $400/month employer contribution to a Healthcare Reimbursement Account (QSEHRA)
• Retirement: Eligible for 401(k) with up to 4% employer match after 366 days of employment
• Employee discounts on retail products

How to Apply

Send a resume/work history, a few sentences on why this role speaks to you to and why you’re a strong fit:

[email protected]

The Fish Guy is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities.

Pay: $16.50 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person