Job Summary

The F&B Outlet Server at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is a sophisticated, multi-venue role that blends high-end hospitality with cultural ambassadorship. Working across the AGO Bistro, Espresso Bar, and Members’ Lounge, you are responsible for delivering a “Gallery-Standard” guest experience to nearly one million annual visitors. This role requires the “wit” to master diverse menus and exhibition knowledge, and the “grit” to manage high-volume service in one of North America’s premier art museums.

Job Details

Employer: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
Location: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON (In-person).
Pay Range: $18.71 – $23.28 per hour.
Position Type: Temporary Part-Time (Ends June 7, 2026).
Hours: Up to 24 hours per week (Priority availability: Wed, Fri, Sun).
Certification: Valid Smart Serve is mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

Versatile Service: Provide high-quality table and counter service across three distinct outlets, from pulling espresso shots to managing formal bistro dining.
Artistic Ambassadorship: Act as a gallery representative, assisting guests with wayfinding and providing information on current exhibitions and museum highlights.
Technical Execution: Operate POS systems for debit/credit transactions, manage cash flows, and ensure all food and beverage presentations meet AGO aesthetic standards.
Preparation & Maintenance: Execute opening/closing duties, including cleaning workstations, bussing tables, and organizing display cabinets to ensure a pristine environment.
Allergy Awareness: Maintain deep knowledge of menus, ingredients, and frequent allergens to ensure guest safety and satisfaction.
Inventory Support: Monitor stock levels and assist managers with requisitions to keep stations fully supplied.

Candidate Profile

The “Hospitality Artist”: Minimum 2 years of experience in a high-quality, innovative restaurant or café environment.
Technical Wit: Demonstrated skill in professional coffee preparation and table service techniques.
Interpersonal Grit: Ability to handle high-pressure shifts and diverse crowds with “Integrity-first” professionalism.
Communication Mastery: Strong verbal skills to handle customer feedback and complex menu inquiries effectively.
Health & Safety Focus: Thorough understanding of food safety standards and workplace hygiene protocols.

Technical Insights: Elevating the Guest Experience

In a cultural institution like the AGO, food and beverage service is an extension of the art on the walls.

The “Art of Presentation”: You will be trained in plating and beverage presentation that mirrors the gallery’s commitment to visual excellence.
Espresso Science: Professional espresso preparation requires an understanding of “extraction time” and “micro-foam” texture to deliver consistent quality at the Espresso Bar.
The “Smart Serve” Framework: As an AGO server, you manage alcohol service in the Bistro and Members’ Lounge. You must master the “Standard Drink” calculation and recognize subtle signs of intoxication to maintain a safe, sophisticated environment.

Job Description

Do you believe that a great meal can be a masterpiece in itself? The Art Gallery of Ontario is seeking a Food & Beverage Outlet Server to join our world-class team. We aren’t just serving coffee and lunch; we are fueling the curiosity and inspiration of Toronto’s art lovers. If you have the “grit” to maintain a fast-paced floor in the Espresso Bar and the “wit” to provide insightful recommendations in our Members’ Lounge, you belong at the AGO.

In this role, you are a “Cultural Liaison.” You understand that for many visitors, their experience at the Bistro is the final “brushstroke” of their day at the gallery. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Hospitality,” ensuring every interaction reflects our values of respect, openness, and collaboration. We look for “Integrity-first” individuals who are passionate about art, community, and the power of a perfectly delivered guest experience.

Joining the AGO means joining a community that celebrates diversity and offers incredible perks, including free tickets to every major exhibit and reciprocal admission to other major attractions. We offer a supportive, inclusive environment where your growth is encouraged. If you are a hospitality professional with a commitment to “Exceptional Service and Artistic Engagement,” we invite you to apply and help us create a better everyday life for the many people of Toronto.

Art Gallery of Ontario: A Canvas of Inclusion and Global Conversation

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) operates with a culture defined by the belief that a diverse workforce is the primary key to its success. Its mission is to “bring people together with art to see, experience and understand the world in new ways,” a goal mirrored in a workplace culture that is welcoming, collaborative, and deeply inclusive. Guided by the values of Respect, Openness, and Accountability, the AGO actively works to reflect the diverse communities of Toronto, recently implementing a robust 5-pillar Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility (DEIA) Action Plan to ensure all employees can bring their authentic selves to work.

Located at 317 Dundas Street West in the vibrant Grange Park neighborhood, the AGO is an architectural landmark that blends history with modernity. The complex features the historic Grange Manor (1817)—the oldest brick building in Toronto—seamlessly integrated with a stunning 2008 expansion by world-renowned, Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry. Working here means being surrounded by over 120,000 works of art, including the world’s largest public collection of Henry Moore sculptures and the iconic Galleria Italia, a light-filled wood and glass canopy that stretches along Dundas Street.

To apply for this job please visit ago.ca.