Discover Key West Hospitality Jobs – Join El Mesón de Pepe

Family-owned heritage

Working here means joining a family-minded crew that cares about one another and the food we serve. Our culture is built on teamwork, respect, and a shared love for Cuban cooking and island living. As a family-owned restaurant, we invest in long-term relationships—learning names, celebrating milestones, and supporting people who take pride in what they deliver.

Mallory Square’s vibrant atmosphere

Mallory Square brings daily energy—street performers, sunset celebrations, and visitors from around the world. Working here means you’ll meet interesting people, enjoy a lively backdrop to your shift, and build strong guest-service skills with a wide mix of locals and travelers. Learn more about our story and the Sunset Celebration.

How to apply

Applying is simple. We look for people who care about great food and friendly service—if that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

For servers, hosts, and bartenders, the process usually starts with an application and moves to a short interview. Expect questions about your experience, availability, and how you handle busy shifts. We keep interviews relaxed so candidates can be themselves.

Current openings: Visit our Careers page to apply—that’s the best place to start. Check back often, especially before and during busy season, since positions open as our needs change. You can also contact us with questions.

Skills and qualifications

Success here comes from a mix of practical skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. Specific qualifications vary by role, but teamwork and reliability matter everywhere.

Front-of-house

We value customer service or restaurant experience for FOH roles. Strong communication, a friendly manner, multitasking, and staying composed during busy times are important. For management roles, leadership and operational experience are highly valued. We also welcome people ready to learn on the job.

Kitchen

Kitchen staff should know basic food-prep techniques, kitchen safety, and sanitation. Working well with others, following recipes, and keeping your station organized are essential. For expediter roles, communication and organization are crucial. A genuine interest in Cuban cuisine and willingness to learn our recipes are big pluses.

Training and career growth

We support teammates who want to build a career in hospitality. New hires receive practical, on-the-job training—from service flow to menu knowledge. Cross-training and skill refreshers help staff expand their abilities. We promote from within when possible: team members who show leadership, dependability, and commitment to our values are often mentored toward supervisory roles such as floor manager or bar manager.

Role overview

Frequently asked questions

What about wages and benefits? Wages are competitive and depend on experience and position. Staff may also enjoy flexible scheduling, team meal discounts, and opportunities for advancement—we aim to reward hard work.

Is hiring seasonal? Key West is a tourist destination, so hiring often ramps up in busy seasons. We strive for stable, year-round roles when possible; some openings may follow seasonal demand.

Conclusion

El Mesón de Pepe is more than a job—it’s a community where people learn from each other, grow their skills, and share in serving memorable Cuban food. If you’re ready to join a spirited team in the heart of Key West, we’d love to meet you. Apply on our Careers page and explore our menu and restaurant to see what we’re about.