Intern

Serving Lancaster County Since 1929!

Few companies can claim over 95 years in business, but we can at Thomas E. Strauss, Inc. We owe our ongoing success to our exceptional staff and solid management team who are dedicated to an excellent guest experience.

Here is your opportunity to be part of a dedicated team at Thomas E. Strauss, Inc.

Our business is booming, and we are seeking outstanding team members who take pride in their work, and ownership of the position to ensure we are living up to our high standards and providing a friendly guest experience.

What we expect from you:

• A friendly, professional demeanor toward coworkers and guests – after all, our mission is to make people feel valued. We expect that of you, and we do our best to make YOU feel valued as well!
• Self-starter who owns the responsibilities of the role.
• A commitment to show up on time for every shift - ready to work hard alongside your team members.
• Your dedication to our values of diversity, integrity, excellence, accountability, community, and especially your willingness to have FUN!

Here’s what we offer to you:

• Competitive pay.
• Excellent benefit package and employee perks.
• Ability to earn unlimited employee referral bonuses.
• Ability to work in other business units within the hospitality group to make extra cash or gain new work experience. The more you know, the more you grow!
• A “work-to-live” not a “live-to-work” workplace!

Our Mission: Make people feel valued.

Our Values: Diversity, Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, Community and FUN!

Thomas E. Strauss, Inc., is a local family-owned hospitality group. Our businesses include Miller’s Smorgasbord, Miller’s Bakery, The Quilt Shop at Miller’s, Locally Made Food Shop, Anna’s Gifts & Sundries, Plain & Fancy Farm, AmishView Inn and Suites, Smokehouse BBQ and Brews, and Plain & Fancy Country Store.

Position Summary

In 2024, there will be a total of 6 internship positions available, two for each of the business units listed below. Interns will be assigned to one primary business unit but get experience with several Thomas E. Strauss Inc., businesses. These business units will be:

• AmishView Inn & Suites
• Smokehouse BBQ and Brews
• Miller's Smorgasbord 

All applications are due by April 15, 2024.  All internship openings will be determined and offered by May 15, 2024.  The internship start date must be no later than June 17, 2024.

This position is expected to provide a well-rounded experience for interns of all skill levels and interests. This program is adjustable based on previous experience and interest of the individuals enrolled in it, and all participants will be familiarized with the topics listed below.

Each two-week class will also include some time within our corporate office environment in which the intern will spend time in accounting, human resources, marketing, purchasing and group sales.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Hotel Internships:  Two positions available

Housekeeping Department Basics: Two weeks with Housekeeping Manager and/or Supervisors to learn all the basics of service.

• Laundry
• Guest Rooms
• Public Spaces
• Event Setup/Tear Downs
• Inventory, Ordering, Receiving and Storage

Breakfast & Kitchen Basics: Two weeks with Kitchen Manager to learn all aspects of successful kitchen performance, including flow of food, quality, consistency and safety.

• Safety and Sanitation
• Food Prep
• Positions: Open Cook, Dish, Grill
• Food Ordering and Receiving
• Food Costs
• Spend one to two days in one of our sister restaurants to experience a larger scale operation

Front Desk & Guest Service Basics: Two weeks with General Manager and/or Guest Service Manager to become familiar with the learning the basics of the hotel front desk position.

• Answering Phones
• Making and Canceling Reservations
• Guest Interactions and Guest Recovery
• Interdepartmental Communications

Business Management: Two-weeks with General Manager and/or Assistant General Manager will give you an opportunity to learn about some of the financial considerations of running a hotel in a practical manner and practice being a successful manager in the day-to-day business of the hotel operations.

• Scheduling (Weekly and Daily)
• Revenue Management
• Budgeting and Pace Reports
• Leadership Traits and Values
• Recognizing Right Job Fit when Hiring

Restaurant Internships: Four positions available

Front of the House Basics: Two weeks with General Manager and/or Guest Services Manager to learn all the basics of service: menu knowledge steps of service, seating rotations, family-style group service.

• Hosting
• Food Running/Bussing
• Serving
• Group Serving

Back of the House Basics: Two weeks with Kitchen Manager to learn all aspects of successful kitchen performance including flow of food into and out of the kitchen, quality, consistency and safety.

• Safety and Sanitation
• Line Setup
• Line Cooking
• Prep
• Food Ordering and Receiving

Beverage Management: Two weeks with General Manager and/or Guest Service manager to become familiar with the alcohol offerings of the restaurant and learn the basics of beer, wine, and spirits and become comfortable behind the bar.

• PA Liquor Laws/RAMP Certification
• Alcohol Inventory and Ordering
• Beer/Wine Cocktail Demos
• Bar Setup/Breakdown/Service

Retail Operations: Two weeks with a Retail Manager will give you an opportunity to learn about retail operations in one of our gift shops with a focus on guest interactions.

• Cash Register Sales Transactions
• Guest Communications 
• Restocking and Inventory Management
• Importance of Product Knowledge

Business Management: Time with the General Manager will give you an opportunity to learn about some of the financial considerations of running a restaurant in a practical manner and practice being a successful operator in the day-to-day business of the restaurant.

• Running Shifts
• Scheduling (Weekly/Daily)
• Staffing Plans
• Inventory/Food Cost
• Budgeting/Monthly Counts

Putting it All Together: Intern chooses the area (FOH/BOH/Bar/Retail) that they're most interested in and spends two-weeks focusing on operational tasks associated with the area.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Internship will run for 8 weeks minimum 
• Must be flexible and able to adapt to a fast paced atmosphere
• Being open to learn all facets of a hospitality business
• Ability to interact with guests to provide a great guest experience
• Must be a team player
• Strong communication skills
• Must be able to manage time wisely
• Display a positive attitude at all times
• Deliver a high quality of work to ensure we are providing top notch service