Busser / Runner

DESCRIPTION

We're Hiring: Busser / Runner Team Members!

Join the Mercado Team

At Mercado, great hospitality starts with a great team. We're looking for friendly, energetic, hardworking Busser / Runner Team Members who take pride in creating a clean, welcoming, and memorable experience for every guest.

As a Busser / Runner, you're an essential part of the service team. You'll help keep the dining room running smoothly, ensure guests receive their food and beverages promptly, and support your teammates wherever help is needed. You'll be constantly moving, staying one step ahead, and helping create the kind of environment that makes guests want to come back.

If you're someone who likes to stay busy, enjoys working with people, takes pride in doing things the right way, and thrives as part of a team, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

• Keep tables clean, cleared, reset, and guest-ready throughout service
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming dining room, patio, and common areas
• Run food and beverages to guests quickly, accurately, and with a friendly attitude
• Help ensure guests have everything they need for a great experience
• Support Servers, the Kitchen, Baristas, and other team members during busy service periods
• Communicate clearly with teammates to keep food and service moving efficiently
• Restock service stations, condiments, utensils, napkins, cups, and other guest supplies
• Keep bussing stations clean, organized, and fully stocked throughout the shift
• Help maintain clean and well-stocked restrooms and shared guest areas
• Empty trash and recycling and keep service areas clean and safe
• Complete daily side work, cleaning duties, and assigned checklists thoroughly and on time
• Respond to guest questions and requests with a positive, helpful, hospitality-focused attitude
• Stay aware of what's happening around you and proactively jump in wherever your team needs support
• Follow Mercado's standards for cleanliness, food safety, organization, and guest service
• Help create a dining environment that is consistently clean, comfortable, welcoming, and ready for our next guest

What We're Looking For

We're looking for people who bring energy, reliability, and a team-first attitude to every shift.

Our ideal Busser / Runner:

• Has a genuinely positive and friendly attitude
• Enjoys working with people and being part of a team
• Takes pride in cleanliness, organization, and attention to detail
• Can stay focused and productive in a fast-paced environment
• Is comfortable being on their feet and moving throughout the shift
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with teammates and guests
• Is dependable, punctual, hardworking, and self-motivated
• Is willing to jump in and help wherever needed - no job is "not my job"
• Can take direction, learn quickly, and work independently when needed
• Understands that great hospitality is about the little details
• Brings a willingness to learn and grow

Restaurant or customer-service experience is a plus, but it's not required. We're happy to train the right person. If you have a great attitude, strong work ethic, and a desire to be part of a team, we want to hear from you.

Why Work at Mercado?

• Flexible scheduling to help fit work into your life
• Food & drink discounts
• Growth opportunities for team members who want to take on more responsibility
• Supportive, team-oriented environment
• Cross-training opportunities to learn multiple positions and build your restaurant skills
• The opportunity to work alongside a team that values hospitality, teamwork, cleanliness, and doing things well

The Mercado Team

We believe every position plays an important role in the guest experience. Our Bussers / Runners are often the people who make sure the dining room feels right, the service team has what they need, and guests receive the attention they deserve.

If you're energetic, dependable, and ready to work hard while having fun with a great team, come grow with Mercado!

REQUIREMENTS

• See Job Summary Above

About Mercado

Mercado is a vibrant fast-casual café and restaurant in the heart of Upper Montclair, NJ, inspired by the lively markets and food halls of Portugal and Spain. More than a place to eat, Mercado is designed as a community gathering place -a welcoming space where neighbors, friends, families, and colleagues can come together over great food, exceptional coffee, and genuine hospitality.

Our menu offers something for everyone, from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, along with specialty sandwiches, build-your-own grain bowls, freshly baked goods, Portuguese pastries, espresso drinks, cold-pressed juices, and plenty of vegan options. While our fast-casual format makes Mercado approachable and convenient, our goal is to encourage people to slow down, connect, and enjoy good food in good company.

Our team is at the heart of creating that experience. We value hospitality, teamwork, positivity, and pride in what we do, and we're looking for motivated, enthusiastic people who enjoy working with others and want to be part of a dynamic restaurant and an active neighborhood community. As Mercado continues to grow, we're committed to building a place where both our guests and our team feel welcomed, connected, and at home.