Guest Experience Team Member Host, Expo & Food Runner

Guest Experience Team Member

Smashin Crab is looking for friendly, dependable, and energetic Guest Experience Team Members to support our host stand, dining room, takeout, food expo, and food-running operations.

This is a cross-functional front-of-house position that combines the responsibilities of a host, expo, busser, food runner, and takeout team member. Team members are expected to create a welcoming first impression, maintain an organized flow of service, ensure orders are accurate and complete, and help keep the dining room clean and ready for every guest.

The ideal candidate is comfortable interacting with guests, working at a fast pace, learning a detailed menu, and assisting wherever needed throughout the restaurant.

Key Responsibilities

• Guest Greeting and Seating
• Phone, Takeout, and Retail Orders
• Takeout Order Management
• Food Expo and Quality Control
• Food Running and Guest Support
• Dining Room and Table Maintenance
• Stocking, Cleaning, and Side Work

Sales and Menu Knowledge

• Learn Smashin Crab's food, beverage, retail, promotional, and takeout offerings.
• Answer guest questions accurately and confidently.
• Explain menu items, portion sizes, preparation styles, sauces, heat levels, add-ons, and available modifications.
• Make appropriate recommendations based on guest preferences.
• Suggest appetizers, beverages, desserts, retail items, and other additions when appropriate.
• Communicate allergies and special dietary requests according to company procedures.
• Never make guarantees regarding allergens or food preparation outside of approved company guidance.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant, hosting, takeout, cashier, food-running, bussing, expo, retail, or customer-service experience is preferred but not required.
• Friendly, outgoing, and professional communication skills.
• Strong attention to order accuracy, food presentation, cleanliness, and guest service.
• Ability to remain organized and composed during high-volume service.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities.
• Comfortable handling cash, processing payments, and using a point-of-sale system.
• Ability to learn a detailed food and beverage menu.
• Willingness to recommend and upsell menu and retail items.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to follow written procedures, checklists, recipes, labeling requirements, and manager instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, servers, bartenders, kitchen employees, and managers.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Food Handler Certificate that meets applicable state and local requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid TABC Seller-Server Certification.
• Must meet all legal age requirements applicable to the handling and sale of alcoholic beverages.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Work in a fast-paced, crowded, and sometimes noisy restaurant environment.
• Bend, reach, twist, push, pull, squat, and perform repetitive motions.
• Safely lift and carry food trays, bus tubs, dishes, supplies, trash, and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Carry multiple plates or food items safely through the dining room.
• Work around hot food, beverages, kitchen equipment, cleaning products, and wet surfaces.
• Move quickly and safely between the host stand, dining room, kitchen, takeout area, and restrooms.
• Maintain an active pace throughout the scheduled shift.

Compensation and Tips

The hourly pay range for this position is $7.25$9.25 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Eligible team members may receive tips directly from guests and may also receive tip-outs from servers and bartenders according to the company's established tip-sharing policies. Tip amounts are not guaranteed and may vary based on sales, shifts worked, guest participation, and restaurant volume.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate creates a positive first and last impression for every guest. Successful Guest Experience Team Members are welcoming, attentive, organized, and willing to take ownership of the entire guest experience.

This position is best suited for someone who notices what needs to be done, communicates well with every department, and understands that greeting, seating, order accuracy, food quality, table cleanliness, and teamwork all contribute to excellent service.