Host/Busser/Food Runner

Host/Food Runner/Busser

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins, The Elizabeth Hotel and Emporium is a one-of-a-kind destination where music, art, and Colorado spirit converge. From the live performances at the Magic Rat and rooftop cocktails at the Sunset Lounge, to locally inspired fare at The Emporium, every corner of this hotel hums with energy and personality. Working here means you're not just clocking in; you're helping write the story of a place people genuinely love.

We celebrate what makes each person unique. At The Elizabeth, individuality isn't just welcomed; it's essential to who we are. Our team is the heartbeat of this hotel, and we're committed to creating a workplace where you feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. As part of Sage Hospitality Group, we bring the resources and backing of an industry leader while maintaining the warmth and creativity of an independent, community-rooted property.

The Support associate plays a vital, multi-functional role in delivering an exceptional dining experience. This position encompasses the responsibilities of Host, Food Runner, and Busser, ensuring seamless guest flow from arrival to departure including warm guest reception, timely food delivery, table maintenance, and overall dining room cleanliness.

Guest Experience & Hosting

• Greet arriving guests with a cordial welcome, escort them to assigned tables, present menus, and accommodate any special needs or requests.
• Assign sections and notify servers of new seating to ensure guests receive immediate and proper attention.
• Maintain a highly visible presence throughout the shift; circulate through the dining room to assist servers, respond to guest requests, and assess operational efficiency.
• Elicit feedback from departing guests on products and services; take written notes to report comments to management.
• Exhibit a professional appearance and maintain a friendly, cheerful, and courteous demeanor at all times.

Food Running & Service Support

• Ensure the timely delivery of food to guests by verifying that plate presentation and food quality meet the highest standards before service.
• Maintain complete knowledge of table, seat, and station numbers, room capacity, hours of operation, proper table set-up, and restaurant dress code.
• Maintain complete knowledge of all menu items, prices, preparation methods and times, major ingredients, quality standards, serving temperatures, portion sizes, garnishes, and presentation methods.
• Maintain complete knowledge of all liquor brands, wines, beers, non-alcoholic selections, glassware, and garnishes.
• Strictly abide by all departmental policies, service procedures, and state liquor regulations, including those prohibiting service to minors and intoxicated persons.
• Maintain knowledge of POS and manual systems; use all equipment correctly and only as intended.
• Assist guests by refilling beverages and accommodating requests for additional condiments, food items, or fresh tableware.

Table Maintenance & Dining Room Cleanliness

• Clear all used tableware, napkins, and refuse from tables to bus tubs in a timely and efficient manner; wipe tables and chairs, and clear debris from surrounding floor areas.
• Reset tables promptly in accordance with established standards to accommodate new guests as quickly as possible.
• Transport full bus tubs to the dishwashing area; maintain a clean, well-stocked, and orderly bus station at all times.
• Retrieve cleaned dishes, glassware, and utensils from the dish room and distribute to service stations to maintain a ready supply.
• Sweep restaurant floors throughout the shift and assist with vacuuming, general cleaning, and side work duties to maintain a clean and attractive dining environment.
• Check the proper set-up of tables and seating prior to opening and immediately report any maintenance or housekeeping discrepancies to management in writing.
• Keep ice stations filled throughout the shift.

Stockroom & Supply Management

• Retrieve requisitioned items from the stockroom, ensuring requisitions are complete and correct; stock supplies in proper places and rotate stock at all times.

Qualifications

Education/Formal Training

High School diploma or equivalent

Experience

Previous experience of 3 months or longer in a restaurant, hospitality, or customer service role preferred. Experience with cash handling responsibilities is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills

• Must have basic to general knowledge of restaurant operations and food service principles.
• Must have general knowledge of basic customer service skills.
• Must have high school graduate level mathematical aptitude and knowledge of standard cash handling procedures and computerized cash register systems.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English (speak, read, and write) with guests, co-workers, and management.
• Must be able to perform assigned duties with attention to detail, speed, accuracy, follow-through, and courtesy, with a minimum of supervision.
• Must be able to use tact and understanding when dealing with a variety of customer service situations, including stressful and highly emotional situations.
• Must be able to work on more than one task at a time and follow both written and verbal instructions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 lbs, including serving trays, carts, tables, chairs, and small equipment, up to 75% of the time.
• Balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, and fingering throughout the shift.
• Full range of mobility and the ability to travel up to 300 feet on a regular basis throughout the shift.
• Continuous standing during preparation, service hours, or expediting.
• Must be able to handle coins and writing utensils, grasp handles, push buttons, and carry dishes and bus tubs.
• Must have vision ability to read written communications, computer screens, and print-outs, see colors, and survey the entire room in dimly lit conditions.

Environment

Standing and walking during entire shift, including carrying, lifting and bending. Indoor environment.

Benefits

What's In It For You (Benefits):

Supplemental Pay: Tips

Holiday Pay

Sick Pay

Eligible to participate in the Company's 401(k) program with employer matching

Employee Assistance Program

Employee meals Monday - Thursday

Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.

Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral