Food Runner

Sage Hospitality•Fort Collins, CO

About The Position

At The Elizabeth Hotel and Emporium, part of Sage Hospitality, we don’t just create stays, we create moments that spark connection, creativity, and community. Inspired by music, art, and the spirit of Old Town Fort Collins, our hotel is a place where passion and personality come to life, for our guests and our team. Whether it’s live music at the Magic Rat, rooftop cocktails at the Sunset Lounge, or locally inspired bites at The Emporium, working here means being part of something vibrant and expressive. It’s more than a job; it’s a chance to help shape a one-of-a-kind experience and be part of a team that celebrates what makes you uniquely you. Because while our hotel hits all the right notes, it’s our people who make the music. Hospitality is a 24/7 operation, so we rely on dedicated team members who bring energy, flexibility, and commitment to every shift. 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.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
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.
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.
Standing and walking during entire shift, including carrying, lifting and bending.
Indoor environment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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 seatings 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.
Ensure the timely delivery of food to guests, verifying that plate presentation and food quality meet the highest standards before delivery.
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.
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.
Receive payment and accurately process transactions via computerized cash register, counting back change aloud for the protection of the guest and restaurant.
Verify accuracy of all items on guest checks, confirming correct pricing, discounts, and method of payment.
Ensure all charge vouchers are completely and accurately filled out, verifying dates, charge amounts, authorization numbers, and signatures.
Distribute and account for all checks issued to servers during the shift by maintaining an accurate written check issuance log.
Count all revenues received, balance to cash register reports, and immediately alert management to any discrepancies.
Balance and reconcile computerized and manual reports at the end of each shift to present accurate daily business records to the Accounting Department.
Retrieve requisitioned items from the stockroom, ensuring requisitions are complete and correct; stock supplies in proper places and rotate stock at all times.

Benefits

Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
A culture that embraces individuality, inclusion, and creativity
Wellness resources, tuition reimbursement, and more
Great perks like team meals, travel discounts, and recognition programs
Supplemental Pay: Tips
Medical, dental, & vision insurance
Health savings and flexible spending accounts
Basic Life and AD&D insurance
Paid time off for vacation, sick time, and holidays
Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching
Employee Assistance Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.
Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral