Host/Food Runner/Busser

Alvarado Street Brewery; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary beer for staff

Discounts on food & beverages—Carmel,

Take-home privileges

Job summary

Alvarado Street Brewery is seeking an energetic host/hostess to welcome guests, manage seating, and support dining room operations in our Salinas location. You will oversee the entrance, assist with reservations, and help ensure a welcoming, efficient guest experience.

The role requires strong communication, a positive attitude, and flexibility to work a variety of shifts. Prior restaurant experience and ServSafe certification are a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to oversee the efficient seating and scheduling of dinner guests.
• Professional demeanor under stress.
• Excellent verbal and listening communication.
• Team player with a service mindset.
• Desire to provide extraordinary service.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible shifts required.
• 6+ months experience in a full-service restaurant preferred.
• Upbeat, outgoing and positive personality.
• ServSafe certification if handling food.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests at entrance and manage seating with a smile.
• Oversee dining room cleanliness and readiness for guests.
• Answer phones, provide information, and direct guests as needed.
• Maintain waiting list, assign tables, and escort guests.
• Address guest concerns and escalate to manager when needed.
• Explain menu items and specials when asked.
• Clear tables and assist with setup as required.
• Coordinate table settings with the busser when layouts change.
• Call to confirm large parties and schedule reservations.
• Take beverage orders and serve drinks when necessary.
• Deliver food orders to guests and ensure satisfaction.
• Relay guest needs to dining room staff or management.
• Assist with other tasks and comply with health and safety policies.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Stamina/Endurance

ServSafe certification

Positive attitude

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

OVERALL

We are seeking candidates who have a passion for craft beverages, awesome food, hospitality and the desire to be a part of a team. Reporting to the General Manager this critical position fulfills and exceeds guests’ expectations by greeting our guests and overseeing dining room activities to create an exceptional dining experience. This position is an hourly position with hours that will vary based on business needs.

EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL TASKS

• Ensure coverage of the entrance, greeting arriving guests and thanking those that are leaving
• Oversee and assist in maintaining cleanliness of outlet
• Check all menus for cleanliness and accuracy
• Answer the telephone, provide accurate information, and give directions to restaurant
• Maintain waiting list, select table and escort guests to the table
• Resolve guest problems whenever possible and direct communication with manager
• Answer questions regarding menu items as requested
• Clear tables and assist with set-up as needed
• Describe table settings to busser, whenever set-up differs from the usual
• Call to confirm large parties
• Schedule reservations according to established procedures
• Take beverage order and serve drinks when necessary
• Run food orders to guests
• Bring guests' needs to the attention of appropriate dining room staff or management
• Other various tasks as assigned
• Comply with all Company safety and health policies and procedures

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Ability to oversee the efficient seating and scheduling of dinner guests
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor in stressful situations
• Excellent communication skills – verbal and listening
• A desire to help out where needed and work as part of a team
• Passion for providing extraordinary service
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts
• At least 6 months experience in a full-service restaurant preferred
• Must be upbeat, outgoing and positive
• Valid Safe Food Handling certification (ServSafe) if handling food

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to stand, walk, and be on your feet for prolonged periods
• Repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers
• Able to maneuver on uneven ground
• Able to read and follow written English instructions
• Able to regularly twist, turn, kneel, climb, stoop, bend, and crawl on occasion
• Able to lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 50+ pounds on occasion and 25 pounds regularly using appropriate techniques and tools
• Able to safely navigate crowded spaces
• Able to work in indoor and outdoor environments with moderate noise and occasionally slippery floors
• Able to comply with and enforce all health, safety, and personal hygiene policies and standards.

PERKS

• Complimentary beer with in-house and take home privileges.
• Discounts on food and beverage at our Carmel, Salinas, and Monterey locations.

ABOUT ALVARADO STREET BREWERY

Alvarado Street Brewery was founded by father-son duo John and J.C. Hill in March of 2014. What started as a neighborhood brewery restaurant in Downtown Monterey has evolved into three locations dedicated to serving Monterey county’s locals and visitors alike. Our production brewery & tasting room opened in the Spreckels Junction area of Salinas in 2016. In early 2018 we opened our R&D pilot brewery and bistro in Carmel-by-the-Sea, known as the “Stro.” Our newest addition to the ASB family is Alvarado Street Brewery & Taproom located in Oldtown Salinas which opened the fall of 2022.

We are committed first and foremost to the community we serve. Beer is a common thread that brings people together of all backgrounds and walks of life, and we welcome everyone through our doors. As an employer, we strive to ensure an equitable working environment that’s centered on inclusion and diversity. As a community partner, we engage with local nonprofits and environmentally focused organizations to be a great steward of the beautiful area we call home.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Alvarado Street Brewery & Bistro provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, gender, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, citizenship, pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, gender transitioning/transitioned, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.