Runner/Busser

Dacha Beer Garden; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Dacha Beer Garden in Washington, DC is seeking a dedicated Runner to support servers and bartenders, deliver food and beverages promptly, and maintain clean, organized tables for a fast-paced dining environment.

You will work with a collaborative team to ensure guest satisfaction, uphold sanitation standards, and adapt to evening, weekend, and holiday shifts as business demands. A strong sense of urgency and professionalism is essential.

Qualifications

• Clear English communication, verbal and written.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Experience in a high-volume restaurant preferred but not required.
• Strong teamwork, organization, and customer service skills.
• TIPS/TAMS and Food Handler preferred or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Embody company values through teamwork, communication, and professionalism.
• Support servers and bartenders to ensure an exceptional dining experience.
• Deliver food and beverages promptly and accurately, with proper presentation.
• Maintain clean, organized tables by clearing items and resetting efficiently.
• Keep service stations stocked with napkins, glassware, silverware, plates, etc.
• Refill water glasses and manage water carafes throughout service.
• Assist with bussing and pre-bussing to keep dining areas tidy.
• Ensure sections stay clean, organized, and visually appealing.
• Assist with opening/closing duties, brunch and coffee service.
• Follow sanitation, safety, and alcohol service policies.
• Maintain a professional appearance in a clean uniform.
• Communicate effectively with staff to ensure smooth service flow.
• Be proactive, anticipate needs, and keep service moving.
• Be available for evenings, late-nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Customer service

English communication

Attention to detail

Education

Clear English communication

Professional appearance

High-volume restaurant experience preferred

Teamwork and customer service

TIPS/TAMS and Food Handler certs preferred or willingness to obtain

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Runner plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and efficient service throughout the restaurant/beer garden. Working closely with servers, bartenders, and management, the Runner helps maintain a clean, organized, and fast-paced environment that supports exceptional guest experiences. This position requires teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong sense of urgency. A great Runner moves fast and anticipates the needs of both guests and colleagues — helping the entire team deliver hospitality at the highest standard.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

• Embody and model the company’s core values through teamwork, communication, and professionalism.
• Support servers and bartenders to ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional dining experience.
• Deliver food and beverages promptly and accurately, ensuring proper presentation and guest satisfaction.
• Maintain clean and organized tables by clearing used items and resetting efficiently for new guests.
• Keep service stations fully stocked with napkins, glassware, silverware, plates, and other necessary supplies.
• Refill water glasses and maintain water carafes throughout service.
• Assist with bussing and pre-bussing tables to maintain a tidy dining area.
• Ensure all sections remain clean, organized, and visually appealing at all times.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, including setting up and breaking down stations, brunch service and coffee service.
• Follow all sanitation, safety, and alcohol service policies to protect guests and team members.
• Maintain a professional appearance and arrive in clean, complete uniform.
• Communicate effectively with servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and managers to ensure smooth service flow.
• Anticipate team and guest needs — help where needed, stay proactive, and keep service moving.
• Be available for evening, late-night, weekend, and holiday shifts as required by business volume.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stand and walk for the entire duration of the shift.
• Frequently reach, bend, lift, carry, and wipe.
• Lift and carry trays or boxes weighing up to 50 lbs for short distances.
• Use hands and arms to carry dishes, polish glassware, and reset tables.
• Maintain balance and coordination while carrying multiple plates or trays.
• Hear and communicate clearly in a busy environment.
• Work on your feet for extended periods, including nights and weekends.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Ability to communicate clearly in English (verbal and written).
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Previous experience in a high-volume restaurant preferred but not required.
• Excellent teamwork, organization, and customer service skills.
• TIPS/TAMS and Food Handler certifications preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.

DISCLAIMER

Failure to adhere to company standards or policies may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify responsibilities or reassign duties as needed to meet business needs.