Busser / Runner (Bar Back Support) Blackbird

Description

Position Overview

At Blackbird, service is a performance—every movement, detail, and interaction contributes to a larger story.

Guests don’t remember restaurants. They remember worlds. 

The Busser / Runner plays a critical role in delivering that world. This position ensures the flow, rhythm, and precision of service, supporting both the dining room and bar with seamless execution.

This is not a passive support role—it is a highly visible, highly intentional position responsible for maintaining the pace, cleanliness, and energy of the guest experience.

This role also includes occasional bar back responsibilities, requiring a strong sense of urgency, organization, and awareness of the full guest journey.

This position requires candidates to be 21 years of age or older.

About Blackbird

Blackbird is a coastal gastropub with an upscale bar sensibility, where familiar dishes are subtly reimagined through elevated technique and thoughtful contrast. 

The experience is designed to unfold like a film—intentional pacing, layered moments, and a memorable finish. 

Our team is responsible for ensuring that every detail supports this narrative.

Core Responsibilities

Dining Room Support (Busser / Runner)

• Maintain immaculate table presentation at all times: 
  • Reset tables quickly and  precisely to brand standards 
  • Polish and align glassware, flatware, and service elements 
• Support servers through: 
  • Timely food running with accuracy and awareness 
  • Clearing and coursing tables with discretion and efficiency 
• Anticipate guest and team needs without direction 
• Ensure the dining room maintains a clean, calm, and controlled environment 

Food Running & Service Flow

• Deliver dishes with confidence, accuracy, and proper positioning 
• Understand menu items sufficiently to: 
  • Identify dishes 
  • Support basic descriptions when needed 
• Maintain pacing aligned with Blackbird’s service philosophy: 
  • Never rushed, never delayed—always intentional 

Bar Back Support (As Needed)

• Assist bartenders with: 
  • Stocking glassware, spirits, beer, and wine 
  • Replenishing ice, garnishes, and bar tools 
  • Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the bar 
• Support execution of beverage service through: 
  • Efficient glass polishing 
  • Quick reset of bar stations 
• Ensure bar operations run smoothly during peak service periods 

Cleanliness & Organization

• Maintain cleanliness of: 
  • Dining room 
  • Service stations 
  • Bar areas 
• Follow all sanitation and safety standards consistently 
• Keep all service areas fully stocked and guest-ready at all times 

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with: 
  • Servers 
  • Bartenders 
  • Culinary team 
• Communicate clearly and proactively to support service flow 
• Step into different support roles as needed to ensure seamless execution 

Service Philosophy Expectations

Blackbird service is defined by:

• Precision without disruption 
• Presence without intrusion 
• Energy without chaos 

In this role, you are expected to:

• Move with purpose and quiet urgency 
• Maintain awareness of the full room at all times 
• Support the experience without drawing attention to the mechanics behind it 

Every action should support the question:
“Will our muse love this?” 

Experience & Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older 
• Previous experience in: 
  • Restaurant support roles (busser, runner, or bar back preferred) 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-standard hospitality environment 
• Strong attention to detail and organization 
• Ability to lift and carry trays, glassware racks, and supplies 
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic 

Why This Role Matters

At Blackbird, excellence is built on the details guests don’t always see—but always feel.

The Busser / Runner (Bar Back Support) is essential in:

• Maintaining flow and rhythm of service 
• Supporting a seamless guest experience 
• Ensuring every moment feels intentional and elevated 

FHG People & Culture Commitment

We are committed to building teams that deliver:

• Precision in execution 
• Pride in craft 
• Authentic hospitality 

At Blackbird, every role contributes to something greater than service—
we create experiences that stay with our guests long after they leave.