Food Runner

ABOUT OUR COMPANY

Dawn Ranch is a natural preserve and boutique hotel destination nestled riverside at the edge of Guerneville in Sonoma’s wine-rich Russian River Valley. The cottage-style hotel and event venue offer an authentic, historic, and unique Sonoma wine country escape among 22 acres of ancient giant redwoods, native meadows, and vintage apple trees. The hotel also features unique wellness experiences including a premium spa which offers outdoor baths, massages, and body treatments. Other activities include yoga, meditation, and perfume-making. Dawn Ranch’s food program balances elevated cuisine with casual excellence -- from fine dining at the Lodge overseen by Chefs Juliana Thorpe & Ignacio Zuzulich, to picnics overlooking the roiling Pacific Ocean. Local ingredients from the fertile valley make our varied cuisine an emerging staple of Northern California fare. Dawn Ranch is the perfect destination to co-create luxury and inspiration in Sonoma.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Food Runner, you play a key role in delivering an exceptional guest experience. You are the vital link between the kitchen and the dining room, ensuring that every dish arrives promptly, beautifully presented, and in perfect condition. You’ll work closely with back waiters, captains, and culinary staff to maintain the seamless, elevated flow that defines fine dining service.

Essential Duties

• Deliver dishes to guests with precision, warmth, and attention to presentation.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen and service team to ensure accuracy and timing of orders.
• Assist in clearing and resetting tables between courses and after guests depart.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the menu, including ingredients, allergens, and preparation styles.
• Support back waiters and captains in providing refined, anticipatory service to guests.
• Follow pre and post service procedures including but not limited to the set up and break down, polishing, restocking, and cleaning.
• Uphold cleanliness and organization in all service areas, including the pass and side stations.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and presentation standards are consistently met.
• Embody the restaurant’s values of hospitality, professionalism, and teamwork.
• Assist other departments within the restaurant when needed

Specific Requirements of this Role

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to grasp, lift, carry, and move large trays of food, plates, utensils, glasses, etc.
• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and procedures, including food handling and sanitation
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high pressure service environment
• California Food Handler Certification, Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification
• Follow all company policies and procedures related to dining room service.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Previous experience in fine dining or upscale restaurant service preferred.
• Strong communication and multitasking skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction.
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Promotion Path (to Food Runner 2) 

• Consistently demonstrate speed and accuracy in running dishes. 
•  Begin communicating directly with captains and kitchen on timing. 
•  Show initiative in anticipating guests and team needs without being asked. 

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Company is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Company are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Company will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and encourages applicants of all ages.

Salary : $17