Food Expo/Backwait

Position Summary

The Food Expo and Backwait supports smooth service from the kitchen pass to the dining room. During active ticket flow, this position leads front-of-house expo by checking order accuracy, organizing dine-in and takeout orders, and directing food runners. During slower periods, the position shifts to backwait duties, including table maintenance, water service, resetting tables, stocking stations, and other floor support. Priorities may change throughout the shift based on service volume and manager direction.

Food Expo Responsibilities

• Organize dine-in and takeout tickets at the expo pass and make sure each order reaches the correct table or pickup destination.
• Confirm that every dish, modification, garnish, and presentation is correct and meets Merchant standards before it leaves the kitchen pass.
• Direct food runners and servers, using accurate table numbers, seating information, and clear communication.
• Serve as the front-of-house point of contact with the kitchen during busy service and communicate timing, missing items, changes, and guest needs promptly.
• Track meal progression and keep the kitchen and service team informed when timing needs attention.
• Facilitate takeout orders and use the restaurant POS system as required.

Backwait and Floor Support Responsibilities

• Shift into backwait and floor support duties when expo volume allows or when directed by a manager.
• Maintain tables and the dining room through water service, clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables with the proper tableware.
• Run food as needed and respond to guest requests by communicating with the appropriate server or manager.
• Stock, organize, and prepare service items, including lemons and limes, ramekins, condiments, and other station supplies.
• Clean and polish tableware and complete basic cleaning, opening, side work, and closing duties as assigned.
• Support servers, runners, and other team members before, during, and after service to maintain attentive and efficient guest service.

Knowledge and Service Standards

• Know the menu, including ingredients, flavors, modifications, allergens communicated by the kitchen, expected presentation, and finishing garnishes.
• Know table numbers, the seating chart, restaurant procedures, and Merchant's history and concept.
• Receive direction from multiple team members, identify the most urgent service need, and ask a shift lead or manager to clarify competing priorities when necessary.
• Follow all sanitation, food safety, workplace safety, and alcohol beverage control policies that apply to the role.

Professionalism and Teamwork

• Provide knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, energetic, and thoughtful service.
• Communicate respectfully with guests and coworkers at all levels and remain calm and clear during high-volume service.
• Work as a reliable team member who can move between expo and backwait responsibilities without losing attention to detail.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance and the highest standards of personal and workplace hygiene.
• Manage scheduled shifts responsibly, including time-off requests, shift coverage, and timely manager communication.
• Represent Merchant and RNO's caring, inclusive, collaborative, and authentic values.

Essential Physical Requirements

By accepting this position, the employee acknowledges that they are able to perform the essential physical functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation. These functions include regularly lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds, including while going up and down stairs safely.

About Merchant

Since 2010, Merchant has been an energetic industrial-chic cafe, craft cocktail bar and late night destination specializing in no-nonsense, affordable fare and drink steeped in old school culture and soul.

About RNO

Merchant is managed by Rule No. One Hospitality Group. RNO creates spaces that celebrate craft, hospitality, food, drink, and community. Its nonprofit advocacy arm, Cook It Forward, works to address inequities in food systems.

Our Values

Inclusivity. Create a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace that supports people historically underrepresented in the industry.

Humility. Recognize mistakes, remain open to learning, and make space for others to contribute.

Effective Collaboration. Work with positivity, empathy, and respect while supporting the team as a whole.

Respect and Justice and Health and Well Being. Treat every team member fairly and support physical and mental health, safety, and equitable pay.

Love of Food and Community. Recognize cooking and service as acts of care that can bring people together.

Merchant is an equal opportunity employer, with a mission to support women, Black, LGBTQ applicants. As an organization, we support a minimum wage of $16/hour.

Pay: $16.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $25