Food Runner

About the Role

At La Playa Hotel, every shift comes with a little more atmosphere—ocean air, iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea charm, a historic hotel setting, and guests who expect a dining experience as memorable as the coastline outside. We’re looking for someone who moves with intention, notices the details, and understands that great hospitality is about timing, presence, and a warm smile at precisely the right moment. This is a fast-moving, highly collaborative role for a hospitality-minded person who enjoys staying active, supporting the room, and making every trip between the kitchen and dining room count.

Responsibilities

• Deliver freshly prepared food promptly, accurately, and beautifully to the right guests and tables.
• Present dishes with warmth, confidence, and polished hospitality.
• Know the menu well enough to identify dishes and communicate basic ingredients when needed.
• Check that every plate is properly presented before it leaves the pass.
• Keep the dining room flowing by clearing used plates, glassware, and serviceware on return trips to the kitchen.
• Assist with clearing and resetting tables so every guest space remains crisp, clean, and ready for its next chapter.
• Communicate clearly with servers, culinary team members, bartenders, hosts, and managers throughout service.
• Keep the kitchen pass, food-running station, and service areas organized, stocked, and service-ready.
• Stay aware of what the room needs and jump in before someone has to ask.
• Maintain a clean, professional, guest-ready appearance throughout the shift.
• Follow all food-safety, sanitation, and hotel service procedures.
• Handle food, dishes, glassware, and service equipment safely and carefully.
• Complete side work during slower periods, including restocking, polishing, cleaning, and station upkeep.
• Help keep both front-of-house and back-of-house spaces prepared for a smooth, elevated service.
• Clean and organize the food-running station after service.
• Complete assigned closing duties and outstanding side work.
• Support the cleaning and resetting of service areas.
• Restock liquor and beverage supplies as directed.

Qualities We Value

• Energetic, reliable, and comfortable being on your feet throughout the shift.
• Friendly, composed, and naturally attentive to guests and teammates.
• Fast without being frantic—able to move with urgency while keeping the details right.
• A true team player who sees the entire operation, not just one task.
• Proactive, observant, and capable of finding the next right thing to do.
• Comfortable in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environment.
• Punctual, accountable, and proud to uphold a high standard of hospitality.
• Someone who appreciates that in a destination as special as Carmel, every interaction matters.

Our Philosophy

Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its artistic soul, storybook architecture, world-class coastline, and quietly discerning visitors. La Playa Hotel’s guests arrive for the beauty—but they remember the feeling. You’ll help set that tone through thoughtful service, sharp attention to detail, and a team-first approach that never feels forced. Our Purpose is Making Space for Genuine Hospitality, and our Pillars are Hands On & Heartfelt, Sincere & Focused, Collaborative & Curious, & Conscientious. Associates must demonstrate a high level of courtesy and respect for both internal and external guests, treating every guest as if they were our only guest.