Zingerman's Roadhouse Door Runner

Zingerman's Roadhouse is an acclaimed restaurant known for its commitment to delivering a high-quality dining experience focused on exceptional food and outstanding service. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Zingerman's Roadhouse has built a strong reputation for its dedication to traditional American cuisine with a twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a warm, inviting atmosphere. As part of the larger Zingerman's community, the Roadhouse is recognized as a place where guests come not only to enjoy a meal but to experience hospitality that feels personal and memorable. The establishment is proud of fostering a team-oriented environment where every staff member plays a crucial role in maintaining the exceptional standards that patrons expect.

The Door Runner role at Zingerman's Roadhouse is a vital front-of-house position responsible for delivering the full Zingerman's Roadhouse experience to all guests. This part-time or full-time position requires flexibility with all shifts available and a strong commitment to working weekends and holidays. The wage for this role is $14 per hour plus tips, with average earnings ranging between $18 and $20 per hour including tips, making it a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about hospitality.

A Door Runner at Zingerman's Roadhouse serves as a key leader among hosts during a shift, reporting directly to the Restaurant Managers. This position oversees the flow of restaurant seating and reservation management, playing an essential role in ensuring guests receive prompt and attentive service right from the moment they arrive. The Door Runner is expected to master several service protocols including the three steps to great service, four steps to order accuracy, and the five steps to handling customer complaints. Advanced knowledge of the OpenTable reservation system is critical for this role, enabling the Door Runner to anticipate guest needs by reviewing reservations, making judgment calls on seating, and providing accurate wait times.

In addition to managing guest interactions, the Door Runner acts as a bridge between guests and service staff by effectively communicating guest preferences, reservation details, and special requests to servers and kitchen staff. The role demands a confident and engaging attitude, with a strong focus on delivering positive first and last impressions to guests. Responsibilities also include cash handling, supervising host team sidework, delegating tasks, and maintaining a neat workspace. Candidates must be capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple phone lines, and giving excellent internal service, with a leadership approach grounded in servant leadership principles.

Ideal candidates for the Door Runner position have one to three years of experience in similar roles, such as maitre d' or door runner, preferably within high-end service environments. Successful applicants are known for excellent guest relations and harmonious collaboration with front and back of house teams. They excel at managing guest dining experiences smoothly and efficiently, even under pressure.

Personal characteristics desired for this role include a passion for great food and service, a strong self-motivation, and the ability to effectively manage emotions in the workplace. Candidates should be detail-oriented, strong communicators, and organized, with the interpersonal skills necessary to be bold, engaging, and entertaining in their customer interactions. Physical demands include the ability to stand for long periods, bend and stoop as needed, safely lift up to 50 pounds, and balance trays with drinks and dishes.

Zingerman's Roadhouse offers a unique workplace culture that values learning, growth, and a shared commitment to exceptional service, making this Door Runner position an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their career in hospitality while working alongside a passionate, dedicated team.