Food Expo (Olive & Finch - DIA)

Job Description - Food Expo (DEN Airport - Olive & Finch / Bar Finch)

Job Title: Food Expo - DEN Airport

Reports to: General Manager / Kitchen Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt

Eligible for Tips: Yes

Security Clearance: Must pass a federal background check and fingerprinting to obtain a Denver International Airport (DEN) security badge.

About Olive & Finch Collective

Olive & Finch Collective is a Denver-based hospitality group committed to fresh, chef-driven meals, exceptional guest experiences, and a people-first culture. Since opening in 2013, our growing portfolio now includes restaurants, neighborhood cafés, a full-service bakeshop, a robust catering and events division, retail and grab-and-go operations, and multiple locations at Denver International Airport. At Olive & Finch, we believe in inclusive leadership, sustainable growth, and nourishing both our guests and our teams.

Position Summary

The Food Expo (Expeditor) at our Denver International Airport (DEN) locations is the air traffic controller of our culinary operations, bridging the gap between the kitchen and the service floor for both Olive & Finch and Bar Finch. Operating in an extremely high-volume, fast-paced environment, this role serves as the final line of defense for food quality, presentation, and accuracy. The Food Expo ensures that every dine-in dish and to-go package meets exact brand standards and coordinates the timing of food delivery by giving clear, decisive direction to both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) teams.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Coordination & Quality Assurance

• Last Line of Defense: Inspect every dish before it leaves the window to ensure it strictly meets Olive & Finch and Bar Finch standards for recipe accuracy, proper temperature, portioning, and visual presentation.


• Finishing Touches: Garnish plates, add final condiments, and expertly package all to-go and dine-in food items securely and efficiently for traveling guests.


• Order Accuracy: Cross-reference physical plates and packages with kitchen tickets or display systems to guarantee no items are missing and modifications/allergies are precisely executed.

Communication & Ticket Management

• Central Command: Direct the kitchen line on ticket priorities, spacing, and fire times to ensure all components of an order come out together.


• FOH Liaison: Provide clear, professional, and direct instructions to the FOH crew and food runners, ensuring food is run promptly and accurately to the correct guests.


• Pace & Flow: Monitor ticket times continuously to maintain a rapid, smooth operational flow under heavy airport passenger rushes.

Station Cleanliness & Organization

• Expo Window Maintenance: Keep the expo counter, heat lamps, and surrounding service areas spotless, sanitized, and meticulously organized throughout the shift.


• Supply Stocking: Ensure the expo station is fully stocked with essential supplies, including to-go containers, lids, bags, utensils, garnishes, and condiments.

Qualifications

• Airport Badging: Must be able to successfully pass the required federal background screening and fingerprinting process mandated by Denver International Airport to secure an airport badge.


• Previous experience as a Food Expo, Lead Line Cook, or in a high-volume fast-casual/full-service restaurant window is heavily preferred.


• Exceptional Communication: Must possess excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to manage teams effectively under pressure.


• Hyper-Organized: Proven ability to remain calm, hyper-focused, and organized in an extremely fast-paced and chaotic travel environment.


• Strong attention to detail with an eye for presentation and food safety/sanitation standards.


• Availability: Schedule flexibility to work weekends, evenings, early mornings, and holidays as needed to align with airport flight schedules.

Physical Requirements

• This is a hands-on, fast-paced position requiring extended periods of standing, walking, and moving quickly in a high-traffic environment.


• Must be able to bend, reach, lift up to 25 lbs, and safely handle hot plates and cookware.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay


• Meal discounts, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for advancement within a growing company.


• PTO, Sick Pay (Up to 6 days) & Holiday Pay


• Medical, Dental and Vision (eligible for full-time equivalent employees)

EEO & At-Will Statement Olive & Finch Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Olive & Finch is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time, with or without notice or cause. This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated as business needs evolve.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.

Must be able to pass a federal background check.