Runner / Bar Back - Blackbird

Position Overview

At Blackbird, service is a performance—every movement, detail, and interaction contributes to a larger story.

Guests don’t remember restaurants. They remember worlds. 

The Runner / Bar Back plays a critical role in delivering that world. This position ensures the flow, rhythm, and precision of service, supporting both the dining room and bar with seamless execution.

This is not a passive support role—it is a highly visible, highly intentional position responsible for maintaining the pace, cleanliness, and energy of the guest experience.

This role also includes occasional bar back responsibilities, requiring a strong sense of urgency, organization, and awareness of the full guest journey.

This position requires candidates to be 21 years of age or older.

About Blackbird

Blackbird is a coastal gastropub with an upscale bar sensibility, where familiar dishes are subtly reimagined through elevated technique and thoughtful contrast. The experience is designed to unfold like a film—intentional pacing, layered moments, and a memorable finish. Our team is responsible for ensuring that every detail supports this narrative.

Core Responsibilities

Dining Room Support 

• Maintain immaculate table presentation at all times: 
  • Reset tables quickly and precisely to brand standards 
  • Polish and align glassware, flatware, and service elements 
• Support servers through: 
  • Timely food running with accuracy and awareness 
  • Clearing and coursing tables with discretion and efficiency 
• Anticipate guest and team needs without direction 
• Ensure the dining room maintains a clean, calm, and controlled environment 

Food Running & Service Flow

• Deliver dishes with confidence, accuracy, and proper positioning 
• Understand menu items sufficiently to: 
  • Identify dishes 
  • Support basic descriptions when needed 
• Maintain pacing aligned with Blackbird’s service philosophy: 
  • Never rushed, never delayed—always intentional 

Bar Back Support 

• Assist bartenders with: 
  • Stocking glassware, spirits, beer, and wine 
  • Replenishing ice, garnishes, and bar tools 
  • Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the bar 
• Support execution of beverage service through: 
  • Efficient glass polishing 
  • Quick reset of bar stations 
• Ensure bar operations run smoothly during peak service periods 

Cleanliness & Organization

• Maintain cleanliness of: 
  • Dining room 
  • Service stations 
  • Bar areas 
• Follow all sanitation and safety standards consistently 
• Keep all service areas fully stocked and guest-ready at all times 

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with: 
  • Servers 
  • Bartenders 
  • Culinary team 
• Communicate clearly and proactively to support service flow 
• Step into different support roles as needed to ensure seamless execution 

Service Philosophy Expectations

Blackbird service is defined by:

• Precision without disruption 
• Presence without intrusion 
• Energy without chaos 

In this role, you are expected to:

• Move with purpose and quiet urgency 
• Maintain awareness of the full room at all times 
• Support the experience without drawing attention to the mechanics behind it 
• Be available evenings and weekends

Every action should support the question:
“Will our muse love this?” 

Experience & Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older 
• Previous experience in: 
  • Restaurant support roles (busser, runner, or bar back preferred) 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-standard hospitality environment 
• Strong attention to detail and organization 
• Ability to lift and carry trays, glassware racks, and supplies 
• Team-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic 
• Current California food handler card and responsible beverage service certificate or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment

Why This Role Matters

At Blackbird, excellence is built on the details guests don’t always see—but always feel.

The Runner / Bar Back Support is essential in:

• Maintaining flow and rhythm of service 
• Supporting a seamless guest experience 
• Ensuring every moment feels intentional and elevated 

FHG People & Culture Commitment

We are committed to building teams that deliver:

• Precision in execution 
• Pride in craft 
• Authentic hospitality 

At Blackbird, every role contributes to something greater than service—
we create experiences that stay with our guests long after they leave.