POSITION PURPOSE

The Banquet Busser / Runner supports fast, seamless banquet service by moving food and service items efficiently between the kitchen and event space, clearing and resetting guest areas, replenishing stations, and assisting servers throughout each function. This role is essential to Mountain Lake's standard of hot food hot, cold food cold, clean tables, full service stations, and prompt guest care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review the BEO, room layout, service style, event timing, kitchen pickup location, table numbering, buffet plan, and assigned responsibilities before service.
• Prepare and stock server stations, water stations, coffee stations, buffet supplies, trays, plate covers, flatware, glassware, and other service items as directed.
• Run food from the kitchen to the correct table, station, buffet, or server promptly and safely, following established seat/table numbering when applicable.
• Before leaving the kitchen, verify that food is correct, complete, properly presented, and at the appropriate temperature. Hot food must be hot; cold food must be cold. Never deliver an item you would not proudly serve your own grandmother.
• Communicate immediately with culinary or banquet leadership when an item appears incorrect, incomplete, poorly presented, or not at proper temperature.
• Clear used dishes, glassware, silverware, bottles, trash, and other items promptly while remaining discreet and guest-focused.
• Reset tables and replenish water, glassware, silverware, napkins, condiments, coffee supplies, buffet plates, utensils, and other service items before shortages affect guests.
• Support buffet service by monitoring plate and utensil levels, cleanliness, guest flow, and chafing-dish needs; immediately communicate food replenishment needs to the appropriate team member.
• Maintain clean, unobstructed service aisles, back hallways, dish-drop areas, service stations, and kitchen-to-function-room routes.
• Assist banquet servers with water service, table maintenance, tray handling, clearing, and other service needs during peak periods.
• Assist with event breakdown, sorting and returning equipment, linen collection, trash removal, room reset, and final cleaning.

GUEST EXPERIENCE & SERVICE STANDARDS

• Practice the Mountain Lake 10-and-5 standard: at approximately 10 feet, make eye contact and smile; at approximately 5 feet, offer a warm verbal greeting.
• Anticipate guest needs, remain visible and approachable, and respond with genuine warmth, urgency, and ownership.
• Protect the guest experience by keeping function spaces clean, organized, safe, and presentation-ready throughout the event.
• When a guest concern arises, listen carefully, take appropriate action within your authority, and immediately involve banquet leadership when additional assistance is needed.
• Treat every wedding, meeting, festival, group meal, contracted event, and in-house function as an important Mountain Lake experience.

ONE-TEAM OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

• Work as one banquet team; assist outside your primary assignment when guest needs or event flow require it.
• Review the applicable Banquet Event Order (BEO), event resume, function timeline, and manager instructions before service.
• Communicate changes, shortages, delays, guest requests, safety concerns, and service issues promptly to banquet leadership.
• Maintain professional communication and a positive, solutions-focused attitude during high-volume and time-sensitive functions.
• Assist with pre-function preparation, service, clearing, resetting, breakdown, and cleaning as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

• Prior hospitality, restaurant, banquet, catering, or guest-service experience preferred; equivalent transferable experience considered.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to guest service.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential because banquet staffing is built around contracted event requirements.
• Must comply with Mountain Lake policies, grooming standards, safety requirements, and all applicable food-safety procedures.
• Demonstrates urgency, teamwork, adaptability, attention to detail, professionalism, and respect for guests and fellow associates.

SCHEDULE & ATTENDANCE

This is an hourly, non-exempt, event-driven position. Work schedules vary according to Banquet Event Orders, group activity, weddings, festivals, meetings, resort occupancy, and business needs. Early mornings, evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays are required as scheduled.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a highly active position requiring continuous standing and walking, frequent bending and reaching, tray carrying, pushing carts, and moving service equipment. Must be able to lift and carry approximately 40 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds with assistance. Must safely navigate stairs, service corridors, outdoor areas, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential job functions.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Fast and accurate food running
• Food quality/temperature protected from kitchen to guest
• Tables and service stations maintained proactively
• Buffets remain clean and properly supplied
• Safe, efficient service routes
• Strong support of servers and the overall banquet team

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Associates may be assigned other responsibilities based on event requirements, resort operations, safety, and guest needs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mountain Lake is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace where associates are treated with dignity and respect. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Pay:

From $15.00 per hour Expected hours: 18.0 - 32.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Application Question(s): Have you worked at Mountain Lake previously? This position requires a flexible schedule which is mainly nights, weekends and holidays. Are you able to work this schedule?

Experience:

Banquet:

1 year (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Pembroke, VA 24136 (Required)

Work Location:

In person