Host/Food Runner

Location: 1610 Pavilion Place, Wilmington, NC 28403
Pay: $11–$14 per hour, based on experience

Cabana Bar & Grill, a new Caribbean-inspired restaurant and rum bar, is hiring hosts and food runners to join our opening front-of-house team.

This hybrid support position plays an important role in both the arrival experience and the flow of service. Depending on the needs of the restaurant, team members may work as a host, food runner, or rotate between both responsibilities during a shift.

We are looking for friendly, dependable people who communicate clearly, stay organized, and are willing to step in wherever the team needs support.

Host Responsibilities

• Welcome every guest promptly and professionally.
• Manage the seating chart, waitlist, and flow of arriving guests.
• Seat parties according to server rotation and restaurant procedures.
• Provide accurate wait-time estimates and communicate updates to waiting guests.
• Answer the telephone and respond to basic questions about the restaurant.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming entrance area.
• Communicate special requests and guest concerns to servers and managers.
• Assist guests as they enter and leave the restaurant.

Food Runner Responsibilities

• Deliver food to the correct tables quickly and accurately.
• Verify table numbers, seat positions, modifications, and special requests before leaving the kitchen.
• Announce dishes clearly when placing them at the table.
• Communicate with the kitchen, servers, and managers to keep service moving smoothly.
• Assist with clearing, resetting, and maintaining tables as needed.
• Keep service stations clean, organized, and properly stocked.
• Handle plates, trays, and service equipment safely.
• Support the front-of-house team during high-volume periods.
• Complete assigned opening, closing, and cleaning responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant or customer-service experience is helpful but not required.
• Friendly, professional, and comfortable interacting with guests.
• Able to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a team.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, punctual, and ready to work when scheduled.
• Able to remain on your feet for extended periods and safely carry trays and multiple plates.
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Willing to learn the menu, table numbers, restaurant layout, and service procedures.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to join the opening team of Cabana Bar & Grill.
• A new restaurant backed by successful, established local operators.
• Hands-on training in our menu and service standards.
• A professional workplace built around teamwork and accountability.
• Opportunities for increased responsibility and advancement.

Pay: $11.00 - $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person