Runner / Busser

Union Square Cafe’s seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy, France, and Northern California. Union Square Cafe—the flagship business that launched Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group—has been one of the country’s most beloved restaurants for over 40 years. In our second home on 19th Street, Union Square Cafe embodies the heartfelt passion and generosity that has been the restaurant’s calling card since we opened in 1985. Designed by Rockwell Group, our new home preserves the restaurant’s signature charm, intimacy, and familiarity in a fresh, contemporary dining environment. Union Square Cafe has won five James Beard Awards and earned Zagat Survey’s #1 ranking as New York’s Most Popular Restaurant an unprecedented nine times.

Who you are: 

A vital member of the Service team, the Runner / Busser role encompasses setting up the dining room, setting tables, clearing tables, pouring water, running food, working with servers and expediters, resetting the dining room, polishing glassware and various tasks that support service at the restaurant.

What you’ll do:

• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality
• Create a welcoming and hospitable environment for guests
• Possess an understanding of proper steps of service and engage in table maintenance and resetting with efficiency, speed and grace
• Stay informed and knowledgeable of all menu items and proper mise to accompany each dish
• Maintain the high standards of cleanliness and proper appearance throughout all areas of the restaurant
• Demonstrates an eagerness to continue to learn and grow

What we need from you:

• Experience in a guest-facing restaurant role preferred, but not necessary
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to balance & carry multiple plates, glass racks and or/glasses, and lift objects up to 30 lbs.
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Runner/Busser, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay: Hourly rate of $11.35/hour plus tips
• Quick access to earnings: Eligibility for the USHG Digital Wallet, where you'll have next-day access to earnings and flexible saving options
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Invest in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger.  Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots  to build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shaker  with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter.  The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumption  and err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it;  always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected hourly range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors. 

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.