Food Runner

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Food Runner is responsible for supporting the efficient flow of food from the kitchen to the dining room while helping ensure accuracy, presentation, and timely service. This position works closely with the culinary team, servers, managers, and other service staff to deliver dishes to the correct guests, support the kitchen expo function, maintain an organized food pickup area, and contribute to a smooth and professional guest experience.

All employees are expected to deliver great service, create a warm and friendly atmosphere for guests, work effectively as part of a team, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to company policies and service standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Running & Expo Support

• Deliver food promptly and accurately from the kitchen to the appropriate tables and guests.
• Work closely with the Chef, kitchen expo, servers, and service team to maintain an efficient flow of food from the kitchen to the dining room.
• Assist with the kitchen expo function as directed, including monitoring food tickets, organizing completed dishes, and helping ensure orders are delivered in the appropriate sequence.
• Maintain awareness of upcoming orders, tables awaiting food, and the general status of service in order to anticipate needs and keep food moving efficiently.
• Verify table numbers, position numbers, and seat assignments prior to leaving the kitchen and deliver dishes to the correct guest whenever position numbers are available.
• Avoid auctioning food whenever possible by learning and consistently using table and position numbers.
• Review tickets carefully and remain aware of substitutions, modifications, dietary restrictions, allergies, and other special instructions.
• Confirm that dishes correspond with the ticket and appear complete, properly garnished, and ready for service before leaving the kitchen. Immediately communicate any discrepancies to the Chef or expo.
• Ensure food is handled and delivered in a manner consistent with restaurant presentation, sanitation, and service standards.
• Communicate promptly with servers, culinary staff, and managers regarding missing items, delayed dishes, incorrect orders, or other service concerns.

Menu Knowledge & Guest Service

• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of all menu items, including basic ingredients, accompaniments, garnishes, and presentation.
• Attend pre-shift meetings and remain informed of daily specials, menu changes, 86'd items, allergies, dietary considerations, and other information relevant to service.
• Clearly identify and, when appropriate, briefly describe dishes when presenting them to guests.
• Be prepared to answer basic questions regarding menu items and appropriately refer more detailed questions regarding ingredients, preparation, allergies, or dietary needs to the server or manager.
• Maintain awareness of guests when delivering food and identify obvious service needs such as missing silverware, condiments, incorrect items, or other concerns.
• Address guest requests that can be handled immediately and communicate additional needs promptly to the appropriate server or manager.
• Interact with guests in a professional, friendly, and courteous manner at all times.

Station Maintenance & Side Work

• Keep the kitchen expo and food pickup areas clean, organized, properly stocked, and ready for service throughout the shift.
• Maintain adequate supplies of items required for food service, including plates, serving utensils, napkins, condiments, plate wipes, and other supplies as applicable.
• Replenish supplies throughout service and communicate shortages to management or the appropriate team member.
• Perform all opening, running, and closing side work applicable to the Food Runner position.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations and work areas throughout the shift.
• Assist with maintaining clean and safe dining and service areas as needed.
• Assist servers and other service team members with appropriate tasks during periods of high volume.
• Help clear or reset tables when necessary to support the overall flow of service, while maintaining food running as the primary responsibility.
• Report broken or malfunctioning equipment, maintenance concerns, or unsafe conditions to management promptly.
• Follow all sanitation, food-handling, health, and safety procedures.

Teamwork & Professional Standards

• Communicate effectively with culinary staff, servers, bartenders, managers, and other members of the Food & Beverage team.
• Create and support an environment of teamwork by assisting coworkers and guests proactively when needed.
• Maintain composure and professionalism in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Report to work on time and on a regular basis.
• Maintain a clean, professional appearance and ensure uniform and clothing meet established standards.
• Attend required meetings, training sessions, workshops, and pre-shift meetings.
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, service standards, and safety requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements