Runner (Restaurant/Food Service)

Position Overview:

A Runner plays a crucial support role in a restaurant, hotel, or catering service, assisting with the seamless operation of food and beverage service. The primary responsibility of a Runner is to deliver food and beverages from the kitchen or bar to guests efficiently, ensuring they receive their orders in a timely and organized manner. Additionally, Runners help with maintaining the cleanliness of dining areas and assisting waitstaff in various tasks to support overall guest satisfaction.

The Runner is an integral part of the food service team, ensuring that both the front-of-house and back-of-house operations run smoothly, contributing to a positive dining experience for guests.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food & Beverage Delivery

• Deliver food and beverages from the kitchen or bar to the dining area in a timely manner, ensuring that orders are accurate and meet quality standards.

• Ensure that the presentation of food and drinks matches the restaurant’s standards before serving them to guests.

• Work closely with the waitstaff to ensure that guests’ orders are served promptly and correctly.

• Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure that special dietary requirements or modifications to orders are communicated and fulfilled correctly.

• Carry multiple orders at once when necessary to speed up service during peak times.

2. Support to Waitstaff

• Assist the waitstaff with preparing tables before guests arrive, including setting up utensils, napkins, and condiments.

• Help clean and clear tables between seatings, ensuring they are ready for the next guests.

• Refill drinks or assist with other guest requests when the waitstaff is busy.

• Assist with guest inquiries when possible, providing answers to common questions about the menu or restaurant policies.

• Help organize and restock service areas with necessary supplies, such as napkins, condiments, and beverages.

3. Maintaining Cleanliness & Organization

• Keep dining areas clean and organized, ensuring that all equipment, tables, and service areas are neat and tidy.

• Assist with clearing dirty dishes, glassware, and utensils from tables after guests have finished their meals.

• Ensure that service areas such as the host stand, side stations, and bar areas are stocked, clean, and organized throughout the shift.

• Assist with sanitizing high-touch areas to maintain cleanliness and health standards.

4. Communication & Coordination

• Communicate efficiently with the kitchen, bar, and waitstaff to ensure that all orders are fulfilled and delivered promptly.

• Ensure the accuracy of orders by double-checking that all items are correct before leaving the kitchen or bar.

• Report any issues or delays in orders to the management team or kitchen staff to resolve the situation.

• Relay customer feedback or concerns to waitstaff or management to help improve service quality.

5. Assistance with Special Requests

• Be prepared to assist with special guest requests, such as dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific service preferences.

• Assist in the setup of special events or private dining functions, helping to deliver food and beverage orders in accordance with the event’s schedule.

6. Support during Peak Hours

• During busy times, help expedite service by managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring that guests receive their orders without delays.

• Work as part of a team to ensure the restaurant operates efficiently, especially during high-volume periods like lunch and dinner services.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (a background in hospitality or food service is a plus).

• Previous experience in a restaurant or food service setting is preferred but not mandatory.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with staff and guests.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple orders at once in a fast-paced environment.

• Attention to detail, ensuring that orders are correct and presented well.

• Physical stamina to carry trays of food and beverages and stay on foot for extended periods.

• Team-oriented attitude, with a willingness to assist colleagues when needed.

• Organizational skills to keep work areas neat and efficient.

• Customer service orientation, with a focus on providing a positive experience for guests.

Working Conditions:

• The position requires long shifts during busy hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the restaurant’s operating hours.

• Work is typically conducted in a fast-paced restaurant environment, requiring physical endurance and the ability to stay active throughout the shift.

• The Runner will spend time in both the front-of-house (delivering food to guests) and the back-of-house (collecting orders from the kitchen and bar).

• Safety protocols related to food handling, health regulations, and workplace safety must be strictly followed.

Career Growth & Opportunities:

A Runner position can be a stepping stone to various roles in the food and beverage industry, such as:

• Waitstaff or Server

• Food & Beverage Supervisor

• Restaurant Manager

• Event Coordinator

• Chef or Kitchen Staff

With additional training or experience, Runners can advance into supervisory or managerial positions, or even transition into other areas of the hospitality industry, including customer service or event planning.