A Food Runner, or Server Assistant, is responsible for supporting waitstaff in carrying beverages and meal items to designated tables. Their duties include communicating with Waiters to determine their needs, carrying food items from the expediting counter to the right table and helping with cleanup duties after the conclusion of service.
A Food Runner should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Food Runner should be able to execute:
- Deliver food orders to customers quickly and accurately
- Uphold sanitation and food safety principles
- Bus tables by removing dirty dishes and trash
- Check in with customers to ensure their experience is satisfactory
- Relay reports of customer satisfaction to the management and relevant parties
- Ensure patrons have all the appropriate tableware they need to properly enjoy their food
A competitive Food Runner will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- A Food Runner must be able to multitask in order to ensure customers get their orders promptly
- Food Runners will have to possess a high degree of organizational skills to easily locate tables and bar patrons to fulfill everyone’s orders
- A Food Runner needs excellent communication skills to ensure they meet customers’ requests. Not only does the Food Runner have to listen to learn where the food needs to go, but they also have to communicate with the customers whether it’s checking on their satisfaction or taking an impromptu request.
- Food Runners spend most of their shift standing, so they need to be able to remain on their feet for several hours straight. Additionally, they should be able to carry about 35 pounds easily.
