Use this Food Runner job description template to attract fast, reliable, and customer-focused team members who can support smooth dining operations.
A Food Runner is a restaurant support staff member responsible for delivering prepared food from the kitchen to dining tables quickly and accurately. They help servers maintain excellent service by ensuring orders reach guests fresh, correctly plated, and in a timely manner.
A Food Runner keeps the dining experience smooth and efficient by assisting both kitchen and service staff. Key tasks include:
- Delivering dishes from the kitchen to guests promptly.
- Ensuring food is presented correctly and matches order tickets.
- Assisting servers with table service and guest needs.
- Keeping workstations clean and organized.
- Communicating with kitchen staff about order status.
Food Runner Job Description Template
We are looking for a quick and attentive Food Runner to support our service team. The ideal candidate will be energetic, detail-oriented, and able to work well during busy shifts. You will help ensure dishes are delivered efficiently, tables are well-maintained, and guests enjoy a seamless dining experience.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Deliver food orders from the kitchen to guests quickly and accurately.
- Confirm that each dish aligns with the order ticket and meets presentation standards.
- Assist servers with clearing tables, refilling water, and checking on guests.
- Communicate with kitchen staff about order timing or special requests.
- Keep the expo line and service areas clean and organized.
- Help set up tables, restock stations, and support opening/closing duties.
- Handle guest inquiries politely and escalate concerns when necessary.
- Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.
- Coordinate with servers to optimize dining room flow.
- Support team members during rush hours or high-volume periods.
Requirements & Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
- Experience in food service or hospitality is a plus.
- Ability to carry multiple plates and navigate busy dining rooms safely.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Energetic, fast-paced, and able to handle pressure.
- Understanding of basic food safety and restaurant etiquette.
- Friendly and customer-focused attitude.
- Physical stamina to stand and walk for long periods.
Who do Food Runners report to?
Food Runners typically report to:
- Restaurant Manager
- Front-of-House Manager
- Shift Supervisor
- Head Server
Post this on job boards and career pages to hire individuals skilled in food delivery, communication, and teamwork. Feel free to customize based on your restaurant’s needs. Similar job titles include Server Assistant, Food Expeditor, and Runner.
How to Assess Food Runner Skills Effectively
Candidates may list food service experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to deliver orders accurately, support the waitstaff, and maintain smooth restaurant operations before the interview is crucial. A structured Food Runner assessment ensures you hire professionals who can keep service fast, organized, and customer-friendly.
Here’s how you can assess Food Runner proficiency effectively:
- Order Accuracy & Speed – Test candidates on their ability to deliver food quickly while ensuring each dish reaches the correct table.
- Menu Knowledge & Communication – Evaluate their understanding of menu items, special requests, and ability to relay information between guests and the kitchen.
- Team Collaboration & Coordination – Assess how effectively they work with servers, chefs, and bussers to maintain smooth service flow.
- Physical Stamina & Efficiency – Check their ability to handle long shifts, carry multiple plates, and navigate a busy dining area safely.
- Professionalism & Guest Interaction – Ensure they can greet guests politely, handle quick requests, and contribute to a positive dining experience.
With Food Runner assessments, you can efficiently filter out underqualified candidates, streamline the hiring process, and ensure high-quality hires who can enhance guest satisfaction and keep your service running seamlessly.
