Food Runner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, the role of food runners has never been more crucial.

As dining experiences evolve, the demand for skilled individuals who can ensure smooth and efficient food delivery intensifies.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a food runner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of restaurant operations,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable food runner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Food Runner Duties and Responsibilities

Food Runners play a crucial role in the restaurant industry, ensuring that food is brought to the table swiftly, correctly and in an appealing manner.

They act as a liaison between the kitchen and the serving staff, and are responsible for maintaining the smooth flow of food from the kitchen to the customers’ tables.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Verify the accuracy of orders before they are delivered to the customers
• Carry multiple plates or dishes from the kitchen to the dining table without any spills or accidents
• Ensure food presentation meets the restaurant’s standards before serving it to customers
• Interact with guests, answering questions and fulfilling additional requests when required
• Assist the kitchen staff with preparing food orders when necessary
• Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen and dining area
• Handle any customer complaints or issues quickly and professionally
• Inform the kitchen staff about any food allergies or special dietary requirements of the customers
• Assist waitstaff with refilling drinks, clearing plates, and resetting tables
• Learn the menu to answer questions about ingredients and preparation methods
• Help in stocking supplies and maintaining inventory

 

Food Runner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Food Runner to join our team.

The Food Runner will be responsible for serving customers by delivering food and beverages from the kitchen to the tables.

Their tasks include ensuring that orders are correct, visually appealing, and delivered on time.

They must be able to handle multiple tasks while keeping a level head, delivering friendly customer service and maintaining a clean work environment.

 

Responsibilities

• Deliver food orders from the kitchen to customers’ tables rapidly and accurately
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the menu
• Act as the contact point between Front of the House and Back of the House staff
• Communicate food orders to chefs, paying attention to priorities and special requests
• Ensure food is served in accordance with safety standards (e.g., proper temperature)
• Assist the wait staff with table setting by fetching and placing appropriate tableware, eating utensils and napkins
• Uphold our food health safety and sanitation principles

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Food Runner or similar entry-level role in a restaurant
• Understanding of hygiene and food safety rules
• Physical ability and stamina to carry heavy trays and stand for long hours
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under stressful situations
• Strong communication and team management abilities
• Customer service-oriented mindset
• High school diploma; food safety training will be considered a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Meal discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Food Runner
• Work Environment: Fast-paced restaurant setting. May require working on weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restaurant Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $10 minimum to $15 maximum per hour
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Food Runner Do?

Food Runners typically work in the restaurant industry, often in fast-paced environments like diners, bistros, and upscale restaurants.

They can also be found in catering businesses or hotel dining services.

Their primary role is to ensure that food orders are delivered to customers in a timely and accurate manner.

They work closely with chefs and kitchen staff to understand the details of each order, and with waitstaff to ensure the food is delivered to the right table and customer.

Food Runners may also be responsible for assisting in the preparation of the dishes, verifying the order before delivery to make sure it meets the standards and expectations of the restaurant and the customer.

Additionally, they may help in maintaining cleanliness in the dining area, setting tables, and even supporting waitstaff by refilling water glasses or attending to special customer requests.

Their job requires good communication skills, physical stamina, and excellent customer service abilities as they often interact with customers, ensuring their dining experience is satisfactory.

They are also tasked with handling any customer complaints or issues related to food delivery.

 

Food Runner Qualifications and Skills

A proficient food runner should have the skills and qualifications that correspond to your job description, such as:

• Physical stamina and speed to carry multiple plates and navigate a busy restaurant floor with ease and safety.
• Customer service skills to interact politely with guests, ensuring they are satisfied with their food and their service.
• Communication skills to effectively relay customer needs and feedback to the kitchen and wait staff.
• Attention to detail to ensure the correct dishes are delivered to the correct customers, and that all dishes meet the restaurant’s standard for presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during busy periods to maintain a high standard of service.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly correct any mistakes or mishaps with orders.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and hygiene to handle food correctly and maintain a clean dining environment.
• Teamwork skills to work effectively with kitchen and wait staff to ensure smooth restaurant operations.

 

Food Runner Experience Requirements

Food runners often start with minimal experience and can gain the necessary skills through on-the-job training.

Many establishments are willing to teach entry-level food runners about proper food handling, customer service, and restaurant operations.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have worked part-time in hospitality or food service roles, such as a waiter, busser, or even as a food runner.

This experience often provides them with a good understanding of the dynamics of a restaurant and the pace of work required.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience have often honed their customer service skills, are adept at handling food and are familiar with restaurant operations.

They are also likely to have developed the ability to work well under pressure, which is crucial during peak dining hours.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have developed leadership skills and are potentially ready for supervisory roles within the restaurant.

This could include coordinating the food runners and other staff, training new hires, and assisting with other managerial tasks.

 

Food Runner Education and Training Requirements

Food Runners typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Prior work experience in a restaurant or food service environment may be preferred by some employers, but is not always necessary as training is often provided on the job.

Training usually involves learning the layout of the restaurant, menu items, and the proper way to carry trays and plates.

Food runners also learn how to handle special dietary requests or allergies.

While formal post-secondary education is not typically required, some Food Runners might pursue courses or certifications in hospitality management or culinary arts to advance their careers.

Food safety certification, which teaches safe food handling practices and is typically required by health departments, can also be beneficial.

Strong communication skills, physical stamina, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment are often more essential than formal education in this role.

 

Food Runner Salary Expectations

A Food Runner can expect to earn an average of $10.40 (USD) per hour.

The actual wage a Food Runner earns can vary depending on factors such as experience, the restaurant’s location, and the establishment’s reputation and size.

 

Food Runner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Food Runner need?

Food Runners should have excellent communication and customer service skills to interact with guests and accommodate their needs.

They should also have good memory and organizational skills to keep track of multiple orders and tables.

Food Runners should be physically fit as the job requires lots of standing and moving around, often carrying heavy trays of food.

 

Do Food Runners need a degree?

Food Runners do not require a degree.

However, having a high school diploma or equivalent is often a basic requirement.

Training is usually done on the job and covers areas such as menu knowledge, food handling and safety, and restaurant procedures.

 

What should you look for in a Food Runner resume?

A Food Runner’s resume should demonstrate experience in the food service industry, even if it’s not directly related to the role.

Skills such as teamwork, attention to detail, physical stamina, and customer service should be highlighted.

It’s also a plus if they have food handling certification or knowledge of specific restaurant software.

 

What qualities make a good Food Runner?

A good Food Runner should be reliable, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and have a positive attitude.

They should be able to work effectively as part of a team, as they will be coordinating with kitchen staff, servers, and other restaurant personnel.

Good Food Runners are also attentive and proactive, always looking for ways to assist staff and improve guests’ dining experience.

 

Do Food Runners need any specific certification?

While certification is not typically required for Food Runners, a food handler’s card or certificate, which demonstrates knowledge of food safety and sanitation principles, may be required by some restaurants or local health departments.

Also, having a certification in first aid or CPR can be an added advantage in emergency situations.

 

How important is a Food Runner’s role in a restaurant?

Food Runners play a crucial role in any restaurant.

They act as a link between the kitchen and dining area, ensuring that dishes reach the right customers quickly and in perfect condition.

This helps in maintaining a smooth workflow, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing the overall efficiency of the restaurant.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dished up the nitty-gritty of what it truly means to be a food runner.

Surprised?

It’s not just about carrying plates.

It’s about nourishing smiles, one dish at a time.

With our ready-to-use food runner job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to stride forward.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to a T.

Remember:

Every plate served paints a part of the bigger culinary picture.

Let’s serve that joy. Together.

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