A Food Runner is a professional who plays a pivotal role in the seamless functioning of a restaurant or catering establishment. Tasked with the efficient delivery of dishes from the kitchen to the tables, a Food Runner ensures that the culinary creations reach patrons promptly and in pristine condition. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Food Runners.

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Main Responsibilities of a Food Runner

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Food Runner:

Abide by

Abide by Food Safety regulations and best practices.

Accelerate

Accelerate service during busy periods to meet customer expectations.

Accept

Accept payment, process credit card charges or make change accurately.

Adhere to

• Adhere to all company safety and sanitation policies and procedures.

• Adhere to all safe food safety and handling procedures.

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines in food handling and service.

• Adhere to steps of service using the service standards manual.

Aid

• Aid servers in maintaining a smooth dining experience for guests.

• Aid the Chef in expediting ticket orders.

Answer

Answer questions and / or makes recommendations on menu items.

Anticipate

• Anticipate and service the guest s needs before requests are necessary.

• Anticipate the needs of guest's and co-workers instantaneously.

Assist

• Assist bartender in restocking bar supplies, delivering drinks and greeting guests during service.

• Assist bussers when time allows.

• Assist in assembling takeout or delivery orders.

• Assist in keeping the restaurant stocked with proper supplies.

• Assist in preparation of smaller items such as soup, or beverages.

• Assist in serving beverages, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.

• Assist in the breakdown, cleaning and set-up of food stations. (.

• Assist Server according to guest needs.

• Assist servers and bussers when necessary.

• Assist servers in food delivery.

• Assist servers with drink / food orders if needed.

• Assist Servers with food delivery and guest service.

• Assist servers with monitoring tables for customer satisfaction, quality and additional service.

• Assist with any clean up, set up and break down of the dining room.

• Assist with food running, ensuring that plates arrive to the proper guest (no auctioning off).

Attend

• Attend all employee meetings.

• Attend all mandatory trainings and meetings as required.

• Attend all meetings and seminars (e.g., employee meetings) as directed by the manager.

• Attend all scheduled employee meetings and brings suggestions for improvement.

• Attend all scheduled Snoozer meetings and brings suggestions for improvement.

• Attend "line ups” and be aware of posted information and follow through accordingly.

• Attend pre-shift briefings.

Be

Be attentive to customer needs and address queries or concerns.

Check

• Check and replenish condiments, utensils, and other table items.

• Check in with customers and take additional orders or refill water, as needed.

Circulate

Circulate through DR anticipating leaving tables.

Clean

• Clean all spills immediately, use floor signs to caution guests and staff.

• Clean and sanitizes throughout the shift.

• Clean service area when needed.

• Clean large and small trays and tray stands to be ready for service.

• Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash.

Clear

Clear glasses and dishes from tables.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with kitchen and serving staff for effective teamwork.

Collect

Collect and clean carts for food delivery.

Communicate

• Communicate any additional information from guests to the Food Servers.

• Communicate any issues or discrepancies to the supervisor or manager.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with others.

• Communicate guest requests to server as needed.

• Communicate in a friendly and consistent manner with team members and guests.

• Communicate in detail food descriptions when presenting food items to guests.

• Communicate information to Manager on Duty regarding ticket times.

• Communicate with Kitchen on order quality, completeness, and timeliness.

Complete

• Complete all opening, on-going and closing side work and manager on duty as signed off on work.

• Complete and abide by all training requirements.

• Complete closing checklists as assigned.

• Complete daily and weekly checklists as assigned.

• Complete daily cash out sheets.

• Complete opening and closing checklists, including daily and weekly cleaning tasks.

• Complete opening and closing sidework as assigned and have all tables set according to standard.

• Complete packaging on items once food has passed quality assurance.

• Complete pre + post shift duties as assigned.

• Complete side work as directed by manager.

Compute

Compute guest check outs, operate the POS system and accept payment.

Coordinate

• Coordinate and communicates across the line with the chef.

• Coordinate plates with tickets.

Create

Create memorable experience to build repeat business.

Deliver

Deliver room service orders to guests.

Describe

Describe the food items thoroughly to the guests upon delivery.

Develop

Develop relationships with guests in order to provide personalized service.

Discount

Discount on items like gym memberships, mobile phone, theme parks, movie theaters, live shows, etc..

Enhance

Enhance organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests.

Ensure

• Ensure 100% guest satisfaction by always performing "above and beyond” service to our Customers.

• Ensure accuracy in orders by cross-referencing with customer requests.

• Ensure all beverage service is in accordance with the Smart Serve Program.

• Ensure all kitchen utensils are organized and stocked for efficient use and access.

• Ensure all the tasks in the opening checklist and closing checklist are completed on time.

• Ensure bus station, stock rooms and corridors are kept in order.

• Ensure great looking and great tasting food & drinks are delivered to our Guests at lightning speed!.

• Ensure guests are satisfied with the food and service.

• Ensure Guests' food and drink is delivered as ordered and follow up on any needs or corrections.

• Ensure proper packaging for takeout orders.

• Ensure silverware is polished and china and glassware is not chipped.

• Ensure tables are pre-bussed throughout shift.

• Ensure that food and beverages are delivered to the table in a timely manner.

• Ensure that food is delivered to tables in timely manner.

• Ensure that the food gets delivered to the guest table in a timely matter.

• Ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent.

Execute

Execute set-up, tear-down, and service of events under direction of management.

Explain

• Explain accompanying sauces or condiments with appetizers.

• Explain modifiers to kitchen staff.

Fill

Fill water glasses and soft drinks.

Follow

• Follow all food safety standards and systems.

• Follow all safety standards.

• Follow housekeeping standards per policy.

• Follow private party service guidelines to ensure event success.

• Follow proper plate presentation and garnish set up for all dishes.

• Follow proper service procedures when delivering food.

• Follow safety procedures and policies to ensure a safe and clean environment.

Garnish

• Garnish all plates per menu descriptions.

• Garnish finished entrees according to house specifications and procedures.

Greet

• Greet guest and seat them.

• Greet guests according to Four Seasons Standards to ensure superior service.

• Greet guests and provide a memorable experience by guiding the customers or drivers.

Growth

Growth and advancement opportunities within the restaurant.

Handle

• Handle customer complaints with professionalism and efficiency.

• Handle, store and rotate all products properly.

Help

• Help others when they need something.

• Help polish silverware and fold napkins, time permitting.

• Help the porters with trash removal as needed.

• Help to keep all kitchen expedite area clean and up to Health Code and Alcohol Regulations.

• Help to keep all kitchen expedite areas clean and up to Health Code regulations.

Improve

Improve the Guest experience by interacting, connecting, and ensuring needs are met.

Inspect

Inspect assigned restroom every 30 minutes and clean as needed.

Keep

• Keep all dust pans clean and free of debris / odor.

• Keep a watchful eye on dining areas, promptly addressing any issues.

• Keep line neat and clean throughout the shift.

• Keep refillable beverages always full.

• Keep track of table turnover and available seating.

Know

Know our food menu, including possible allergens with the ability to relay it to guests.

Liase with

Liase with F&B management team on par levels and various other food and beverage needs.

Maintain

• Maintain a clean and safe working environment by following safety guidelines at all times.

• Maintain a clean and sanitary work station.

• Maintain a clean and tidy restaurant for staff and guest.

• Maintain a clean uniform and keep a professional appearance.

• Maintain an increased awareness of safety issues throughout the hotel.

• Maintain an organized system for order delivery and table assignments.

• Maintain an up to date working knowledge of all resort amenities as well as any special events.

• Maintain a professional appearance.

• Maintain a professional appearance at all times and adheres to Company's grooming standards.

• Maintain a spotless dining room.

• Maintain a spotless, pristine work environment.

• Maintain assertiveness throughout the shift.

• Maintain House of Blues safety and sanitation standards.

• Maintain knowledge of new and existing programs to successfully implement and support company goals.

• Maintain line of sight / atmosphere control by circulating through work area throughout shift.

• Maintain menu presentation by keeping menus clean.

• Maintain our high food safety and sanitation standards.

• Maintain ownership of duties through hard work and discipline.

• Maintain professional relationships with all coworkers and guests.

• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Maintain restaurant cleanliness in an efficient, professional manner.

• Maintain the inventory for the bus stations.

Make

• Make sure all stations are full and ready for service – and fully operational during service.

• Make sure the back area is always tidy – clean and organized.

Manage

• Manage delicate or specialty dishes with care.

• Manage multiple orders simultaneously, prioritizing based on customer needs.

Monitor

Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned station and service areas.

Move

Move throughout the bar and venue areas during the entire shift.

Notify

Notify server when brining coffee, tea or other beverages to tables to ensure proper charges.

Obtain

Obtain service area assignment at the beginning of each shift.

Offer

Offer condiments (pepper, cheese etc.) when appropriate.

Participate in

• Participate and pass a background check and drug screening.

• Participate in scheduled departmental and administrative meetings as requested.

Perform

• Perform additional duties as requested by management.

• Perform all duties while following all health department sanitation requirements.

• Perform any other duties, assignments and responsibilities as requested.

• Perform Opening / Running / Closing duties according to company Service Standards.

• Perform opening set-up, cleaning, side work and closing duties.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor / manager.

• Perform proper greet in accordance to company standard.

• Perform proper pre-bussing on all tables.

• Perform table maintenance.

• Perform various opening and closing busser duties.

Place

Place items in food serving bins for the next step in the process.

Possess

Possess and exhibit the drive to provide exceptional Member service.

Practice

• Practice a high level of floor awareness and clear / clean as required.

• Practice safe food handling procedures at all times.

Predict

Predict and address potential issues before they impact service.

Preform

Preform additional responsibilities, although not detailed as requested by Managers.

Prepare

• Prepare dining room for patrons by cleaning and clothing tables.

• Prepare mise-en-place for expediter line.

Present

Present TABC and Food Handler Certifications within the first two weeks.

Process

Process guests orders and payments in a timely manner.

Provide

• Provide a customized experience for every Guest.

• Provide any additional requests for guests.

• Provide assistance to kitchen staff during peak hours.

• Provide excellent customer service in a high volume environment.

• Provide exceptional guest service that differentiates us from the competition.

• Provide general resort information for guests.

• Provide superior food and beverage service to guests.

• Provide water, bread and butter service throughout the meal to guests.

Put

Put all trash and recyclable products in proper receptacles.

Read

Read order tickets to identify all items are in the bin and to add beverages to an order.

Recognize

Recognize when you need help and always ask for help when it is needed.

Refill

Refill water and periodically check on guests to handle any issues promptly.

Relay

Relay special requests or dietary restrictions to the kitchen.

Remove

• Remove empty plates and utensils to maintain a tidy dining space.

• Remove plates and silverware from table as guests are finished.

Report

Report all safety incidents to on-duty supervisor.

Respond to

• Respond swiftly and effectively in any hotel emergency of safety situations.

• Respond to guest inquiries and requests in a courteous and polite manner.

• Respond well to questions.

Restock

Restock items and utensils necessary for plating within the respective restaurant.

Run

• Run food accurately to tables in a seamless, gracious manner.

• Run food from the kitchen to the customers on the pool deck.

• Run food to tables, and interacting with guests at the table.

Separate

Separate glass, cardboard and plastics per local codes.

Serve

• Serve dishes to customers quickly and correctly.

• Serve food to customers and assist servers as needed.

• Serve guest needs with delivery of food from kitchen and completing guest requests.

• Serve ice water, coffee, or other beverages to patrons.

• Serve welcome drinks and hors d'oeuvres, upon guests' arrival.

Stay informed about

• Stay informed about menu changes and special promotions.

• Stay safe and always be aware of where Drivers are located.

Stock

• Stock cabinets or serving areas with condiments and refill condiment containers.

• Stock / restock work stations with appropriate glasses, plates and saucers.

• Stock to-go items such as napkins, sauce cups, utensils and etc..

Suggest

Suggest additional items or specials to enhance customer satisfaction.

Support

• Support bar and server staff with restocking, trash removal, and glassware.

• Support servers and server assistants.

• Support servers in assigned stations.

Take

• Take advantage of extensive training & development opportunities.

• Take food orders from guests.

Transport

Transport prepared dishes from the kitchen to designated tables.

Turn

Turn all lost and found items in to Manager on Duty, record on Lost and Found Form.

Understand

Understand and comply consistently with our rules, policies and procedures.

Use

Use equipment and materials properly.

Utilize

• Utilize point-of-sale systems for order processing.

• Utilize sales techniques to enhance the Guest experience, up-sell, and meet sales goals.

Welcome

• Welcome and seat guests, providing initial information about the dining experience.

• Welcome each guest with a smile and friendly greeting.

Wipe

• Wipe and clean food line after work.

• Wipe down tables and ensure cleanliness in the dining area.

Work

• Work as a team, helping others as needed.

• Work as one team with one goal.

• Work closely with Kitchen.

• Work closely with kitchen staff to synchronize food preparation and delivery.

• Work diligently to avoid breakage and loss.

• Work directly with the culinary team to ensure correctness of order modifications.

• Work harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and supervisors.

• Work harmoniously and professionally with co-workers to assist in set up and clean-up of tables.

• Work will be done in the bowling alley, restaurant, and patio.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Food Runner:

1. Order Management Systems

2. Point-of-Sale Software

3. Basic Culinary Knowledge

4. Tablet and Smartphone Operation

5. Time Management

6. Menu Item Recognition

7. Health and Safety Regulations

8. Communication Equipment (Radios)

9. Cash Handling

10. Customer Service Skills

11. Attention to Detail

12. Inventory Management

13. Table Turnover Optimization

14. Food Handling Certification

15. Adaptability

16. Cash Register Operation

17. Dish Presentation Skills

18. Multitasking Abilities

19. Knowledge of Specialty Diets

20. Team Collaboration

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Food Runner:

1. Communication

2. Customer Focus

3. Adaptability

4. Teamwork

5. Problem-Solving

6. Stress Management

7. Punctuality

8. Attention to Detail

9. Positive Attitude

10. Professionalism

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the responsibilities and acquiring the necessary hard and soft skills is crucial for anyone aspiring to excel in the role of a Food Runner. Whether it's ensuring the timely delivery of delectable dishes or providing exceptional customer service, a skilled Food Runner contributes significantly to the overall dining experience.