What does a Food Runner do?
A Food Runner’s primary responsibility is to assist Bartenders and Waitstaff at restaurants. They help busy Waitpersons deliver orders to customers on time. In some restaurants, that means literally running food orders from the kitchen to the customer’s table. Although it may seem simple, it’s an important job that ensures that restaurant’s efficient and smooth operation. When Food Runners deliver the food, they may also check to see if the guests have everything they need and can serve any additional food items.
Food Runner skills and qualifications
A successful Food Runner candidate will need various prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively. These include:
- Multitasking skills to ensure guests get their orders quickly
- Organisational skills to easily locate bar patrons and tables to fulfil orders
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure customers’ requests are met
- Ability to remain on their feet for several hours
- Interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to remain calm under stressful situations
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Food Runner experience requirements
Food Runners usually need to have previous experience in the food industry, but some employers do not require candidates to have any experience at all. Often a Food Runner is usually the first job people get when they first enter the workforce. Working as a Food Runner is one of the paths to becoming a Waiter.
Food Runner education and training
A Food Runner usually needs a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Some employers require candidates to have a Higher National Diploma (HND). Newly hired Food Runners may need to go through a training programme, where they shadow an experienced Server or Waiter and have an opportunity to learn menu items. Full-service restaurants may have Food Runners complete classroom training in restaurant philosophy and formal serving techniques. They may also require Food Runners to complete food safety training.
Food Runner salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Food Runner in the UK, is £9.00 per hour. This figure varies depending on factors, including experience, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
Other job description samples are available if this is not quite what you’re looking for:
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
