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Buffet Runner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Club at Ibis

Food Runner

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

To design, set-up, and breakdown of buffet displays. Through teamwork assists other members of ... Keeps busy with opening/closing side work and running side work. Follows opening and closing side ...

The Club at Ibis

Food Runner

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

To design, set-up, and breakdown of buffet displays. Through teamwork assists other members of ... Keeps busy with opening/closing side work and running side work. Follows opening and closing side ...

HARMONY HOSPITALITY INC

Food Runner

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Food Runner is responsible for: * Facilitate assembly and delivery of food order from front ... Perform buffet duties as needed. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITY * Organized work habits; minimal ...

HARMONY HOSPITALITY INC

Food Runner

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Food Runner is responsible for: * Facilitate assembly and delivery of food order from front ... Perform buffet duties as needed. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITY * Organized work habits; minimal ...

HARMONY HOSPITALITY INC

Food Runner

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

The Food Runner is responsible for: * Facilitate assembly and delivery of food order from front ... Perform buffet duties as needed. REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITY * Organized work habits; minimal ...

Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

F&B Runner

Rochester, WA · On-site

The essential functions of the Runner position classification includes but not limited to: * Is ... Communicates with Buffet Chef on an ongoing basis concerning the status of food on the buffet.

Sonic Drive-In

Carhop

Eastland, TX · On-site

The Job: As a SONIC Drive-In Carhop, your primary responsibility is to provide every guest with a SuperSONIC experience by: * Delivering a warm, friendly, and fast experience to every guest * Being a ...

Sonic

Carhop / Skating Carhop

West Jordan, UT

$10 - $15/hr

Restaurant Carhop/ Skating Carhop / Day or Night shifts 50% off Employee meals Always Fun Fast Paced Environment with cool music $10.00-$15.00 per hour with experience with TIPS As a SONIC Drive-In ...

Sonic

Carhop or Skating Carhop

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

THIS IS A FRANCHISE POSITIONLooking for a way to apply that boundless enthusiasm you wake up with every morning. We can help. At SONIC, you get great pay, flexible hours and a cool uniform-while ...

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Buffet Runner information

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$6

$13

$18

How much do buffet runner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for buffet runner in the United States is $13.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.86 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by buffet runners during busy service periods?

Buffet runners often face the challenge of maintaining a fully stocked and visually appealing buffet, especially during peak dining hours when demand is high. They must work quickly and efficiently to replenish food items, coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of dishes, and adhere to food safety standards. Strong communication and time management skills are essential, as buffet runners need to prioritize tasks and collaborate with other team members to keep the buffet running smoothly and guests satisfied.

What are buffet runners?

Buffet runners are hospitality workers responsible for ensuring that food items on a buffet are well-stocked, clean, and attractively presented. They monitor the buffet line, replenish dishes as necessary, and assist guests with any questions about the food. Buffet runners often work closely with kitchen staff to coordinate timely refills and maintain food safety standards. Their role is important for creating a positive dining experience and efficient service during busy meal times.

Do food runners get paid well?

Buffet runners typically earn minimum wage or slightly above, with some earning tips that can increase overall pay. Wages vary by location, experience, and establishment, but food runner positions generally do not offer high base salaries. Tips often make up a significant portion of their income in the hospitality industry.

What is the difference between Buffet Runner vs Busser?

AspectBuffet RunnerBusser
Primary RoleRefills food stations, maintains buffet areaClears and resets tables, assists servers
Work EnvironmentBuffet area, food stationsDining room, restaurant floor
CredentialsNone typically requiredNone typically required
Employer/IndustryRestaurants, hotels with buffet servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering services

Buffet Runners focus on maintaining the buffet area by refilling and cleaning food stations, while Bussers primarily clear tables and assist servers in providing a smooth dining experience. Both roles support restaurant operations but differ in their specific duties and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Buffet Runner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Buffet Runner, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of food safety and hygiene standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with POS systems, food handling protocols, and inventory management tools is commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure smooth buffet operations, customer satisfaction, and adherence to health regulations in busy dining environments.
More about Buffet Runner jobs
What cities are hiring for Buffet Runner jobs? Cities with the most Buffet Runner job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Buffet Runner jobs? The top employers for Buffet Runner jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Buffet Runner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Buffet Runner jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Buffet Runner jobs? For Buffet Runner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Buffet Runner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $27,695 per year, or $13.3 per hour.
Buffet Attendant - Odyssey & Spirit of Boston

Buffet Attendant - Odyssey & Spirit of Boston

Hornblower Group

Boston, MA • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Hornblower rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 9 rated cruise lines

Job description

Hornblower Group is a global leader in experience and transportation. Spanning a 100-year history, Hornblower Group's portfolio of international offerings includes water- and land-based experiences and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower Group's premier experience division, offers dining and sightseeing cruises and walking and food tours through the City Cruises, Walks, and Devour brands. City Ferry, part of Hornblower Group's Ferry and Transportation Division, is the largest private operator of high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries in the United States, carrying more than 10 million passengers annually and operating services including NYC Ferry, Puerto Rico Ferry, and other regional ferry systemsHornblower Group's subsidiaries include Hornblower Marine, which provides vessel outhaul and maintenance services at Bridgeport Boatworks in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Seaward Services, Inc., a full-service shipping, waterfront logistics and management company that specializes in the operation and maintenance of government and commercial vessels. Additionally, Anchor Operating System, LLC, a Hornblower Group subsidiary and independent entity, provides reservation, ticketing and website integration services for clients in the transportation, tourism and entertainment industries. Today, Hornblower Group's global portfolio covers over 10 countries, over 50 U.S. cities and serves more than 20 million guests annually. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Hornblower Group's additional corporate offices reside in San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and across Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit hornblowercorp.com.
Position Summary:
The successful Buffet Attendant will be friendly and efficient while providing buffet maintenance and replenishment, running food from galley to appropriate areas, and assisting in
the routine cleaning of galley and buffet areas.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for buffet maintenance and replenishment.
  • Responsible for running food from galley to appropriate buffet areas.
  • Inspect food preparation areas, buffets, and service areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
  • Receive and organize hot line food orders; portion, arrange, and garnish food for service.
  • Responsible for carrying trays of food to an appropriate location during plated meal service.
  • Responsible for reading and understanding the ticketing system to deliver trays of food to the proper location.
  • Assist in routine cleaning of galley including daily cleaning of equipment and implements, sanitizing food preparation surfaces, and mopping floors.
  • Provide exceptional hospitality to coworkers and guests.
  • Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications:
  • At least one year of previous kitchen experience is preferred.
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Required to lift and move heavy items such as cases of provisions and large containers of prepared foods.
  • Must meet minimum state age requirements.
  • Will work for extended periods without sitting.
  • Strong customer service, organization, and interpersonal skills.
  • Maintain a high level of organization, detailed oriented and meet deadlines.
  • Handle multiple tasks/projects at one time.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by job responsibility.
  • Listen effectively, assess the situation, determine relevant issues, & suggest solutions.
  • Have a working knowledge of computer skills, including but not limited to proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.
  • Must be able to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to coworkers and guests.
  • Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards.
  • Will be required to be available for work nights, weekends and on all major holidays.

#CityCruisesUS
The RESPECT Service System embodies our mission, vision, values and operating principles. By creating a company culture that puts RESPECT at its core, we believe it will drive us to achieve our goal of becoming a Global Experiences and Transportation Leader.
EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Hornblower is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment of any type, including but not limited to discrimination and or harassment based upon race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, pregnancy or relation medical conditions, childbirth, breastfeeding, parental status, veteran and/or military status, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, political affiliation, domestic violence survivor status, marital status, or other characteristics prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Additionally, as a federal, state, and local contractor, Hornblower complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals, where and as they apply. The company also participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations.

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