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Food Runner Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Nando's PERi-PERi- Food Runner/Server #EveryoneIsWelcome We are NOW HIRING for our Nando's team! Full-time and part-time hours are available! We offer a fun and rewarding job with a great supportive ...

Nando's PERi-PERi- Food Runner/Server #EveryoneIsWelcome We are NOW HIRING for our Nando's team! Full-time and part-time hours are available!We offer a fun and rewarding job with a great supportive ...

Food Runner

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Food Runner Food Runner positions are available at all 3 locations: Ashburn, Chantilly, and Lansdowne. Ford's Fish Shack is seeking Food Runners who have a passion for outstanding food and drink and ...

Food Runner

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Food Runner Ford's Fish Shack is seeking Food Runners who have a passion for outstanding food and drink and providing the best in service. Our ideal candidate is passionate about the hospitality ...

Food Runner Food Runner positions are available at all 3 locations: Ashburn, Chantilly, and Lansdowne. Ford's Fish Shack is seeking Food Runners who have a passion for outstanding food and drink and ...

Food Runner Food Runner positions are available at all 3 locations: Ashburn, Chantilly, and Lansdowne. Ford's Fish Shack is seeking Food Runners who have a passion for outstanding food and drink and ...

Food Runner

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$15/hr

Our food runners are dedicated professionals who work as a team to guarantee our guests become raving fans. * FOOD RUNNERS start at $15+/hr We are looking for FUN, PASSIONATE, HIGH ENERGY individuals ...

Food Runner

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Food Runner Food Runner positions are available at all 3 locations: Ashburn, Chantilly, and Lansdowne. Ford's Fish Shack is seeking Food Runners who have a passion for outstanding food and drink and ...

Eligibility May Apply With genuine hospitality, our Food Runners will coordinate food orders to support timely and efficient delivery of high-quality food items to guests Food Runners will ensure ...

Food Runner

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$15/hr

Our food runners are dedicated professionals who work as a team to guarantee our guests become raving fans. * FOOD RUNNERS start at $15+/hr We are looking for FUN, PASSIONATE, HIGH ENERGY individuals ...

Our food runners are dedicated professionals who work as a team to guarantee our guests become raving fans. * FOOD RUNNERS start at $15+/hr We are looking for FUN, PASSIONATE, HIGH ENERGY individuals ...

Food Runner

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Food Runner Ford's Fish Shack is seeking Food Runners who have a passion for outstanding food and drink and providing the best in service. Our ideal candidate is passionate about the hospitality ...

Food Runner

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

Food Runners will ensure special guest requests are accommodated while delivering the same high quality standards. Food Runners will ensure proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for ...

Food Runner

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

Eligibility May Apply With genuine hospitality, our Food Runners will coordinate food orders to support timely and efficient delivery of high-quality food items to guests Food Runners will ensure ...

Food Runners will ensure special guest requests are accommodated while delivering the same high quality standards. Food Runners will ensure proper food safety and sanitation standards are upheld for ...

Rye Bunny is hiring a part time back server / food runner to join our team. We are looking for someone with fairly open availability (weekend Friday-Sunday is non-negotiable) and availability for two ...

Food Runner

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Rye Bunny is hiring a part time back server / food runner to join our team. We are looking for someone with fairly open availability (weekend Friday-Sunday is non-negotiable) and availability for two ...

Food Runner

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$18/hr

Our Food Runners are dedicated professionals who work as a team to bring our amazing food from the grill to the guests and provide them with an exceptionally distinctive dining experience! Food ...

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Food Runner information

See Reston, VA salary details

$6

$14

$21

How much do food runner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for food runner in Reston, VA is $14.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.01 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food runner?

Food runners work in restaurants, assisting bartenders and servers to bring food and drinks from the kitchen to the tables. They also clear dishes between courses and at the end of the meal and ensure that the tables are clean and ready for new customers. In many restaurants, you must work as a food runner before you can work as a server. It takes skill and organization to be an effective food runner. Unlike servers, a runner does not take orders or payments. Food runners are an important part of the service team, especially during a rush.

What does a food runner do?

A Food Runner is responsible for delivering food orders from the kitchen to customers at their tables in a restaurant. They work closely with servers and kitchen staff to ensure that food is delivered promptly, accurately, and at the correct temperature. Food Runners also help with clearing tables, refilling water, and assisting with customer requests to ensure a smooth dining experience. Their role is essential in maintaining efficient service and customer satisfaction.

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

To thrive as a Food Runner, you need a strong understanding of restaurant operations, menu items, and food safety procedures, usually gained through on-the-job training. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and order management tools is often required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and time-management skills help ensure smooth coordination between kitchen and dining staff. These abilities are crucial for delivering accurate, timely service and maintaining a positive dining experience for guests.

How does a food runner typically interact with kitchen and waitstaff during a shift?

Food Runners serve as a vital link between the kitchen and front-of-house teams. Throughout a shift, they communicate closely with kitchen staff to ensure orders are accurate and ready for delivery, and they coordinate with servers to deliver food promptly to the correct tables. This role requires strong teamwork, the ability to handle fast-paced environments, and attention to detail, as Food Runners often clarify special requests and help resolve any issues quickly to maintain a smooth dining experience.

What is the difference between Food Runner vs Busser?

AspectFood RunnerBusser
Primary RoleDeliver food from kitchen to tables, assist serversClear tables, reset dining areas, assist with customer comfort
Required SkillsKnowledge of menu, quick delivery, communicationCleaning, organization, customer service
Work EnvironmentKitchen and dining area, fast-pacedDining room, assisting servers and guests
Common CertificationsNone typically requiredNone typically required

Food Runners focus on delivering food efficiently from the kitchen to guests, while Bussers primarily clear and reset tables. Both roles support the dining service but have distinct responsibilities within the restaurant environment.

Do food runners make money?

Food runners typically earn an hourly wage that may include tips from customers, which can significantly increase total earnings. Wages vary by location and establishment, but many food runners make above minimum wage when tips are included. Some positions also require basic knowledge of restaurant operations and good customer service skills.

How hard is it to be a food runner?

Being a food runner involves quickly and accurately delivering food from the kitchen to customers, often in a fast-paced environment. It requires good communication skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work under pressure, but it generally does not require prior experience or specialized certifications.

How much does a food runner make?

In Florida, food runners typically earn an average hourly wage of $10 to $15, often supplemented by tips. Total earnings can vary based on location, experience, and the restaurant's tipping culture, with many earning additional income through tips during busy shifts.

What job categories do people searching Food Runner jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Runner jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Food Runner jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Food Runner job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Runner job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,610 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Nando's PERi-PERi- Food Runner/Server
#EveryoneIsWelcome
We are NOW HIRING for our Nando's team! Full-time and part-time hours are available! We offer a fun and rewarding job with a great supportive atmosphere. Whether you're looking to start your restaurant career or need to earn a few bucks - apply today!
PERKS + BENEFITS:
  • Competitive base wage plus average of $3-$4 in tips per hour worked
  • FREEmeal while on shift
  • FREEtelehealth medical and mental benefits for you and your family
  • Earn PTO after 1 year and Sick & Safe leave immediately
  • 401k plan
  • Opportunities for advancement through internal development program

Food Runner/Server:
Food Runners are vital to providing the Nando's experience. Food Runners ensure that food reaches the correct guest in a timely manner. Food Runners transport food orders from the kitchen to the appropriate table and announce the food to the guest. Food Runners keep a smile on their face while they clean, set and re-set tables continuously, assuming responsibility for station, tables and side duties. Runners work with our team to exceed our guests' expectations and to provide the Nando's experience.
Minimum requirements and expectations:
  • Ability to take direction and to work in a team environment
  • Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
  • Commitment to quality service, and food and beverage knowledge
  • Knowledge and comprehension of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures
  • Basic English language and professional communication skills are required

Physical Requirements:
  • Able to independently lift to 15lbs for an extended period
  • Ability to stand, walk and climb stairs with food items and dishes throughout your shift
  • Must be able to walk and/or stand for 8-10 hours per day
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Reaching, bending twisting, stooping
  • Pushing and Pulling
  • Lifting overhead
  • Must be able to climb stairs in restaurants that have multiple levels

Nando's North America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.