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Food Runner Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Chili's Grill & Bar

Food Runner

Victor, NY · On-site

$10.70/hr

Role Overview Our Food Runners create an exceptional experience for our Guests and their fellow Team Members by sharing their passion for beverages, food, and people. We hire primarily food runners ...

Chili's Grill & Bar

Food Runner

Rochester, NY · On-site

$10.70/hr

Role Overview Our Food Runners create an exceptional experience for our Guests and their fellow Team Members by sharing their passion for beverages, food, and people. We hire primarily food runners ...

Dave & Buster's

Food Runner

Rochester, NY

When not running food, you provide the necessary support to ensure fast, friendly and accommodating service. NITTY GRITTY DETAILS: * Deliver an unparalleled Guest experience through the best ...

Dave & Buster's, Inc.

Food Runner

Rochester, NY · On-site

When not running food, you provide the necessary support to ensure fast, friendly and accommodating service. NITTY GRITTY DETAILS: * Deliver an unparalleled Guest experience through the best ...

Troon

Food Runner/Busser

Victor, NY

$18/hr

Cobblestone Creek Country Club is excited to announce the exceptional career opportunity of Food Runner/Busser. Qualified candidates will thrive in a hospitality environment and be highly focused on ...

Troon Golf

Food Runner/Busser

Victor, NY · On-site

$18/hr

Cobblestone Creek Country Club is excited to announce the exceptional career opportunity of Food Runner/Busser. Qualified candidates will thrive in a hospitality environment and be highly focused on ...

ASM Global

Concession food runner

Pavilion, NY · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

The Concession Runner is responsible for working with cashiers and kitchen staff in concession stands to deliver food and beverage orders from stand to guest at all events. • Maintains consistency ...

IHOP

Expediter

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

As a Food Runner, you will be responsible for running food to guests, assisting with requests at tables and communicating with the expeditor, cheerfully and courteously. A qualified applicant must ...

IHOP

Expediter

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17.50/hr

As a Food Runner, you will be responsible for running food to guests, assisting with requests at tables and communicating with the expeditor, cheerfully and courteously. A qualified applicant must ...

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Food Runner information

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$5

$13

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How much do food runner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for food runner in Rochester, NY is $13.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.43 and $15.87 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 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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Food runners typically do not earn $4,000 a week; such high earnings are uncommon in this role. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree often include high-level sales, real estate, or specialized trades like certain construction or technical roles, which may require experience, certifications, or licenses. These positions often involve commission, tips, or performance-based pay structures.

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.

Is being a food runner worth it?

Food runners assist in delivering dishes from the kitchen to customers, requiring good communication and speed. The job often offers tips and flexible hours but typically has low pay and limited advancement opportunities, making it suitable for those seeking entry-level work or part-time employment.

What is another name for a food runner?

Another name for a food runner is a food expediter or expo. These roles involve delivering prepared dishes from the kitchen to diners and coordinating with servers to ensure timely service. The job requires good communication skills and knowledge of the menu and restaurant layout.

Do food runners make money?

Food runners typically earn an hourly wage that may include tips from customers, which can significantly increase total earnings. Their income depends on factors such as location, restaurant size, and shift hours, with tips often making up a large portion of their pay. Many food runners also need good communication skills and a fast-paced work environment to succeed financially.
More about Food Runner jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Runner jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Food Runner jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Runner jobs in Rochester, NY? For Food Runner jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Runner jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Food Runner jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Food Runner jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Food Runner job openings:
Food Runner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Runner job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,028 per year, or $13.5 per hour.
Food Runner

Food Runner

Chili's Grill & Bar

Victor, NY • On-site

$10.70/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Posted 15 days ago

Chili's rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 829 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 87 rated restaurants

Job description

Role Overview
Our Food Runners create an exceptional experience for our Guests and their fellow Team Members by sharing their passion for beverages, food, and people. We hire primarily food runners who can grow their career quickly to server. You are enthusiastic and believe that great food is nothing without great hospitality. You show your fun personality to connect with our Guests and each other, making people feel special.
Responsibilities
  • Provide hospitable and customized service to each of our Guests
  • Improve the Guest experience by interacting, connecting, and ensuring needs are met.
  • Keep the tables free of dirty dishes through pre-bussing any empty glassware, debris, empty bottles, plate ware, silverware, ect.
  • Partner with other Team Members to ensure Guest satisfaction
  • Must be available to work some weekends, weekdays, and holidays as needed
  • Contribute to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment

About You
  • Great attitude and approach to Guests and Team Members
  • Thinks and acts quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • Provides a customized experience for every Guest
  • Prior experience a plus

About Us
Chili's was born in Dallas, Texas in 1975. Since then, we've boldly claimed our place in the casual dining industry as the place to go for Big Mouth burgers, house smoked ribs, full on fajitas, and hand shaken margaritas! With a legacy deeply rooted in service, hospitality, and giving back, we are committed to delivering the best experience to every Guest, every day.
  • Fast hiring process
  • Flexible part-time or full-time schedule
  • Growth opportunities
  • Great team atmosphere and culture
  • Benefits package with health, dental and life - View our full benefits page at

*Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until filled
Location 7491 State Route 96
Salary $10.70 Hourly *Plus Tips
Career Area
Job ID #5186
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About Chili's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Together, We Chili’s That’s right, around here “Chili’s” is a verb. It’s the best way to describe how we do things because our 60,000 amazing ChiliHeads (what we call Team Members) are active, engaged and involved in our restaurants and the communities we serve. We’re on the move and passionate about sharing love, inclusion and enjoyment with every Team Member and Guest who walks through our doors. We’re in the business of making everyone feel special. In everything we do, we have to ask ourselves if we’re putting the Guest first and making sure they’ll come back for more. Our Cultural Beliefs bring that passion to life and shape who we are as a company and as the people who live and breathe inside of it. We’re more than mere transactions – we’re people connecting with people! If our beliefs are strong, our actions will match. And that’s how we create memorable experiences and real results.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1975

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