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Restaurant Runner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eataly

Runner Restaurant

Santa Clara, CA

LEARN through our classes and our team's product knowledge A Runner - known as a Table Support Team Member at Eataly - creates a high-quality dining experience in Eataly's restaurants through timely ...

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Study Hotels

Restaurant Support/Runner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$12.70/hr

Supports the restaurant servers by running the food from the kitchen to the table. * Responsible for ensuring all side work is completed throughout the shift, including but not limited to polishing ...

Study Hotels

Restaurant Support/Runner

Chicago, IL · On-site

Supports the restaurant servers by running the food from the kitchen to the table. * Responsible for ensuring all side work is completed throughout the shift, including but not limited to polishing ...

Capri Ristorante

Runner-Capri Restaurant

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Capri Restaurant is Hiring Food Runners Rootstock Hospitality Group, a locally owned & operated restaurant group is excited to bring a new member to the Team. Capri Ristorante has been a part of the ...

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Restaurant Runner information

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How much do restaurant runner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant runner in the United States is $13.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.58 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are restaurant runners?

Restaurant runners, sometimes called food runners, are staff members responsible for delivering food from the kitchen to guests' tables in a timely and efficient manner. They act as a link between the kitchen and the dining area, ensuring that orders are correct, food is presented well, and guests have everything they need. Runners may also assist with clearing tables, refilling water, and supporting waitstaff to enhance the overall dining experience.

What are some common challenges faced by a Restaurant Runner, and how can they be managed effectively?

Restaurant Runners often face challenges such as maintaining a fast pace during peak hours, balancing multiple tables’ needs, and ensuring accuracy when delivering food and drinks. To manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with servers and kitchen staff, and prioritize tasks based on urgency. Developing strong multitasking skills and remaining calm under pressure can help Runners provide efficient service while maintaining a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the difference between Restaurant Runner vs Food Runner?

AspectRestaurant RunnerFood Runner
Primary RoleDelivers food from kitchen to tables, assists serversBrings prepared food from kitchen to dining area, supports service staff
CredentialsNo specific certifications typically requiredNo specific certifications typically required
Work EnvironmentFast-paced restaurant setting, often on footFast-paced restaurant setting, often on foot
Employer UsageCommonly used in restaurants, cafes, and cateringCommonly used in restaurants, cafes, and catering

Both Restaurant Runners and Food Runners work in similar restaurant environments, assisting with food delivery and supporting service staff. The main difference lies in their specific duties: Restaurant Runners often deliver food directly to tables and assist servers, while Food Runners primarily transport food from the kitchen to the dining area. Both roles require no formal certifications and are essential for smooth restaurant operations.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Runner, you need strong organizational skills, physical stamina, and attention to detail, with no formal education typically required. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic food safety protocols is helpful. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These qualities ensure prompt, accurate service and a seamless dining experience for guests.
More about Restaurant Runner jobs
What cities are hiring for Restaurant Runner jobs? Cities with the most Restaurant Runner job openings:
What states have the most Restaurant Runner jobs? States with the most job openings for Restaurant Runner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Runner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Runner jobs are:
Restaurant Runner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Runner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,409 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Restaurant Runner at Counting House

AccorHotel

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Company Description
If you love saying YES and enjoy engaging with the community by leading with ART, 21c Museum Hotels is one of the pioneering examples of bridging the worlds of art and hospitality. We combine a multi-venue contemporary art museum, boutique hotel and a chef driven restaurant to create a unique and welcoming opportunity.
Come join our Flock!
Job Description
Reports To: Restaurant Manager
General Purpose: The Runner's primary responsibility is to deliver food to restaurant patrons. Food Runners are the last of the staff to see the meal before it reaches the customer, so it's important for them to know what each dish is supposed to look like so nothing is missed. The Food Runner may also perform other essential duties as required.
Specific Responsibilities:
  • Understands role within the steps of service.
  • Reports to work on time and ready to work scheduled shift.
  • Delivers food from kitchen to dining room tables in a timely, accurate manner.
  • Assists server with preparation of tables, service station, and coffee station.
  • Assists servers and busser with table clearing and side work.
  • Communicates between kitchen and servers regarding the status of each table and delivery of food.
  • Assists supervisor and executes any and all tasks as assigned.
  • When possible, assists chef and executes any and all tasks as assigned.
  • Polishes silverware.
  • Completes all sidework as outlined in manual.
  • Maintains a positive, friendly attitude with co-workers and guests.
  • Maintains a clean, orderly appearance of the restaurant service area.
  • Follow all proper sanitation guidelines.
  • Exhibits strong food knowledge: knows menu descriptions for bar and dining room.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor or manager.

Qualifications:
  • Able to work flexible hours (nights, weekends).
  • Responsible, dependable, punctual.
  • Strong communication skills; must be able to speak, read and understand English.
  • Clean and professional appearance.
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for all things 21c.
  • Must pass a background check.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to carry full service tray comfortably.
  • Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

21c Museum Hotels is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristic. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/poster.cfm
Qualifications
  • Able to work flexible hours (nights, weekends).
  • Responsible, dependable, punctual.
  • Strong communication skills; must be able to speak, read and understand English.
  • Clean and professional appearance.
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for all things 21c.
  • Must pass a background check.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to carry full service tray comfortably.
  • Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 21c Museum Hotels is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristic. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/poster.cfm

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