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Runner In Restaurant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Egg Harbor Cafe

Elmhurst- Food/Drink Runner

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Fun and fast paced, join the "Hospitality Support Team" as a food/drink runner in a position that ... Handle complaints from customers to preserve the restaurant's reputation of providing excellent ...

Volcanos Bistro & Bar

Restaurant Runner

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$7.50/hr

Volcanos Bar and Bistro in Gary, IN is looking for an energetic and motivated Restaurant Runner to join our team! This is a fast-paced, guest-facing role where you'll play a key part in delivering an ...

Volcanos Bar and Bistro

Restaurant Runner

Gary, IN · On-site

$7.50/hr

Volcanos Bar and Bistro in Gary, IN is looking for an energetic and motivated Restaurant Runner to join our team! This is a fast-paced, guest-facing role where you'll play a key part in delivering an ...

Volcanos Bar and Bistro

Restaurant Runner

Gary, IN · On-site

$7.50/hr

Volcanos Bar and Bistro in Gary, IN is looking for an energetic and motivated Restaurant Runner to join our team! This is a fast-paced, guest-facing role where you'll play a key part in delivering an ...

STK Oak Brook

Food Runner

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$12.96 - $18.50/hr

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Food Runner, you will play a key role in ... Be available to assist in restaurant setup, cleaning, and general service tasks as directed by ...

STK Oak Brook

Food Runner

Oak Brook, IL

Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits What You'll Do As a Food Runner, you will play a key role in ... Be available to assist in restaurant setup, cleaning, and general service tasks as directed by ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Experience running shifts without supervision • Effective communication skills; basic math ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Calumet City, IL · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Experience running shifts without supervision • Effective communication skills; basic math ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Cicero, IL · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Experience running shifts without supervision • Effective communication skills; basic math ...

Dunkin

Restaurant Manager

Harvey, IL

Dunkin' has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 14 years running. The company has more than 13,100 restaurants in 41 countries worldwide. Based in ...

Berghoff Restaurant

Food Runner

Chicago, IL · On-site

The restaurant Food Runner ensures quality and proper presentation of food in a timely manner while delivering food to tables and assisting waitstaff. This is a general overview of your job duties ...

Dunkin'

Restaurant Manager

Harvey, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Dunkin' has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 14 years running. The company has more than 13,100 restaurants in 41 countries worldwide. Based in ...

Red Lobster

Certified Restaurant Supervisor

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Overview If you've always dreamed of playing a critical leadership role in a restaurant, you can ... Satisfying our guests and running a great business is what this job is all about. Enjoy work-life ...

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All JobsRunner In Restaurant JobsRunner In Restaurant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Runner In Restaurant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$14

$21

How much do runner in restaurant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for runner in restaurant in Chicago, IL is $14.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are restaurant runners?

Restaurant runners, also known as food runners, are staff members who support servers and kitchen staff by delivering food and beverages from the kitchen to guests' tables. They ensure that dishes reach the correct table promptly and often help with clearing plates, refilling water, and checking in with guests to enhance their dining experience. Runners play a vital role in maintaining efficient service flow, especially during busy periods, and help ensure that guests receive their meals in a timely and presentable manner.

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

To thrive as a Runner in a restaurant, you need strong organizational skills, physical stamina, and attention to detail, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety protocols, and basic tray-carrying techniques is often required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and a customer-focused attitude are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure efficient food delivery, smooth restaurant operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are the main challenges faced by a runner in a busy restaurant, and how can these be managed effectively?

One of the main challenges for a runner in a busy restaurant is maintaining speed and accuracy while delivering food and drinks to the correct tables, especially during peak hours. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers is crucial to ensure that orders are delivered promptly and correctly. Staying organized, keeping calm under pressure, and being attentive to guests' needs can help manage these challenges. Additionally, runners often work as part of a fast-paced team, so collaborating and assisting colleagues when needed is key to ensuring smooth service.

What is the difference between Runner In Restaurant vs Busser In Restaurant?

AspectRunner In RestaurantBusser In Restaurant
Primary RoleDeliver food from kitchen to tables, assist serversClear tables, reset for new guests, maintain cleanliness
Required SkillsKnowledge of menu, good communication, quick deliveryAttention to detail, cleanliness, teamwork
Work EnvironmentFast-paced restaurant floor, close interaction with kitchen and serversRestaurant floor, focus on table maintenance and cleanliness
CertificationsNone typically required, but food safety knowledge helpfulNone typically required

Both roles are essential in restaurant service, with Runners focusing on food delivery and Bussers on maintaining cleanliness. Runners often require quick movement and communication skills, while Bussers emphasize attention to detail and teamwork. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in restaurant operations.

What are popular job titles related to Runner In Restaurant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Runner In Restaurant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Runner In Restaurant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Runner In Restaurant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Runner In Restaurant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Runner In Restaurant job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,266 per year, or $14.1 per hour.
Elmhurst- Food/Drink Runner

Elmhurst- Food/Drink Runner

Egg Harbor Cafe

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Egg Harbor Cafe rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Fun and fast paced, join the "Hospitality Support Team" as a food/drink runner in a position that helps make each shift feel smooth and efficient.
The "Hospitality Support Team" includes the host, food runner/drink runner, barista, and busser roles. Hospitality Support Team members will enhance the guest experience by supporting the front of house servers to make and deliver drinks, deliver food, accommodate guests coming in, clear tables, keep the dining area clean and organized, etc.
At Egg Harbor, we are committed to building an ever-growing base of regular customers in the communities that we serve. We do this by maintaining our standard of excellence, providing a warm and family-friendly atmosphere, and serving a wide variety of food. As part of our team, you will be integral in our goal. When asked "Where should we go to eat?" We want Egg Harbor to be the first and unanimous answer. You are integral in us achieving this goal. You will work as part of a team, having new and inspiring interactions with guests and team members alike daily. All this leading to both you and our customers leaving Egg Harbor every day feeling fulfilled, accomplished, and excited to return tomorrow.
Shifts start and end early, so you'll never work at night. Scheduling is generally flexible if you understand that our busiest days are on the weekends and holidays. We are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
If you are someone who enjoys working in a team-oriented environment, is responsible, trustworthy, prompt, reliable, and self-motivated, then you would be a great fit for the Egg Harbor Café Team.
In the role of food/drink runner, your job responsibilities would be (but not limited to):
  • Ensure the efficient flow of food and drink orders from the wait staff to the kitchen
  • Check receipts and assemble the order for the guest
  • Ensure orders are being prepared with the correct priority and alert management to quality issues or long wait times
  • Ensure that the food and drink presentation is fresh and up to quality standards
  • Assist in the final plate or drink presentation (e.g. adding condiments and/or toppings)
  • Check dishes/drinks before delivery for accuracy, presentation, and temperature
  • Deliver orders quickly to customers to maintain fast service
  • Communicate important information to the kitchen and the wait staff (e.g. when a customer has a particular request)
  • Keep Runner/Expo area clean and well stocked
  • Eliminate obstacles in service, food preparation lines, or dishwashing
  • Inspect the premises according to quality and sanitation standards, and assist in cleaning
  • Maintain working area is safe and clean; sweep/mop as needed
  • Handle complaints from customers to preserve the restaurant's reputation of providing excellent customer service
  • Support other tasks as needed (i.e., organizing and bagging to-go orders)
  • Perform other related duties as assigned
  • Perform opening/closing and on shift side work and maintenance properly

Perks of the Job:
Flexible schedule, holiday bonus, PTO, employee scholarship program, meal discounts, shifts end early (restaurant closes at 2pm), family owned (never franchised), employee assistance program, etc

What Egg Harbor Cafe employees say

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