--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: front-of-the-house/food-runner.html i18n_link: 4137 updated: 2021-07-23 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_topiccluster t_keyword: Food Runner tags: food runner, front of the house, business management, zip haccp type: supporting page_id: 4137 hreflang_id: 4137 parent_id: 4113 date_published: 2021-07-23 date_modified: 2021-07-23 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: Nine Traits for a Good Food Runner t_meta_description: A food runner is a specialized food service position for restaurant work. Food runners have fast-paced jobs and the runner duties make sure food is delivered to the guests in a timely manner. t_meta_abstract: A food runner is a specialized food service position for restaurant work. Food runners have fast-paced jobs and the runner duties make sure food is delivered to the guests in a timely manner. i_meta_image: article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2021-07-23 v_date_modified: 2021-07-23 author: p_author_id: 153 t_author: Cynthia Vespia p_author_url: cynthia-vespia.html i_author: 153.png t_author_description: Cynthia Vespia is a content writer/copywriter helping brands connect with their customers through top quality content. She is also a published fantasy author giving villains a purpose and heroes a hard time. p_author_facebook: //www.facebook.com/HubWorksApp p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/HubworksApp p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: t_description: content: heading: t_title: Nine Traits for a Good Food Runner t_description: A food runner is a specialized food service position for restaurant work. Food runners have fast-paced jobs and the runner duties make sure food is delivered to the guests in a timely manner. image: i_image: nine-traits-for-a-good-food-runner-1626991651-5025.png t_image_description: job descriptions duties responsibilities wait staff deliver food v_image_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/oktoberfest-munich-waiter-beer-968232/ v_image_license: Creative Commons Zero v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: What is a Food Runner? t_text: The job summary for a food runner is to work with the server and kitchen staff to run food orders out to guests. The food runner duties are fast paced as they usually work during peak hours of a restaurant. Larger restaurants employ food runners for delivery of meals and drinks. They are also referred to as food attendants.

The runner job helps the servers focus on customer service during busy dining times. While the food runner handles delivery of orders, the wait staff can concentrate on their tables by taking the time needed to discuss the menu, put in orders, drop checks and ensure the overall guest experience is pleasant.

Customer service and good communication skills are all part of a food runner job. Some runners often are training for food server positions and will take drink or appetizer orders for the server. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: what-is-a-food-runner-1626991651-8920.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/drink-glass-wine-wine-glass-2639456/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/drink-glass-wine-wine-glass-2639456/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Traits of a Food Runner t_text: The traits for an excellent food runner are similar to those needed to be a server. Most servers start their jobs in the food service industry as food runners. Some of the traits that are most often needed for the runner duties are-

1. Organization
To be an effective food runner there is a level of organization that's needed. Knowing which job duties need to be handled and when is an important aspect of keeping organized. This is especially important as most food runners work in a fast-paced environment with little room for error.

2. An Eye For Detail
The food runner is responsible for handling food going out to customer tables. As the person who is likely the last to handle the food, it's up to the food runner to know whether the meal being served is up to the standards of the restaurant. This takes a keen eye for detail as a glance at the plate is sometimes all the time available. Knowing which patron in the restaurant needs service, like a drink refill, also takes a good eye for detail.

3. Friendly
Food runners interact with guests the same way that servers do. Having a friendly disposition with excellent customer service skills is important for the runner's duties. The tone of voice, attitude, and behavior all need to remain friendly even during busy hours.

4. Efficiency
A food runner job description will often highlight efficiency as part of the criteria. This means, being effective at executing runs on the first attempt. Rather than rushing back and forth across the dining floor, the food runner should have everything in place on the first run.

5. Knowledgeable About The Food
Guests will ask food runners questions and it's important that the runner know the answers to these questions. This is specifically important when answering questions about the menu or the food being delivered to the table. A proficient food runner should be able to answer any question asked.

6. Good Communication Skills
Communication between the food runner, server, and the kitchen is imperative to a smooth operation. The dining room isn't always aware of what the kitchen staff is doing and the kitchen staff isn't aware of what the front of the house is doing. A food runner can bridge the gap and communicate any issues that are arising.

7. Well-Mannered
Food runners need to know the principles qualities of being well mannered. This means listening intently, making proper eye contact, smiling, and remaining polite in times of stress. Each member of the staff should be trained on the guidelines expected of them for customer service. The food runner job description should state it as well.

8. Cleanliness
Guests want anyone handling their food to look the part. This means a clean uniform and appearance. It is also part of the food runner's job to keep the dining room clean and tidy as well. The food runner should anticipate when an area needs to be cleaned without having to be told.

9. Team Player
The success of any restaurant is having the entire staff come together as a team. Food runners are the link between the wait staff and the kitchen. They need to understand every aspect of working as a well-structured team so the food reaches the guests without incident. It is up to the restaurant management to instruct how these duties will work between all staff members. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: - t_title: Key Takeaways t_text: Traits of a food runner

  1. Organized
  2. An Eye For Detail
  3. Friendly
  4. Efficient
  5. Tidy
  6. Well-Mannered
  7. Team Player
  8. Knowledgeable About The Food
  9. Good Communication Skills
- t_headline: Conclusion to Food Runner t_text: p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: callout_text: event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics ---