Food Runner

Job Summary: 

The Food Runner at Chophouse 13 Nocatee plays a key role in ensuring a seamless and refined dining experience by efficiently delivering food from the kitchen to the guests.  The Food Runner works closely with servers, kitchen staff, and management to uphold the restaurant’s fine dining standards, ensuring that every plate is delivered with precision, accuracy, and impeccable timing.  This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining a polished and professional demeanor.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food Delivery:

• Deliver food items from the kitchen to the guests promptly and with a sense of urgency, while ensuring accuracy in each order.

• Present dishes to guests with clear communication, explaining each dish, when necessary, in line with our fine dining service standards.

• Follow proper seat numbering and order placement to ensure that the correct guest receives the correct dish.

• Carry plates and trays with confidence and precision, ensuring that all food items are handled carefully and served attractively.

1. Presentation and Quality Control:

• Double-check each plate before leaving the kitchen to ensure it is complete, aesthetically pleasing, and prepared according to the Chef’s standards.

• Ensure that all garnishes and accompaniments are correct and that plates are free from smudges or spills before reaching the guests.

• Communicate any discrepancies or issues with orders to the kitchen staff or server promptly.

1. Guest Interaction:

• Interact with the guests in a polished, professional manner, ensuring that they feel well-attended to and that they feel well-attended to and that any requests are communicated to the appropriate team members.

• Anticipate the guest needs, such as additional utensils, condiments, or side dishes, and provide them promptly when necessary.

• Respond to any immediate concerns or requests, informing the server or manager as needed.

1. Communication and Coordination:

• Maintain clear and efficient communication with both kitchen staff and servers to ensure that food is delivered in a timely and coordinated manner.

• Work closely with the expeditor to prioritize orders and ensure that courses are served at the correct intervals.

• Be knowledgeable about the menu, including ingredients and preparation methods, to answer any guest questions or pass along information to the servers.

1. Table Maintenance:

• Assist in clearing and resetting tables between courses and after the meal, ensuring the dining room maintains its polishes and professional appearance.

• Help servers to clear used plates, silverware, and glassware in an organized manner to avoid disrupting the guest experience.

• Ensure that tables are kept clean and free of clutter, replenishing bread, water, or other items as needed.

1. Team Support:

• Provide support to servers, bartenders, and other team members as needed to ensure efficient service flow.

• Assist with setting up and breaking down dining room stations, side work, and preparing for service.

• Help stock necessary items (such as plates, silverware, glassware) and maintain cleanliness in service areas.

1. Adherence to Health and Safety Standards:

• Follow all health and safety protocols to ensure food is served in a clean and sanitary manner.

• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and dining room areas, including wiping down surfaces, clearing dirty dishes, and organizing service areas.

• Adhere to local health department regulations and restaurant policies regarding food handling and safety.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a fine dining or upscale restaurant environment is preferred but not required.

• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with both front of house and back of house teams.

• High attention to detail and a commitment to upholding the fine dining standards.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong sense of urgency and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

• Professional appearance and attitude, with the ability to engage with guests in a friendly and respectful manner.

• Team player mentality, with a willingness to assist others to ensure smooth service.

• Ability to carry multiple plates or trays at once and navigate the dining room with ease.

• Ability to work on your feet for extended periods and carry plates and trays with confidence.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during your shift.

• Ability to lift and carry trays, plates, and other items weighing up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including during peak service hours.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, as required by the restaurant’s schedule.