Running a restaurant smoothly takes teamwork — and one of the unsung heroes of that team is the restaurant runner. From delivering food at lightning speed to keeping communication flowing between the kitchen and the floor, runners help ensure that every guest has a great dining experience.

Writing a strong restaurant runner job description is the first step toward hiring dependable, energetic staff who keep service on track. Whether you’re building your first job post or refining an existing one, this guide breaks down exactly what to include — plus, how to attract the best candidates faster using StaffedUp, the hospitality hiring platform built for restaurants. Every role in the restaurant matters and needs to be staffed adequately.

What Is a Restaurant Runner?

A restaurant runner, sometimes called a food runner, is the link between your kitchen and your guests. They’re responsible for making sure food is delivered to tables quickly, accurately, and with a smile. Think of them as the backbone of service — they help servers stay focused on guests while ensuring your kitchen’s hard work reaches the dining room seamlessly.

Runners are especially valuable in busy restaurants or large dining spaces where servers can’t always make it back and forth between tables and the kitchen quickly. The role combines speed, organization, and teamwork — three traits that can make or break a busy shift.

Let’s face it, runners can be among the hardest workers but also the hardest employees to keep. Learning how to attract the right people is the hardest part of the gig. 

Restaurant Runner Job Description Example

To help you write your own, here’s a ready-to-use restaurant runner job description that you can copy, customize, and post to attract the right applicants.

Job Title: Restaurant Runner
Reports To: Shift Manager or Service Lead

Position Summary:
We’re looking for an energetic and organized Restaurant Runner to support our service team. The runner ensures food is delivered to guests promptly, tables are cleared efficiently, and service standards are upheld throughout the shift.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver meals from the kitchen to guests quickly and accurately
  
• Assist servers by clearing tables and resetting for new guests
  
• Communicate clearly with kitchen and wait staff
  
• Monitor food presentation and timing to meet service expectations
  
• Follow all health, safety, and sanitation standards
  

Requirements:

• Team-oriented attitude and strong communication skills
  
• Ability to work quickly and stay organized under pressure
  
• Physically able to carry trays, dishes, and supplies as needed
  
• Flexible availability (nights, weekends, and holidays)
  
• Prior restaurant experience is a plus, but not required
  

Pay: Hourly, based on experience + tips (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Want to reach qualified restaurant workers instantly? Post your job on StaffedUp — the hiring platform built for restaurants. StaffedUp helps you publish your job, attract active hospitality job seekers, and manage applications in one place.

Key Duties and Responsibilities of a Restaurant Runner

A well-written job description clearly outlines what your restaurant runner does every day. Here are the most common duties to include:

1. Delivering Food Efficiently

Runners ensure each order gets from the kitchen to the correct guest, hot, fresh, and beautifully presented. They double-check ticket details for accuracy and communicate with the kitchen if anything’s missing or delayed.

2. Assisting Servers and Bussers

A good runner anticipates the needs of the servers they support. They might refill drinks, clear tables, or reset stations between seatings — keeping the front of house running smoothly during rushes.

3. Maintaining Cleanliness and Organization

Runners often help bus tables, restock utensils, or clean spills. Keeping the dining area clean and organized not only supports service but also leaves a great impression on guests.

4. Supporting Kitchen Staff

This role involves constant communication with the kitchen. Runners relay messages from the front of house, handle last-minute requests, and ensure that plates are complete before they leave the pass.

Learning the basics of a well-written job description can help (1) vet applicants up front to make sure they are a good fit, (2) clearly outline what the runner will be doing and (3) provide insight into the company culture. 

Skills and Qualifications to Include in a Restaurant Runner Job Description

When writing your restaurant runner job description, highlight both hard and soft skills. Employers should list the abilities that help a runner thrive in a busy environment.

Top Skills to Include:

• Speed and endurance in a fast-paced environment
  
• Excellent teamwork and communication
  
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
  
• Positive attitude under pressure
  
• Basic understanding of food safety and hygiene
  
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays
  

Ready to find dependable runners who fit your team? Post your open positions on StaffedUp and connect with qualified hospitality workers actively looking for jobs in your area.

How to Write a Great Restaurant Runner Job Description

A clear and compelling job post attracts the right people faster. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

1. Start with a Clear Job Title

Avoid vague titles like “Restaurant Help” or “Team Member.” Use “Restaurant Runner” or “Food Runner” so applicants instantly know what the role involves.

2. Highlight the Most Important Responsibilities

Keep it simple and scannable. Bullet points are key — most job seekers skim posts, especially on mobile.

3. Showcase Your Culture

Use a few sentences to describe your restaurant’s atmosphere. Candidates want to know if they’ll fit in — whether it’s a high-end bistro, a casual family spot, or a fast-paced bar and grill.

4. Be Transparent About Pay and Hours

Transparency builds trust. Mention hourly pay, tips, or shift structure (e.g., nights, weekends). This filters out candidates who aren’t a good fit early on.

5. Add a Strong Call to Action

End your listing with a clear next step, like:

“Apply directly on StaffedUp — where great restaurants meet great staff.”

Pro Tip: Avoid overly formal language. A friendly, human tone performs best with hospitality job seekers. You want your applicants to truly want to work with you.

Why a Clear Restaurant Runner Job Description Matters

A well-written restaurant runner job description does more than fill a position — it sets the tone for your hiring process and defines your brand as an employer.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• Attracts the right candidates. Clarity helps you reach people who actually want the role.
  
• Saves time. Detailed descriptions reduce unqualified applications.
  
• Sets expectations. Clear duties prevent confusion during onboarding.
  
• Reduces turnover. When candidates know exactly what they’re signing up for, they’re more likely to stay.
  

Hiring in hospitality is competitive — especially for entry-level roles like runners. Writing transparent, engaging job posts helps you stand out.

What now? Simplify your hiring with StaffedUp. Our platform helps restaurants post jobs, manage applicants, and hire faster — all in one place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Restaurant Runner

Even experienced operators make these hiring missteps. Avoiding them will help you attract stronger candidates and fill openings faster.

1. Using Vague Job Titles

“Restaurant Staff” or “Team Member” doesn’t tell applicants much. Specificity increases click-through rates and application quality.

2. Skipping Key Details

Leaving out pay, schedule, or location can deter candidates or waste your time with unqualified applicants.

3. Ignoring Mobile-Friendly Formatting

Most hospitality workers apply on their phones. Keep sentences short, paragraphs brief, and use bullet points for easy reading.

4. Delayed Responses

In a fast-moving industry, candidates expect quick replies. A slow hiring process can cost you great applicants. Using an applicant tracking system (ATS), like StaffedUp, can help to chat with applicants to keep them engaged and communicate updates as the hiring process progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Runner Jobs

Q: What’s the difference between a server and a runner?
A: Servers take orders, process payments, and handle guest service directly. Runners deliver food, support servers, and ensure efficient communication between kitchen and floor staff.

Q: Do restaurant runners need experience?
A: Not necessarily. Many restaurants hire entry-level runners and train them on the job. Experience in fast-paced environments is a plus.

Q: How much do restaurant runners make?
A: Pay varies by market and restaurant type. Many runners earn hourly pay plus shared tips, typically between $12–$20 per hour.

Q: What makes a great restaurant runner?
A: Speed, stamina, clear communication, and attention to detail. A strong runner works well under pressure and supports the team without being asked.

Q: How can I find reliable restaurant runners fast?
A: Post your job on StaffedUp — a platform built for hospitality employers. You’ll reach thousands of active restaurant job seekers in your area.

Conclusion: Hire the Right Restaurant Runner Faster

A great restaurant runner job description helps you attract hardworking, dependable staff who keep your restaurant running smoothly. By clearly defining duties, skills, and expectations, you’ll save time, reduce turnover, and improve your guest experience.

You may be more occupied with hiring bartenders, servers or even a chef but staffing the runner position is key to your success. Think of this role as a flex player – pull where needed to keep the entire place running smoothly. 

When you’re ready to hire, make it simple with StaffedUp. Post your runner job in minutes, reach qualified hospitality candidates instantly, and manage your entire hiring process — all in one place.