Food Runner

Food Runner

Alta Adams is seeking a polished, attentive, and motivated Food Runner to join our Front of House team.

The Food Runner plays an essential role in the flow of service at Alta, serving as a direct connection between the kitchen and dining room. This position is responsible for delivering dishes accurately and confidently, maintaining proper pacing and presentation, and helping ensure that every plate arrives at the table as the kitchen intended.

Our Food Runners are expected to know the menu, understand the basic ingredients and preparation of each dish, communicate allergies and dietary restrictions accurately, and engage with guests with warmth and professionalism.

This is not simply a plate-running position. The Food Runner is part of the guest experience and an important member of a chef-driven restaurant team.

Responsibilities

• Arrive on time, in proper uniform, and prepared for service.
• Complete assigned opening, service, and closing side work.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked food-running station throughout service.
• Work closely with the kitchen, Expo, Servers, Floor Leads, and management to maintain the proper pace and sequence of service.
• Run food promptly and accurately from the kitchen to the correct table and position.
• Identify and announce dishes clearly and confidently when appropriate.
• Understand the ingredients, preparation, and key components of every dish on the menu.
• Maintain working knowledge of allergies, dietary restrictions, and approved modifications.
• Never guess regarding an allergy or ingredient question; immediately involve the appropriate Server, manager, or kitchen team member when clarification is needed.
• Assist Expo with organizing, checking, and pulling completed dishes from the line.
• Ensure plates are clean, properly presented, and ready for the dining room before leaving the kitchen.
• Communicate missing dishes, re-fires, allergies, special requests, and other service issues quickly and accurately.
• Observe tables while moving through the dining room and communicate guest needs to the appropriate team member.
• Assist Servers and Support staff when necessary to maintain seamless service.
• Handle plates, trays, serving pieces, and restaurant equipment carefully and professionally.
• Maintain Alta's standards for cleanliness, sanitation, food safety, personal appearance, and workplace safety.
• Maintain composure, urgency, and attention to detail during high-volume service.
• Perform additional duties as requested by management.

What We Are Looking For

• Warm, professional, and hospitality-driven demeanor.
• Strong sense of urgency without appearing rushed.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to remain organized and composed during busy service.
• Ability to memorize dishes, ingredients, table numbers, seat positions, and allergy information.
• Interest in food and willingness to continuously learn the menu.
• Ability to take direction and communicate effectively with both Front and Back of House teams.
• Strong teamwork and situational awareness.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Previous restaurant experience preferred; experience in chef-driven, upscale, or fine-dining restaurants is a plus.

Physical Requirements

This is an active restaurant position. Candidates must be able to:

• Stand and walk for the duration of a shift.
• Frequently bend, reach, carry, lift, and move through a busy dining room and kitchen.
• Safely carry multiple plates and service trays.
• Lift up to 50 pounds when necessary.
• Perform repetitive movements associated with restaurant service.
• Work safely in a fast-paced environment around hot plates, kitchen equipment, and other team members.

Schedule

Candidates must have flexibility to work:

• Evenings
• Weekends
• Holidays
• High-volume and special-event services as scheduled