Food Runner / Server Assistant

FOOD RUNNER & SERVER ASSISTANT | NOKO YAKI | NASHVILLE

Why We’re Different

We opened these restaurants because we were done with burnout. Done with leadership that forgets people are human. Done watching talented professionals leave hospitality because balance didn’t exist.

We believe restaurants can be better — and we’re proving it.

At Noko Yaki, the sustainability of our employees matters just as much as the sustainability of our food and our business. Our culture is rooted in positivity, gratitude, sustainability, fun, honesty, forgiveness, humility, and wonder. These values shape how we lead, how we cook, how we serve, and how we take care of each other.

• Our employee betterment program is intentional and protected:
  • 1 week of paid vacation every 6 months
  • Paid birthdays off
  • Closed Mondays + 10 additional holidays closed
  • Health, dental & vision insurance
  • Complimentary online therapy access
  • Paid gym membership and group yoga
  • Annual travel stipend
  • 4 day work week

We are building restaurants people can build their lives around.

We are creating happy, sustainable workplaces where people thrive — with more time for family and friends, deeper human connection, and the chance to explore the world through travel.

Opening on Nashville’s West Side as an Asian-inspired steakhouse, Noko Yaki is the third concept from the team behind Noko Nashville and Kase x Noko.

Employment Status & Benefits Eligibility

• All hourly roles may be offered as full-time or part-time positions based on business needs
• Full-time team members are expected to work a minimum of 4 days per week
• Part-time team members receive 1 week of paid vacation annually
• Health, dental, and vision insurance is partially covered for hourly employees

The Role

We are hiring food runners who understand that timing, accuracy, and communication are critical to the guest experience, and server assistants who understand that great service is built through awareness, speed, and teamwork.

This food runner role is responsible for delivering food correctly, efficiently, and confidently while supporting the overall flow of service between the kitchen and dining room.

This server assistant role is responsible for supporting the dining room by maintaining organization, anticipating needs, and ensuring that every table is set up for a seamless guest experience.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Food Runners: 

• Deliver food from the kitchen to guests quickly and accurately
• Confirm plate accuracy, presentation, and completeness before leaving the kitchen
• Communicate dishes clearly and confidently to guests upon delivery
• Maintain strong communication with expo, servers, and kitchen team
• Assist in coordinating the flow of food from kitchen to dining room
• Ensure all dishes are delivered to the correct guests in a timely manner
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service areas and runner stations
• Support servers and service team during high-volume periods
• Assist with clearing plates and resetting tables as needed
• Maintain awareness of service timing, pacing, and overall flow
• Complete opening and closing duties as assigned

Server Assistants: 

• Support servers in delivering a high-quality guest experience
• Reset tables quickly and accurately to company standards
• Maintain water service and run food and beverages as needed
• Anticipate guest needs and communicate proactively with team members
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining room and service stations
• Stock and replenish service items including glassware, silverware, and linens
• Assist with opening and closing side work as assigned
• Support all front-of-house roles as needed during service
• Maintain awareness of dining room flow and assist where necessary
• Remove used dishes, glassware, and utensils in a timely manner
• Ensure service stations are clean, stocked, and organized throughout the shift

Job Description Food Runner: 

• Act as the final quality checkpoint before food reaches guests
• Maintain timing and coordination between kitchen and dining room
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in food delivery
• Support service team to ensure smooth and efficient operations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Be available to support operational needs as directed by management

Server Assistant: 

• Ensure tables are clean, reset, and ready for incoming guests
• Maintain pace and flow of the dining room
• Support servers and bartenders during service
• Assist in maintaining overall guest satisfaction
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Be available to support operational needs as directed by management

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Strong communication skills
• Strong work ethic and sense of urgency
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to remain focused under pressure
• Availability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to model and act in accordance with Noko Yaki guiding principles

Physical Requirements

• Constant standing and movement
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 lbs
• Frequent carrying of trays and repetitive motion
• Frequent bending, reaching, and walking throughout the dining room

Disclaimer

The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract.

As with all positions at Noko Yaki, employment is “at will” or voluntary on both the part of the employee and the employer. This means employment can be terminated by either party at any time, with or without notice and/or with or without cause.

Noko Yaki is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.