Food Runner

About Hommali

Hommali celebrates the richness and diversity of Thailand’s regional cuisines through seasonal ingredients, thoughtful technique, and warm hospitality. We’re committed to honest cooking, careful sourcing, and genuine hospitality. The restaurant spans three levels: a kitchen in the basement, a ground-floor dining room and bar, and a mezzanine dining level — roughly 60 seats plus a 9-seat bar.

The Role

As a Food Runner, you’re the critical link between our basement kitchen and guests on the ground floor and mezzanine. You’ll carry dishes up multiple flights throughout service, ensure every plate arrives at the table exactly as the kitchen intended — correct temperature, correct presentation, correct table — You will confirm each dish with the kitchen before it leaves the pass, announce and place dishes properly at the table, and communicate clearly with Servers and Management about timing, course pacing, and any special requests or allergies. The Runner is a critical link between the kitchen and the dining room, and plays a direct role in the guest's experience of the food itself.

Hommali believes in a 'whole house' mentality and we expect all departments — Kitchen, Dining Room, Bar, and Facilities — to support and motivate each other to achieve our goal of guest satisfaction. As a Runner, you will interact with all of these departments regularly and should be able to communicate effectively and respectfully with your coworkers and managers.

This is a full-time position and requires flexible schedule availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Candidate Requirements

• 1+ years experience in a fast-paced NYC restaurant as a Runner or in a similar Front of House role preferred
• Basic knowledge of food handling and plate presentation
• Must be able to lift & carry at least 40 pounds, including full trays and multiple plates at once
• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, often at a fast pace
• Must be comfortable with repetitive motions (such as walking, bending & standing)
• Interest in and knowledge of Thai cuisine a plus
• Must be able to take constructive criticism and work well in a team dynamic

Service Responsibilities

• Be warm, attentive, and noticeably appreciative when interacting with guests
• Confirm each dish with the kitchen for accuracy before leaving the pass
• Deliver food promptly to the correct table and correct seat
• Announce each dish clearly to the table and identify components when helpful to the guest
• Communicate allergies, dietary restrictions, and special requests to the kitchen and Servers
• Act professionally and always maintain composure, especially during high-volume periods
• Identify and report problems to management immediately
• Be aware of course timing and pacing, and coordinate with Servers to adjust as needed
• Assist with clearing, resetting, and maintaining a clean pass and dining room
• Support side work during opening, closing, and service as directed by management

Required Skills

• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service Orientation
• Ability to Multitask
• Problem Solving Skills
• Adaptability to Changing Environments and Situations
• Time Management Skills

Benefits

• Competitive base + tips
• Staff meal
• Basic health insurance for full-time employees after 90 days of employment
• The opportunity to help shape service culture and systems at a new opening
• Supportive and collaborative team environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hommali is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We value diversity and foster a workplace built on respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity.