Food Runner

Food Runner

The Food Runner is responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of food from the kitchen to the dining room and bar area while providing polished, guest-focused service that reflects The Cake Bake Shop's elevated standards. Food Runners work closely with the Chef Team and Hospitality Team to ensure that food quality, presentation, timing, and guest satisfaction meet brand expectations. This role plays a key part in creating a magical dining experience for every guest.

Food Runner Responsibilities – Tip-Producing Tasks

These tasks directly support guest interaction and contribute to tip-producing service:

• Deliver food promptly and accurately to guests in the dining room and bar area.
• Announce each dish professionally, describe plate components when appropriate, and ensure correct placement.
• Engage with guests courteously and respond to immediate needs or requests.
• Assist servers with guest-facing tasks such as fulfilling urgent table needs or accommodating special requests.
• Ensure dishes are complete, properly garnished, and meet presentation standards before delivery (in the absence of the chef team).
• Monitor timing of orders and coordinate communication between the kitchen and hospitality teams.
• Maintain awareness of allergens and dietary accommodations when running food.
• Support celebrations, special moments, and guest-experience enhancements as directed by the service team.

Sidework Responsibilities – Tip-Supporting Tasks

Tip-supporting work is limited and must remain secondary to tip-producing guest service tasks.

These tasks directly support the food-running function but do not themselves produce tips:

• Set up the expo line with plates, utensils, smallwares, and necessary supplies.
• Keep the expo and service stations stocked and organized throughout the shift.
• Read order tickets, place orders onto the ticket minder, and track cook times when assisting the chef team.
• Assist with garnishing and plate finishing per house specifications (in the absence of the chef team).
• Maintain a clean and organized expo area and front line.
• Assist servers by carrying trays, clearing items, or supporting table maintenance as directed.
• Complete assigned sidework in the front or back of house.
• Assist with basic cleaning tasks within the immediate service area.
• Participate in closing tasks necessary for service-area readiness.

Excluded Tasks (Non-Tipped Work)

These tasks are not part of the tipped occupation and must be compensated at full minimum wage when performed:

• Deep cleaning such as scrubbing floors, walls, shelving, drains, or equipment.
• Full dishwashing beyond minimal cleaning needed for immediate service.
• Back-of-house prep that is not directly tied to plating or running food.
• Maintenance work, furniture moving, or event setup.
• Administrative, clerical, or non-service-related tasks.
• Any extended prep or cleaning not directly connected to active food running.

Timekeeping and Pay

• All hours must be accurately recorded in the timekeeping system.
• Any time spent on non-tip-producing or non-tip-supporting tasks must be clocked separately and paid at full minimum wage.
• Off-the-clock work is strictly prohibited.
• Manager approval is required for extended sidework or shift extensions.
• The Company may take a lawful tip credit for hours worked in the tipped occupation where permitted by applicable law.
• Food Runners may participate in an approved tip pool, consistent with Company policy.
• Overtime will be paid at the correct regular rate with proper application of tip credit where legally required.

Position Requirements

• Prior experience as a food runner or in a similar hospitality role preferred but not required.
• Strong communication and guest-service skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move quickly for the duration of the shift.
• Professional appearance and adherence to company grooming standards.

Other Duties

This job description outlines the primary expectations of the position. Management may assign additional related duties as long as they remain compliant with tip credit and wage regulations.