FOH Hourly Runner/Busser

Gatewayames; Ames, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Gatewayames is seeking a Busser/Runner to support serving staff during busy periods. You will deliver food from the kitchen to tables, reset and sanitize dining areas, and assist with guest requests to ensure smooth service.

The role requires the ability to stand for long shifts, lift heavy trays, and work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of cleanliness and courtesy towards guests and team members.

Qualifications

• Customer service or previous restaurant experience preferred.
• Able to bend, climb stairs and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for long shifts, bend down, and lift heavy trays.

Responsibilities

• Assist wait staff during peak business hours.
• Deliver food from the kitchen to correct tables.
• Check orders and ensure accuracy for special requests/allergies.
• Assist staff by setting tables, refilling water, and clearing dishes.
• Keep stations clean and stocked with silverware, ice, and condiments.
• Clear dirty plates, glasses, and utensils promptly.
• Communicate guest issues to cooks, chefs, and servers.
• Anticipate guest needs and respond politely.

Skills

Customer service

Restaurant experience

Teamwork

Stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Responsible for assisting wait staff in maintaining the dining room during peak business hours. The Busser/Runner bridges the gap between the kitchen and the dining room by delivering food quickly and keeping the tables clean and reset for new guests.

Essential Functions

• Monitor and restock breakfast buffet items to ensure the best quality for every guest
• Deliver Food: Bring dishes from the kitchen to the correct tables.
• Check Orders: Assist Expo by monitoring food tickets to make sure every plate matches special requests or allergy notes, adding proper condiments, salads, and/or soups if necessary.
• Assist Staff: Help set tables, refill water glasses, and clear dirty dishes when meals are finished.
• Keep Stations Clean: Roll and stock silverware, clean trays and bus tubs, and take out trash.
• Clearing Tables: Remove dirty plates, glasses, silverware, and used napkins as soon as possible.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing: Wipe down table surfaces, chairs, and booths, and sweep up dropped food.
• Restocking Supplies: Keep the service stations supplied with clean silverware, ice, glasses, and condiments.
• Assisting Servers: Pour water, coffee, juices, and/or sodas, if needed.
• Communicate: Tell the cooks, chef, or servers about guests issues or concerns and also any feedback.
• Anticipate guest needs and respond politely to requests.
• Perform all tasks with a sense of urgency and complete in a timely manner
• Deliver the GATEway service standards and exemplify Gateway Values
• Preserve a healthy relationship between the Kitchen and Restaurant Staff
• Contribute to a positive teamwork environment
• Adhere to all Health and Safety Standards at all times
• Maintain inherent attention to detail
• Assist restaurant in other duties as directed by manager or supervisor

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Customer service or previous restaurant experience preferred
• Able to bend, climb stairs and lift/transport up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand and walk for long shifts, bend down, and lift heavy trays or bins (often up to 30-40 pounds).
• Ability to deliver first class customer service that exceeds expectations while staying calm under pressure.
• Speaking skills, ability to communicate with guests, staff, and management accurately and effectively
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills