Food Runner

The Alinea Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly wage

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k) match

Dining discount

Job summary

The Alinea Group is seeking a full-time Food Runner to join esmero, delivering and presenting dishes from the kitchen in a timely, accurate manner.

This role requires a strong work ethic, ability to work 40+ hours across Wednesday to Sunday, and a collaborative, chef-driven environment in Chicago.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in food running or related position.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy kitchen.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work 40+ hours, Wednesday-Sunday.

Responsibilities

• Set up runner stations and assist kitchen staff.
• Deliver dishes to tables and explain menu when needed.
• Follow daily runner checklists and stay informed of reservations.
• Maintain knowledge of menus, ingredients, and dietary restrictions.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Detail oriented

Job description

Description

esmero is looking for a full-time Food Runner to join our team! The Food Runner is an important part of the team, ensuring each dish is delivered and presented from the kitchen timely and accurately. This is a full-time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 40+ hours, 5 days a week (Wednesday - Sunday).

The name esmero embodies our purpose. It speaks to care, intention, and uncompromising attention to detail. Every gesture-whether sourcing an ingredient or a dish's presentation is guided by the pursuit of excellence and genuine hospitality. Our ambition is not to redefine Mexican cuisine, but to contribute to its continuing story. To honor its past while embracing its future.

Led by Chef Adair Canacasco, esmero is the culmination of a lifelong exploration of Mexican identity, memory, and craftsmanship. Born in Mexico City and raised in the American Midwest, Chef Adair brings together heritage and contemporary technique through a collaborative creative process rooted in curiosity, discipline, and intention. Each course is thoughtfully composed to engage every sense, transforming familiar flavors into experiences that evoke emotion, inspire conversation, and create lasting memories.

Responsibilities

• Set up runner stations, including some areas in the kitchen.
• Follow up the daily tasks listed on the day-to-day runner checking lists.
• Maintains complete knowledge of table and seat numbers
• Maintains complete knowledge of all menus, including ingredients and techniques used
• Maintains knowledge of current day reservations, including PONs (People of Note), dietary restrictions, or other special instructions via pre-service meetings
• Deliver dishes to the dining room and explain them when required
• Anticipates Chef's needs and respond promptly
• Takes direction from Chefs, Expo, and dining room team
• Additional duties as assigned by management

Requirements

• Unprecedented work ethic
• 1 or more years of experience as a food runner, server assistant, server, or related position
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, chef-driven environment
• High attention to detail
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to carry a tray with food and/or drinks
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Thinks clearly, quickly, and maintains concentration during high pressure situations

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours
• Must be able to move, pull or lift at least 35 pounds
• Must be able to climb stairs multiple times per shift

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage at$21.50 - $22.00/hour
• Medical, vision, dental and life benefits available on the 1st month following full-time employment
• 50% company contribution to single HMO during the first 2 years of full-time employment, 100% contribution available after 2 years
• Paid time off
• 401(K) with a company match of up to 4% of deferred earnings
• CTA/Ventra discount available after 1 month of full-time employment
• Employee Dining Discount, 20% to any Alinea Group restaurant
• Referral Bonus Program available

The Alinea Group is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, life experiences and ideas. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and strive to provide an inclusive culture that embraces diversity.

Must be eligible to legally work in the United States. We use E-Verify.