Food Runner

Umami Riot Experience; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Dining discounts across all Umami Riot

Job summary

Umami Riot in Boston is seeking a hands-on Food Runner to bridge kitchen and dining room, ensuring every dish lands with impact and on time.

You’ll move swiftly between hot stations, maintain high sanitation, and support servers during busy service. This role requires staying energized through nights and weekends, with a focus on rhythm, quality plating, and guest delight.

Qualifications

• This is a fast-paced role in a bustling restaurant.
• Must maintain sanitation and safety standards.
• You’ll contribute to smooth service by coordinating with FOH/BOH.
• Physical stamina for long shifts and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• The connective tissue between kitchen and guests — keeping food moving fast, clean, and exactly as intended
• Speed-driven execution with precision and polish, ensuring every dish is served hot, correct, and well-presented
• Protect rhythm of service through clear communication between front and back of house
• Maintain energy during long hours, supporting servers without missing a beat
• Keep pass areas and service stations clean and organized to prevent delays
• Be proactive, reliable, and energized for nights, weekends, and holidays

Skills

Food service

Move between kitchen and floor

Sanitation and safety

Job description

Description

Umami Riot was born from a simple idea: pair joyful hospitality with uncompromising craftsmanship. Founded by Chef Tim Cushman and sake expert Nancy Cushman, our restaurants celebrate bold flavor, precision, and a deep respect for Japanese foodways – translated through a distinctly Boston lens. At Umami Riot, we’re not here to follow the rules of hospitality, we’re here to rewrite them – with heart, craft and fearless creativity. We’re looking for a Food Runner who drives the flow between kitchen and floor and makes every dish land with impact.

The Gig (aka What You’ll Actually Be Doing)

• The connective tissue between kitchen and guests — keeping food moving fast, clean, and exactly as intended
• Speed-driven execution with precision and polish, making sure every dish hits the table hot, correct, and looking its best
• Protection of the rhythm of service through tight communication between FOH and BOH — flow is everything
• Constant motion and sharp awareness during long, steady services, supporting servers without missing a beat
• Clean, organized pass areas and service stations maintained so nothing slows the momentum
• Proactive, reliable presence — anticipating needs, holding sanitation and safety standards high, and showing up energized for nights, weekends, and holidays

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…

• You move with confidence and love staying in the rhythm of service
• You care about how food lands — presentation, timing, and polish matter to you
• You thrive in high heat, high energy, and keep your cool while doing it
• You know how to move between kitchen and floor without breaking stride
• You like being essential to the moment, even when you’re behind the scenes
• You bring focus, flow, and a steady swagger to every shift

Requirements

LET’S SET EXPECTATIONS (IN A GOOD WAY)

This is a fast-paced environment fueled by movement, heat, music, and momentum, where you’re on your feet, navigating between HOH and FOH throughout each shift. Yes — this is a hands-on role. You’ll be active for long shifts, lifting up to 50 lbs., bending, reaching, and moving easily through tight spaces. A disciplined commitment to sanitation, safety, and cleanliness is part of the craft here, and we’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals in performing the essential functions of the role.

WHY PEOPLE STICK AROUND

• Competitive hourly pay & tips - because your work matters
• Dining discounts across all Umami Riot locations
• Growth that’s real (not just talked about)
• FREE PARKING
• A team culture rooted in respect, creativity, and heart

Pay Range $10-$12 per hour based on experience

EOE