Food Runner

IAM Hospitality; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick Leave

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Norte Restaurant in New York City is seeking a dedicated Food Runner to support both the dining room and open kitchen operations. The role emphasizes speed, accuracy, and presentation, with close collaboration with the culinary team to finish plates and maintain Norte's hospitality standards.

Candidates should have restaurant or hospitality experience and be able to move quickly between front and back of house while handling up to 40 lb trays. Training is required before opening.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant, food runner, server assistant, kitchen, or hospitality experience preferred.
• Prior high-volume or fine dining experience a plus.
• Experience working in or around an open kitchen preferred.
• Basic understanding of food presentation and restaurant service standards.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, including proper food handling, sanitation, and allergy protocols.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Deliver food from the kitchen to the dining room promptly, accurately, and professionally.
• Ensure all dishes are delivered to the correct table and guest according to the restaurant's service standards.
• Carry and safely transport large food trays up to 40 lbs.
• Assist the culinary team with finishing, garnishing, and plating as directed by the Chef.
• Support the Chef and kitchen team during service as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized pass and service areas.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth service.
• Maintain proper temperature and presentation of delivered dishes.

Skills

Restaurant experience

Food runner

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

We are seeking a hardworking, attentive, and service-oriented **Food Runner** to support both our dining room and open kitchen operations. The Food Runner is an essential member of the service team, responsible for delivering food from the kitchen to the dining room with speed, accuracy, and care while maintaining the presentation and quality established by the Chef.. . Because Norte features an open kitchen, this position will work closely with the culinary team and may be called upon to assist with finishing plates, garnishing, organizing the pass, and supporting the Chef and kitchen team in multiple capacities. The ideal candidate understands the importance of timing, communication, presentation, and teamwork in a high-volume restaurant environment.. . This role requires physical stamina, strong attention to detail, the ability to safely carry large food trays and multiple plates, and the ability to remain calm and organized during busy service. The Food Runner must be prepared to move seamlessly between the kitchen and dining room while maintaining Norte's standards of hospitality, food quality, cleanliness, and professionalism.. In preparation for our upcoming opening, this position requires participation in a mandatory training program.. . We offer an inclusive and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for growth within our organization. If you have a passion for hospitality, enjoy working closely with both front and back of house teams, and want to grow with an exciting new restaurant, we would love to hear from you!. . **Key Responsibilities**. - Deliver food from the kitchen to the dining room promptly, accurately, and professionally. - Ensure all dishes are delivered to the correct table and guest according to the restaurant's service standards. - Maintain awareness of table numbers, seat positions, food orders, and special guest requests. - Carry and safely transport large food trays weighing up to 40 lbs. - Carry and deliver up to three plates at a time while maintaining proper handling and presentation. - Assist the culinary team with finishing, garnishing, and plating dishes as directed by the Chef. - Support the Chef and kitchen team in multiple capacities during service as needed. - Assist with organizing and maintaining the pass and food pickup area. - Review completed dishes for proper presentation, garnishes, modifications, and overall accuracy before leaving the kitchen. - Communicate effectively with the Chef, kitchen team, servers, managers, and other members of the service team. - Ensure food is delivered at the appropriate temperature and with proper presentation. - Assist servers with maintaining an efficient and organized flow of food during service. - Anticipate the needs of both the kitchen and dining room teams and proactively provide support to servers and server assistants throughout operations. - Assist with clearing and resetting service areas as directed by management. - Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen pass, service areas, and assigned workspaces. - Assist with restocking plates, trays, service equipment, and other supplies as needed. - Follow all food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures. - Maintain awareness of allergens, dietary restrictions, and special preparation instructions. - Communicate any discrepancies, delays, quality concerns, or guest requests to the appropriate team member immediately. - Demonstrate urgency while maintaining composure and professionalism during high-volume service. - Follow all restaurant policies, procedures, and standards of service. - Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management or the Chef. . **Qualifications**. - Previous restaurant, food runner, server assistant, kitchen, or hospitality experience preferred. - Prior high-volume or fine dining experience a plus. - Experience working in or around an open kitchen preferred. - Basic understanding of food presentation and restaurant service standards. - Knowledge of health and safety regulations, including proper food handling, sanitation, and allergy protocols. - Strong understanding of restaurant etiquette and sequence of service. - Excellent communication and teamwork skills. - Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation. - Ability to follow direction and execute tasks accurately in a fast-paced environment. - Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and respond quickly to changing service needs. - Ability to work collaboratively with both front and back of house teams. - Positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow within the organization. - Availability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. . **Physical Requirements**. - Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. - Ability to move quickly and safely throughout the restaurant during service. - Ability to frequently bend, reach, lift, carry, and move throughout the restaurant. - Ability to safely lift and carry food trays weighing up to 40 lbs. - Ability to carry up to three plates at a time safely and efficiently. - Ability to work in close proximity to hot surfaces, kitchen equipment, open flames, and other food-service hazards while following established safety procedures. - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods of time. . **Compensation Details**. - **Compensation:** $17.00 per hour, plus tips, Tip Credit Laws applicable. - **Schedule:** Full-time and part-time positions available. - **Benefits & Perks:** Paid Sick Leave, Employee Discounts. . **Additional Information**. This job description is intended to outline the general nature and responsibilities of the role. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on business needs, and management reserves the right to modify job duties as necessary.. . Norte Restaurant is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Experience: Required
Employment: Full-time
Salary: $17 hourly

About IAM Hospitality:
Norte is bringing the spirit of the asador de barrio to New York—a Neighborhood Mexican Steakhouse where fire, exceptional ingredients, and genuine hospitality bring people together. As the second restaurant from I Am Hospitality, Norte celebrates the traditions of northern Mexico through open-fire cooking, fresh coastal seafood, handmade tortillas, and the recipes our cooks grew up with. We're creating more than a restaurant; we're building a neighborhood gathering place rooted in warmth, craftsmanship, and connection. If you're passionate about hospitality, take pride in your craft, and want to help shape an exciting new opening, we'd love to have you on our team.. . Why Work at NORTE? . Authentic Experience: Be part of a team that brings the richness of Mexico’s culinary traditions to the New York dining scene. . Growth & Opportunity: We offer career development, continuous training, and recognition for hard work. . Exceptional Culinary Standards: Join us in crafting “el sabor más chingón”—flavors that go beyond expectations. . A Shared Dream: Help us build a globally recognized icon, with the potential to achieve Michelin-star recognition. . Cultural Pride: Work at a restaurant that honors Mexican roots while innovating and setting new standards for excellence.