Food Runner

Bianca; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay + tips

Dining discounts

Growth opportunities

Free parking

Team culture

Job summary

Umami Riot in Newton, MA is seeking a Food Runner to move dishes from kitchen to floor with speed, precision, and heart.

You’ll keep the flow of service, ensure every dish arrives hot and perfectly plated, and communicate clearly between FOH and BOH.

This hands-on role offers competitive hourly pay, dining discounts, and a team culture rooted in respect, creativity, and heart.

Qualifications

• This is a fast-paced role requiring stamina and focus during long shifts.
• Ability to move between kitchen and floor with ease and stay in rhythm of service.

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 hot, correct, and well-presented
• Maintaining flow between front of house and back of house through clear communication
• Proactive, reliable presence — staying energized for nights, weekends, and holidays
• Adhering to sanitation and safety standards and keeping pass areas organized

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

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