Food Runner

Papi; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 2,755,000; Full time

Job summary

Papi is seeking a fast-paced Food Runner to join our hospitality team in Portland, ME. You will bridge the kitchen and dining room, ensuring hot, fresh, and beautifully presented dishes reach guests as intended.

Ideal candidates thrive in a high-energy environment, value teamwork, and want hands-on experience in the restaurant industry. Flexible schedule required, with evenings and weekends common.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a restaurant or customer service is preferred but not required.
• Stand for 8+ hours and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Multitasking during peak hours with calm efficiency.
• Clear verbal communication with kitchen staff and guests.
• Flexible evenings, weekends, and holidays availability.

Responsibilities

• Order Delivery: Transport heavy food trays safely from the kitchen expo line to the correct tables and seat numbers.
• Garnishing & Presentation: Apply final garnishes and check plates against ticket orders to ensure 100% accuracy before serving.
• Table Identification: Memorize table numbers, seat numbers, and floor plans to deliver food seamlessly without asking guests 'who ordered what.'
• Guest Interaction: Explicitly describe dishes upon delivery, answer brief guest questions, and politely fulfill immediate requests (e.g., extra napkins, condiments).
• Bussing & Sidework: Assist servers by clearing empty plates, refilling water glasses, wiping down spills, and restocking service stations with clean silverware and ice.
• Kitchen Communication: Alert the kitchen staff to special dietary needs, allergies, or immediate food re-fires requested by guests.

Job description

Papi is looking for a fast-paced, detail-oriented Food Runner to join our hospitality team. You will be the crucial link between our kitchen and our dining room, ensuring that every dish reaches the guest exactly as the chef intended—hot, fresh, and beautifully presented. If you thrive in a high-energy environment, love teamwork, and want to gain valuable experience in the restaurant industry, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Order Delivery: Transport heavy food trays safely from the kitchen expo line to the correct tables and seat numbers.
• Garnishing & Presentation: Apply final garnishes and check plates against ticket orders to ensure 100% accuracy before serving.
• Table Identification: Memorize table numbers, seat numbers, and floor plans to deliver food seamlessly without asking guests "who ordered what."
• Guest Interaction: Explicitly describe dishes upon delivery, answer brief guest questions, and politely fulfill immediate requests (e.g., extra napkins, condiments).
• Bussing & Sidework: Assist servers by clearing empty plates, refilling water glasses, wiping down spills, and restocking service stations with clean silverware and ice.
• Kitchen Communication: Alert the kitchen staff to special dietary needs, allergies, or immediate food re-fires requested by guests.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience: Previous experience in a restaurant or customer service role is preferred but not required; we will train the right candidate.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand and walk for 8+ hours per shift, and comfortably lift, carry, and balance trays weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Speed & Accuracy: Exceptional multi-tasking skills and the ability to stay calm and efficient during peak rush hours.
• Communication: Clear, polite verbal communication skills for interacting with both busy kitchen staff and dining guests.
• Availability: Flexible schedule to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the business.