Food Runner

MaineGuide; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 20,664,000 - 24,797,000; Full time

Job summary

MaineGuide is seeking a fast-paced Food Runner to join our hospitality team. You will bridge the kitchen and dining room, delivering hot, fresh plates with precision and presentation.

Responsibilities include delivering orders, garnishing, identifying tables, assisting servers, bussing, and communicating dietary needs to the kitchen. The role rewards teamwork, efficiency, and guest-focused service in a busy dining environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in restaurant or customer service; training provided.
• Must be able to stand/walk 8+ hours and lift up to 30 lbs.
• Strong multi-tasking with calm, efficient performance during peak hours.
• Clear, polite verbal communication with kitchen staff and guests.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Transport heavy food trays from kitchen to tables and seat numbers.
• Apply final garnishes and check plates for accuracy before serving.
• Memorize table numbers and floor plans to deliver orders correctly.
• Describe dishes to guests and respond to brief questions and requests.
• Assist servers by bussing, refilling water, wiping spills, and stocking stations.
• Alert kitchen to dietary needs, allergies, or re-fires requested by guests.

Skills

Experience in restaurant or customer v

Physical stamina

Speed and accuracy

Communication

Availability

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.