Food Runner. Bungalow Kitchen

The Bungalow Hospitality Group; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bungalow Hospitality Group is seeking a Food Runner to connect kitchen and dining room in a fast-paced California bistro. You will deliver dishes promptly, verify accuracy, and maintain proper food temperatures while delivering warm hospitality.

You'll work with a team including General Manager and Assistant General Manager to uphold service standards, handle ticket flow, and keep stations clean and organized during peak periods.

Qualifications

• CA Food Handler Card required, or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Experience in food runner, busser, or server roles helps.
• Able to memorize menu items and locations in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Deliver food from kitchen to tables promptly and at correct temperature.
• Provide warm, attentive guest service and relay special requests to staff.
• Support servers and bussers and communicate with kitchen to maintain smooth service.

Skills

Food service

Guest service

Memorize menu

Communication

Education

CA Food Handler Card

Tools

POS system

Expediter/kitchen display

Job description

Employees in this role are classified as non-exempt and will:

• Accurately record all hours worked using the company’s timekeeping system.
• Receive overtime compensation in accordance with California law.
• Take all required meal and rest breaks as mandated by California wage and hour regulations.
• Accrue and use paid sick leave in accordance with California law.
• Follow company policies regarding timekeeping, breaks, and scheduling.
• Retain all tips and gratuities earned. Any tip pooling will be administered in compliance with California law; tips are the property of employees and are not applied as a credit against minimum wage.

Employees are expected to immediately report any concerns regarding wage and hour compliance to management.

Reporting Structure

• General Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Food Runner

Objective/Purpose of the Position

The Food Runner ensures that every dish reaches the correct guest promptly, accurately, and at the proper temperature while delivering warm, professional hospitality in a fast-paced, elevated California bistro. This role is the essential link between the kitchen and the dining room, supporting the service team and expediting food to the highest standards of presentation.

The Food Runner works closely with the kitchen, service team, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager to uphold food quality, timing, and the overall guest experience.

Tasks/Responsibilities

Food Delivery & Expediting

• Deliver food from the kitchen to the correct table and guest promptly, accurately, and at the proper temperature.
• Verify each order for accuracy, presentation, and completeness—garnishes, sides, and modifications—before it leaves the kitchen.
• Assist the expediter in organizing tickets, staging plates, and communicating timing between the kitchen and dining room.

Guest Service

• Provide warm, attentive, and efficient service, anticipating guest needs while delivering food.
• Answer basic questions about menu items, ingredients, and allergens, and relay special requests to the appropriate staff.
• Resolve guest concerns and eliminate to a server or management when necessary.

Teamwork & Support

• Support servers and bussers by clearing plates, refilling water, and resetting tables as needed.
• Communicate clearly with kitchen and front-of-house staff to keep service running smoothly during peak periods.

Operations & Compliance

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of runner stations, service areas, and the expo line throughout service.
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and food-handling requirements and report concerns to management.
• Assist with side work, restocking, and closing duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, often for the duration of a shift.
• Ability to lift and carry moderate loads (typically up to 35 pounds), such as trays, glass racks, and supplies.
• Ability to bend, reach, and move quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Frequent interaction with guests and staff, including clear verbal communication.

Preferred Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• California Food Handler Card required, or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Prior experience as a food runner, busser, or server in a full-service restaurant preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of restaurant or hospitality experience in a high-volume environment preferred.
• Ability to memorize menu items, ingredients, and table positions, and to deliver food accurately in a fast-paced setting.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, elevated bistro environment with a genuine passion for food, beverage, and hospitality.
• POS and kitchen display / expediter system experience preferred.