Food Runner/Server Assistant, Sienna Restaurant, Ambassador Hotel Wichita

Position Summary

The Food Runner plays an essential role in creating a seamless and memorable dining experience by connecting the culinary and service teams. This position requires strong communication, attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and an understanding of the flow of service.

YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM IF YOU BELIEVE...

• Every plate represents the care, creativity, and standards of the culinary and service teams.
• Timing matters, and exceptional service depends on strong communication between the kitchen and dining room.
• Food should arrive at the guest’s table promptly, beautifully presented, and exactly as the Chef intended.
• Knowing what you are serving is just as important as delivering it.
• Details matter—from the correct table and seat position to confidently describing each dish.
• Great hospitality means anticipating what guests and teammates need before being asked.
• Teamwork between Culinary and Food & Beverage creates a more seamless experience for every guest.
• Professionalism matters because our actions, conversations, and attitude may always be within a guest’s view.
• A calm, organized, and positive presence can make a meaningful difference during even the busiest service.
• Every interaction is an opportunity to contribute to an exceptional guest experience.

YOU’RE A GREAT FIT FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU LOVE...

• Running savory and pastry dishes from the kitchen to the dining room, bar, patio, private dining rooms, and other service areas.
• Serving as an important communication link between the culinary and dining room teams.
• Delivering food promptly and accurately to the appropriate tables and guests.
• Working closely with the Expeditor and service team to communicate timing and help coordinate the flow of service.
• Confidently and accurately describing dishes when presenting them to guests.
• Learning menus, ingredients, preparations, table numbers, seat positions, and dining room floor plans.
• Supporting Servers and Hosts when assistance is needed.
• Clearing, cleaning, and resetting tables according to restaurant and sanitation standards.
• Transporting used tableware from the dining room to the appropriate dish area and sorting items properly.
• Maintaining clean, organized, and fully stocked side stations throughout each shift.
• Moving quickly and gracefully through the dining room while remaining aware of guests and teammates.
• Responding promptly and graciously to guest needs and communicating service concerns to the appropriate Server or Manager on Duty.
• Maintaining open communication and teamwork with culinary team members, Servers, Hosts, Bartenders, fellow Food Runners, and restaurant leadership.
• Staying organized and composed while managing multiple priorities during busy periods.
• Arriving on time, in complete uniform, and prepared to contribute to a successful service.
• Maintaining professionalism, positive body language, and appropriate communication whenever in guest view.
• Stepping in where needed to support the team and create a seamless dining experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to think, communicate, organize, and prioritize clearly in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Confidence interacting with guests and presenting dishes professionally.
• Ability to learn and retain detailed menu information, including ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation.
• Ability to quickly learn service procedures, table and seat numbers, dining room floor plans, and restaurant standards.
• Basic knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food-handling procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both culinary and front-of-house team members.
• Ability to recognize priorities and respond appropriately to changing service needs.
• Ability to move quickly, safely, and gracefully throughout dining and service areas.
• Basic knowledge of restaurant computer systems and ordering procedures preferred.
• Ability to maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain a professional, positive attitude throughout the shift.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including throughout an eight-hour shift.
• Ability to move continuously between kitchen, dining room, bar, patio, private dining, and other service areas.
• Ability to lift, balance, and carry large dining room service trays safely.
• Ability to carry multiple plates and service items while navigating guest and team member traffic.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, lift, carry, push, and pull as required by restaurant operations.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with carrying food, clearing tables, resetting service areas, and stocking supplies.
• Ability to work safely in an environment that may include hot plates, kitchen equipment, wet surfaces, and changing temperatures.