How to Be Food Runner, Catering - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 22, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Catering food runners are an integral part of any catering service. Their role is to ensure that all guests receive their meals in a timely and efficient manner. By taking on the task of delivering food to tables, they free up waitstaff to provide better service to customers.

In addition, they are responsible for maintaining a clean and organized dining area, which can help improve customer satisfaction. As a result, food runners play an important role in the overall success of a catering event, as they help create an enjoyable dining experience for guests.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers require that Food Runners have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Get certified in food safety. Many employers require that Food Runners have a valid food safety certification. You can obtain one from a local health department or from an online course.
Get experience in the restaurant industry. Working in the restaurant industry can give you valuable experience in how to be an effective Food Runner. Consider working as a dishwasher or server in a restaurant to gain experience.
Apply for catering positions. Look for catering companies that are hiring Food Runners and submit your application. Be prepared to provide references and a resume that highlights your experience.
Attend training. If you are hired, you may need to attend training sessions to learn the companys policies and procedures for working as a Food Runner.
Follow food safety protocols. Make sure you always follow all food safety protocols, such as keeping food at the proper temperature, using clean utensils, and washing your hands before and after handling food.
Stay organized. As a Food Runner, you need to stay organized to make sure all orders are delivered on time and in the correct order.
Maintain good customer service. As a Food Runner, you are responsible for providing excellent customer service by ensuring that all orders are delivered on time and in the correct order.

To be a reliable and efficient food runner in catering, it is important to be organized, detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills. Being organized is essential for keeping track of orders and ensuring the food is delivered to the correct locations on time. Detail-oriented people are important for double-checking orders to avoid mix-ups or mistakes.

Good communication skills allow food runners to stay in contact with kitchen staff and catering managers to ensure orders are filled accurately and quickly. In addition, having a strong understanding of the menu and food preparation techniques is a great asset as it helps food runners anticipate customer needs and provide reliable recommendations. Above all, having a positive attitude and being personable are key qualities that help create a pleasant experience for customers and make a food runner a reliable and efficient member of the catering team.

You may want to check Catering Chef, Kitchen Catering Manager, and Executive Catering Chef for alternative.

Job Description

Set up and maintain banquet tables according to established guidelines.
Deliver food orders to banquet tables in a timely and accurate manner.
Ensure that all dishes are properly garnished and presented.
Assist the catering staff with the preparation of food and beverages.
Maintain a neat and clean work area.
Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines.
Receive, store, and rotate food items in accordance with company policy.
Assist with the breakdown and cleaning of event spaces after completion.
Collect dirty dishes from banquet tables and return them to the kitchen for cleaning.
Prepare beverages for guests according to established recipes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of food preparation and presentation
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Strong communication skills
Attention to detail
Ability to follow instructions precisely
Ability to lift and carry trays and platters of food
Knowledge of proper food safety and sanitation procedures
Ability to work well with a team

Being a successful Food Runner in the catering industry requires a set of skills that go beyond simply delivering meals. The ability to organize and prioritize tasks, communicate effectively with customers and staff, and remain calm under pressure are essential traits for any successful Food Runner. Time management is a key factor in the success of a Food Runner, as they must be able to coordinate multiple orders and manage their time efficiently to ensure all customers receive their meals on time.

Being able to handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner is also an important skill, as many customers will expect quality service and will not tolerate any delays. knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards is essential, as Food Runners must ensure all food is prepared, stored, and served safely. Lastly, having a positive attitude and willingness to learn can help Food Runners learn new skills and become even more successful in their role.

By having these skills, Food Runners can ensure that every customer receives their meal on time and with the highest quality service.

Marketing Assistant, Catering, Food Server, Catering, and Event Catering Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in running food for catering events?
What do you consider to be the most important aspects of food running?
How do you ensure that all of the food orders are accurate?
Describe a time when you had to quickly adjust to an unexpected change in a catering event?
What methods do you use to keep up with multiple orders in a busy catering environment?
How do you manage your time when running multiple food orders?
What techniques do you use to ensure that all orders are delivered on time?
Describe a time when you had to communicate with customers in a professional and courteous manner?
How do you manage any customer complaints or concerns?
How do you handle stressful situations when running food for catering events?

Common Tools in Industry

Pager System. Allows for quick communication to and from the kitchen staff and the catering staff. (eg: Buzzer alerts when orders are ready to be served)
Food Delivery Carts. A mobile cart used to store and transport food items from the kitchen to the catering venue. (eg: Transporting platters of hors d'oeuvres to a wedding reception)
Trays. Used to hold and carry dishes, glasses, cutlery, and other items. (eg: Serving plates of desserts to guests)
Serving Utensils. Used to transfer food from the cookware to the serving platters or bowls. (eg: Serving appetizers from a chafing dish)
Table Linens. Used to cover tables, protect them from spills and provide a decorative touch. (eg: Placing tablecloths on buffet tables)
Chafing Dishes. Used to keep food warm and presentable. (eg: Keeping warm entrees for guests)
Plate Covers. Used to keep food warm, prevent contamination, and make food look inviting. (eg: Covering plates of food with silver lids)
Beverage Dispensers. Used to hold and dispense beverages such as coffee, tea, or punch. (eg: Filling a punch bowl with punch)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association (NRA)
International Caterers Association (ICA)
National Association for Catering and Events (NACE)
National Association of Catering Executives (NACE)
International Special Events Society (ISES)
American Culinary Federation (ACF)
National Association of Professional Catering Services (NAPCS)
Event Planners Association (EPA)
Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI)
International Live Events Association (ILEA)

We also have Restaurant Catering Manager, Hotel Catering Manager, and Bartender, Catering jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Banquet Service. The process of setting up, serving and clearing a meal for special events or large groups.
Buffet Service. A style of food service in which guests serve themselves from a selection of dishes laid out on a table or sideboard.
Tray Service. A food service style in which individual plates, bowls, and platters are prepared on one or more large trays and served at the table.
Mise en Place. A French phrase meaning putting in place, referring to the preparation of ingredients and dishes before a meal service.
Plating. The art of arranging food on a plate in an appealing way to enhance its presentation.
Silver Service. A method of food service in which individual portions are plated and served to guests by wait staff.
Table Setting. The arrangement of plates, utensils, and other items at the table before a meal service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Food Runner's mission?

Food Runner's mission is to provide a seamless and reliable delivery service for restaurants, caterers, and other food businesses.

How many cities does Food Runner service?

Food Runner services over 20 cities across the United States.

What types of food does Food Runner deliver?

Food Runner delivers a wide variety of food from restaurants, caterers, and other food businesses. This includes items such as prepared meals, snacks, and drinks.