The Food Runner maintains a smooth workflow between the kitchen and the front of house. The main responsibility for this position is to deliver food to guests in a friendly, professional & knowledgeable manner, while also ensuring that service is swift and efficient.

This position is responsible for communicating with the kitchen about orders, monitoring the quality & consistency of food coming off the line, as well as delivering food to guests in the restaurant according to service standards. Additionally, the Food Runner is responsibile for communicating with the front of house staff about the timing & execution of food service, guest needs, and other aspects of service.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

- Knowledge of all the ingredient details of every dish on the menu
- Delivering food to guests quickly and efficiently
- Communicating clearly with the kitchen and front of house staff
- Ensuring orders are being prepared with the correct priority
- Assisting in the final preparation of dishes and packaging of take out orders
- Checking dishes before delivery to guests for accuracy, presentation and temperature
- Managing complaints and requests from guests to preserve the restaurant’s reputation
- Maintaining clean and safe work environment, in compliance with all food safety protocols
- Support other tasks as needed

Required Education and Experience:

The Food Runner must have excellent communication skills and experience in a restaurant’s fast-paced setting. The Food Runner must have enough stamina to be in constant motion and skills to coordinate and organize processes and people.

- Experience in full service restaurant is desired
- Understanding of health and safety rules in a restaurant




- Dexterity in using kitchen equipment or utensils and carrying heavy plates and trays
- Well-organized and ability to lead and direct people
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Outstanding coordination and multi-tasking abilities
- A customer-oriented approach
- Great physical endurance
- High school diploma; Higher degree in hospitality or relevant field will be appreciated
- Fluency in Spanish & English is a plus

Training and Certifications: Food handling certification and/or TIPS certification may be required

Work Environment: This position operates in a restaurant setting. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Hazards may include, but are not limited to, cuts, slipping and tripping.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time, continuously reach, bend, and lift items up to 35 lbs. Must be able to talk, hear, and speak professionally.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This position regularly requires long hours and frequent weekend work.

EEO Statement: We own and operates several locations throughout the Somerville area including: The Independent, Foundry on Elm, Saloon, The Rockwell and Vera’s. We are an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities to learn and advance.

Other Duties: Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

📌 Food Runner (Vera)
🏢 The Independent Group
📍 Vera