Food Runner

Alinea is looking for a full-time Food Runner to join our team! The Food Runner is an important part of the team, ensuring each dish is delivered and presented from the kitchen timely and accurately. This is a full time position, paid hourly, and candidates must be willing to work 40+ hours, 5 days a week. 

A concept founded by Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, Alinea has been globally praised for its molecular gastronomy techniques and innovative approach to modernist cuisine, pushing boundaries in a multi-sensory dining experience. It is one of only 14 restaurants in the U.S. to earn the coveted Michelin 3-Star rating and is the only one to hold this honor in Chicago. It has also been named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler, the Best Restaurant in North America by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and the Best Restaurant in the U.S. by Gourmet and Business Insider. Driven by the notion of doing the unexpected, guests can be assured to leave the dining room feeling inspired.

Responsibilities

• Set up runner stations, including some areas in the kitchen. 
• Follow up the daily tasks listed on the day-to-day runner checking lists. 
• Maintains complete knowledge of table and seat numbers
• Maintains complete knowledge of all menus, including ingredients and techniques used
• Maintains knowledge of current day reservations, including PONs (People of Note), dietary restrictions, or other special instructions via pre-service meetings
• Deliver dishes to the dining room and explain them when required

• Anticipates Chef’s needs and respond promptly
• Takes direction from Chefs, Expo, and dining room team

Requirements

• Unprecedented work ethic
• 1 or more years experience as a food runner, server assistant, server, or related position
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, chef-driven environment
• High attention to detail 
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to carry a tray with food and/or drinks
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team 
• Thinks clearly, quickly, and maintains concentration during high pressure situations 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours 
• Must be able to move, pull or lift at least 35 pounds
• Must be able to climb stairs multiple times per shift 

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage at $20.50 - $21/hour 
• Medical, vision, dental and life benefits available on the 1st month following full-time employment
• 50% company contribution to single HMO during the first 2 years of full-time employment, 100% contribution available after 2 years 
• Paid time off 
• 401(K) with a company match of up to 4% of deferred earnings 
• CTA/Ventra discount available after 1 month of full-time employment
• Employee Dining Discount, 20% to any Alinea Group restaurant
• Referral Bonus Program available 

The Alinea Group is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, age, veteran status, life experiences and ideas. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and strive to provide an inclusive culture that embraces diversity. 

Must be eligible to legally work in the United States. We use E-Verify.