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Food Runner
Next Restaurant
953 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Next Restaurant hiring Food Runner in Chicago, IL

Next Restaurant hiring Food Runner in Chicago, IL

Food Runner

Next RestaurantMore Info

953 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Full Time • Hourly ($21.50 - $22.00)
Expired: Mar 7, 2026

Sorry, this job expired on Mar 7, 2026. Below are other jobs that may be of interest to you.

Required Years of Experience

1 year


Job Details

Next 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, Wednesday-Sunday. 

Next is a pre-fixe experience that undergoes a creative overhaul every four months, each time inviting guests to explore a new culinary region, theme or moment in time. For example, Winter 2019’s Silk & Spice menu featured dishes that explored the spices and flavors along the historic trade route in Asia, Northeast Africa and Europe. Next was named the Best New Restaurant in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation in 2012 and awarded a Michelin Star. Past menus have included Ancient Rome (2017), The Hunt (2012), and Alinea Retrospective (2018).

Responsibilities

  • Maintains knowledge of current day reservations, including PONs (People of Note), dietary restrictions, or other special instructions via pre-service meetings
  • Sets up room before service, including seating and side stations
  • Maintains complete knowledge of all menus, including ingredients and techniques used 
  • Runs all food and beverages to the dining room
  • Maintains complete knowledge of table and seat numbers
  • Greets and acknowledges all guests, providing a positive dining experience
  • Anticipates guest needs and responds promptly
  • Accommodates all request for information courteously 
  • Takes direction from Chefs 

Requirements

  • 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 $21 - $21.50/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. 


Compensation Details

Compensation: Hourly ($21.50 - $22.00)

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Commuter Benefits, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts


Required Skills

Customer Service

Time Management

Maintaining Knowledge of Current Day Reservations

Customer Service Orientation

High Volume Service

Problem Solving Skills

Multitasking

Setting Up Room Before Service

Adaptability

Food Safety Knowledge

Maintaining Knowledge of All Menus

Attention to Customer Needs

Conflict Resolution

Attention to Guest Experience

Teamwork

Ability to follow directions

Physical Stamina

Running Food and Beverages to the Dining Room

Multitasking Ability

Communication

Greeting and Acknowledging Guests

Culinary Knowledge

Positive Attitude

Interpersonal Skills

ANTICIPATING GUEST NEEDS

Stress Management

Service Procedures

Organizational Skills

Responding Promptly to Guest Needs

Initiative

Attention to Detail

Cultural Awareness

Accommodating Requests for Information Courteously

Fine Dining Service

Taking Direction From Chefs

Wine Service

Working In a Fast Paced, Chef Driven Environment

Work In a Fast-Paced Environment

Paying High Attention to Detail

Food and Beverage Pairing

Strong Communication Skills

Carrying a Tray With Food and/or Drinks

Working Collaboratively as Part of a Team

Thinking Clearly and Quickly During High Pressure Situations

Read more


View Job Description

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New American

Fine Dining

2 Employee Recommendations

Part of The Alinea Group

Next : Seafood
Inspired by…. open seas, the endless potential of a cast line and the reward of well-earned catch; the refined perfection of an oyster’s pearl & the mysteries that inspire us to explore further… Next’s modernist expression of seafood is a journey through coastal cuisine and a tribute to it’s beauty.

A menu as inspiring and grand as the ocean’s bounty!

By Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas. Chicago.

Awards / Distinctions
2025
2026
2025
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2023
2023
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2014
2012
2020
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