Food Runner

Position Summary

The Food Runner serves as the critical link between the culinary and service teams, ensuring every dish leaves the kitchen accurately, arrives at the correct guest promptly, and is presented with professionalism and confidence. More than simply delivering food, the Food Runner protects the integrity of every plate and helps orchestrate the seamless flow of service throughout the restaurant.

At Jula's on the Potomac, Food Runners are expected to execute every delivery with precision, urgency, and grace while supporting both the kitchen and front-of-house teams. They are ambassadors of our hospitality standards and play a direct role in creating exceptional guest experiences.

Core Responsibilities

Food Delivery & Presentation

• Deliver food promptly while maintaining proper pacing throughout each meal.
• Verify every plate before leaving the kitchen, including:
  • Correct menu item
  • Proper modifications
  • Dietary restrictions and allergies
  • Correct accompaniments
  • Garnishes and presentation
• Deliver food to the correct guest using seat numbers without auctioning dishes.
• Present dishes confidently and professionally, identifying each item when appropriate.
• Ensure food is delivered at proper serving temperature.

Quality Assurance

• Serve as the final quality checkpoint before food reaches the guest.
• Notify the kitchen immediately of missing items, incorrect preparations, or presentation concerns.
• Monitor plate cleanliness and presentation standards.
• Protect food quality by minimizing time between plating and delivery.

Kitchen & Dining Room Communication

• Maintain continuous communication with the Expo, chefs, servers, and server assistants.
• Coordinate timing for multi-course meals and large parties.
• Communicate delays or special requests promptly.
• Assist with coordinating simultaneous delivery of multiple entrées.

Dining Room Support

• Assist with table maintenance as needed.
• Refill water when appropriate.
• Clear finished plates when assisting service teams.
• Reset tables during slower periods.
• Assist Server Assistants and Bussers whenever possible.

 Menu Knowledge

Develop a strong understanding of:

• All menu items and ingredients.
• Cooking methods and preparation styles.
• Common allergens.
• Side dishes and accompaniments.
• Daily features and chef specials.
• Basic wine and beverage pairings to answer simple guest questions before referring more detailed inquiries to the server.

 Teamwork

• Maintain a positive and professional attitude during service.
• Support fellow team members without being asked.
• Anticipate operational needs before they become problems.
• Foster strong relationships with both kitchen and front-of-house teams.

 Performance Expectations

Successful Food Runners consistently demonstrate:

• Exceptional urgency without sacrificing composure.
• Accuracy under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Clear communication.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• Pride in maintaining the highest hospitality standards.

 Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently lift and carry trays weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Navigate a busy dining room safely and efficiently.
• Bend, stoop, reach, and climb stairs as required.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

 What Success Looks Like

A successful Food Runner understands that every plate represents the restaurant's reputation. They recognize that timing, accuracy, and presentation are just as important as the quality of the food itself. They take pride in delivering every dish with confidence, professionalism, and genuine hospitality while working seamlessly alongside the culinary and service teams.

At Jula's on the Potomac, Food Runners are not simply transporting food—they are protecting the guest experience and ensuring that every meal reflects the standards of luxury hospitality for which our restaurant is known.