Front of House Staff

Job Details

As a Food Runner / Busser at Chicago Waffles, you play an essential role in providing efficient, high-quality service by supporting the entire restaurant team. This position combines food running, table clearing and resetting, guest assistance, restocking, cleaning, and general restaurant support.

Your primary responsibility is to ensure that food reaches guests promptly, tables are ready for incoming customers, and restaurant operations run smoothly throughout the day.

The ideal candidate is energetic, observant, hardworking, and a dependable team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and is willing to assist wherever help is needed rather than waiting for instructions.

Key Responsibilities

Food Running & Service Support

• Deliver food from the kitchen to guests promptly, accurately, and professionally.

• Verify table numbers and ensure food is delivered to the correct guests.

• Check orders for accuracy, presentation, and completeness before leaving the kitchen.

• Ensure appropriate sides, sauces, condiments, and utensils accompany each order.

• Communicate missing or incorrect items immediately to the kitchen or servers.

• Work closely with the expo team to maintain efficient food delivery.

• Assist servers with beverages, water refills, coffee, and additional guest requests.

• Prioritize delivering prepared food to maintain proper temperature and quality.

• Keep food pickup areas clean and organized.

Bussing & Table Turnover

• Clear used dishes, glassware, utensils, and trash promptly.

• Remove empty plates and unnecessary items throughout the guest's dining experience.

• Clean, sanitize, and reset tables according to restaurant standards.

• Ensure tables are properly prepared for the next guests.

• Assist with fast and efficient table turnover, especially during peak hours.

• Communicate table readiness to hosts and servers.

• Maintain cleanliness of chairs, booths, highchairs, and surrounding areas.

• Transport dirty dishes safely to designated dishwashing areas.

Guest Support

• Maintain a friendly, professional, and helpful attitude toward all guests.

• Assist with water refills, condiments, utensils, napkins, and takeout containers.

• Respond promptly to guest requests and communicate additional needs to servers.

• Assist hosts with seating guests and preparing tables when needed.

• Address spills or cleanliness concerns immediately.

• Help create a welcoming and organized dining environment.

Cleaning & Restaurant Maintenance

• Sweep and mop floors throughout the dining room and other assigned areas.

• Maintain cleanliness of dining areas, waiting areas, restrooms, and service stations.

• Clean spills immediately and maintain safe walking areas.

• Empty trash containers and replace liners as needed.

• Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and restaurant equipment.

• Keep service stations, storage areas, and workspaces organized.

• Assist with daily cleaning schedules and periodic deep-cleaning tasks.

Restocking & Organization

• Replenish napkins, silverware, glassware, plates, cups, and other supplies.

• Restock condiments, syrups, sauces, and beverage supplies.

• Ensure service stations remain stocked and ready throughout the shift.

• Assist with organizing and storing restaurant supplies.

• Monitor inventory levels and notify management when supplies are running low.

• Prepare service stations for upcoming shifts and busy periods.

Team Collaboration & General Support

• Assist servers, hosts, kitchen staff, dishwashers, and other team members as needed.

• Recognize when coworkers need assistance and offer help proactively.

• Adapt quickly to changing priorities and operational demands.

• Help with takeout packaging and order organization when assigned.

• Assist with basic kitchen support tasks when properly trained and authorized.

• Support restaurant operations during peak hours and staffing shortages.

• Follow management instructions and complete additional assigned duties.

• Maintain a positive, cooperative, and team-oriented attitude.

Qualifications

Essential

• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to help wherever needed.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant.

• Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, and organization.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.

• Ability to take initiative and work independently when necessary.

• Willingness to perform a variety of restaurant support duties.

• Availability to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a food runner, busser, or restaurant support employee.

• Experience in a busy breakfast, brunch, or casual dining restaurant.

• Familiarity with food handling and restaurant sanitation standards.

• Food Handler Certification (required before completion of training).

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.

• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to carry multiple plates, trays, and restaurant supplies safely.

• Comfortable bending, reaching, lifting, and performing repetitive movements.

• Ability to move quickly and safely between kitchen and dining areas.

• Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Essential Job Functions

• Uphold and follow all Chicago Waffles policies and procedures.

• Deliver food promptly and accurately to guests.

• Clear, clean, sanitize, and reset tables efficiently.

• Maintain cleanliness of dining areas, floors, restrooms, and service stations.

• Assist servers and hosts with guest service and dining room operations.

• Restock supplies and maintain organized workstations.

• Support coworkers and assist wherever operational needs arise.

• Complete all assigned opening, mid-shift, and closing duties.

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, references, and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience to [email protected] or text (773) 441-3700 (DO NOT CALL).

Be sure to mention the position you are applying for. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.