Our Barback / Food Runner is a key support role in our daily operation. You act as the bridge between the kitchen, the bar, and the front-of-house staff. Your main job is to keep bartenders fully stocked and make sure food gets to guests quickly and accurately.
Core Responsibilities
Barback Duties
- Stocking Supplies: Keep the bar filled with ice, glassware, liquor, beer, wine, and mixers.
- Garnish Prep: Cut fruit, prep juices, and set up station needs before service starts.
- Cleanliness: Wash and polish glassware, wipe down counters, and clear empty bottles or trash.
- Keg Changes: Swap out empty draft beer kegs and check soda gun lines. [1, 2]
Food Runner Duties
- Order Delivery: Carry food trays from the kitchen expo line straight to the correct guest tables.
- Order Verification: Check plates before leaving the kitchen to ensure accuracy and presentation standards.
- Table Support: Assist servers and bartenders by clearing finished plates, refilling water, and wiping down tables.
- Communication: Relay special dietary requests or customer feedback between the floor and the kitchen staff. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Skills and Qualifications
- Physical Stamina: Ability to stand or walk for long shifts and lift heavy items (up to 50 lbs like cases of liquor or kegs).
- Communication: Clear verbal skills to talk with chefs, bartenders, and guests under pressure.
- Multitasking: Ability to prioritize tasks on the fly during busy peak hours.
- Requirements: Often requires being of legal age to handle alcohol and having flexible availability for nights, weekends, and holidays