Demo

Food Runner

Next Restaurant
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 1/10/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/9/2026
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).ResponsibilitiesMaintains knowledge of current day reservations, including PONs (People of Note), dietary restrictions, or other special instructions via pre-service meetingsSets up room before service, including seating and side stationsMaintains complete knowledge of all menus, including ingredients and techniques used Runs all food and beverages to the dining roomMaintains complete knowledge of table and seat numbersGreets and acknowledges all guests, providing a positive dining experienceAnticipates guest needs and responds promptlyAccommodates all request for information courteously Takes direction from Chefs Requirements1 or more years experience as a food runner, server assistant, server, or related position Ability to work in a fast-paced, chef-driven environmentHigh attention to detail Strong communication skillsAbility to carry a tray with food and/or drinksAbility to work collaboratively as part of a team Thinks clearly, quickly, and maintains concentration during high pressure situations Physical RequirementsMust be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours Must be able to move, pull or lift at least 35 poundsMust be able to climb stairs multiple times per shift BenefitsCompetitive hourly wage at $21 - $21.50/hour Medical, vision, dental and life benefits available on the 1st month following full-time employment50% 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 employmentEmployee Dining Discount, 20% to any Alinea Group restaurantReferral 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.  More detail about Next Restaurant part of The Alinea Group, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/1819-Next-Restaurant

Salary : $21 - $22

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