Food Runner

Food Runner | Fine Dining

Eat Well Hospitality | Chicago, Illinois | Hourly, Non-Exempt

Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences, located in the iconic Flair House, an 1883 River North townhouse. At the heart of our restaurant is live-fire cooking, featuring the world's finest boutique beef and a Barcelona-inspired seafood program.

Recognized as the No. 1 Steak Restaurant in North America (2025) by World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants, Asador Bastian has also earned recognition from The New York Times and Esquire as one of America's best restaurants.

Asador Bastian represents the highest standards of culinary excellence and hospitality within Eat Well Hospitality. Our team is composed of dedicated professionals who take pride in their craft, value teamwork, and share an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

We are seeking experienced, motivated, and hospitality-driven Food Runners to join our front-of-house team.

At Asador Bastian, Food Runners are an essential part of the guest experience. This position requires much more than delivering plates. Our Runners are knowledgeable, detail-oriented professionals who understand the importance of precise execution, seamless communication, and exceptional food presentation.

The ideal candidate has experience in an elevated dining environment, possesses a strong understanding of food and ingredients, and is eager to develop their culinary and hospitality knowledge.

We are looking for individuals who work with urgency, remain composed under pressure, and take genuine pride in supporting a world-class dining experience.

This is an opportunity for career-minded hospitality professionals who want to learn, develop their skills, and grow within a team committed to excellence.

Execute Food Service with Precision

• Deliver food to guests with accuracy, confidence, and professionalism.

• Maintain exceptional standards of food presentation, proper plate placement, and table etiquette.

• Understand the proper sequence of service, coursing, and timing of dishes.

• Ensure every plate is delivered to the correct guest with care and attention.

• Communicate effectively with the kitchen, expo, servers, and management to maintain seamless service.

• Work with urgency while maintaining composure and attention to detail.

Develop Strong Food Knowledge

• Learn and confidently identify every menu item, ingredient, garnish, and preparation.

• Develop a strong understanding of our boutique beef program, including cuts, breeds, origins, aging methods, and cooking temperatures.

• Become knowledgeable about our Basque-inspired cuisine, seafood offerings, and live-fire cooking techniques.

• Understand menu changes, daily specials, and seasonal ingredients.

• Accurately describe dishes when presenting food to guests.

• Maintain awareness of allergies, dietary restrictions, and special requests.

• Participate actively in preshift meetings, menu tastings, and culinary education.

Support the Guest Experience

• Provide warm, attentive, and professional hospitality during every guest interaction.

• Anticipate guest needs and communicate requests promptly to the service team.

• Assist with table maintenance, clearing, and resetting as needed.

• Demonstrate proper etiquette when approaching and interacting with guests.

• Maintain a polished and professional presence in the dining room.

• Treat every guest interaction as an opportunity to enhance the overall experience.

Maintain Strong Communication & Teamwork

• Work closely with the culinary and service teams to ensure efficient food delivery.

• Maintain clear communication with expo regarding timing, table readiness, and special requests.

• Support servers and fellow Runners during demanding service periods.

• Recognize priorities and adjust quickly to changing service needs.

• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and collaborative working environment.

Uphold Operational Excellence

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of service stations, expo areas, and the dining room.

• Ensure plates, trays, and service equipment are handled properly.

• Complete opening, closing, and side-work responsibilities.

• Follow food safety, sanitation, and restaurant operating standards.

• Arrive prepared, polished, and ready to contribute to a high-performing team.

• Fine-Dining Experience: Previous experience as a Food Runner, Server Assistant, or similar position in an upscale or fine-dining restaurant strongly preferred.

• Strong Food Knowledge: Familiarity with ingredients, cooking techniques, premium proteins, and elevated menu presentations.

• Attention to Detail: Ability to recognize and execute the small details that define exceptional service.

• Sense of Urgency: Ability to move efficiently and prioritize tasks without compromising professionalism.

• Communication: Clear, confident communication with culinary teams, servers, and management.

• Professional Presence: A polished appearance, positive attitude, and respectful approach to guest interactions.

• Team Mentality: A genuine willingness to support others and contribute to a successful service.

• Composure: Ability to remain focused and organized in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

• Career Focus: A strong interest in food, hospitality, and continued professional development.

• Ability to safely carry plates, trays, and service equipment and remain active throughout service, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Experience in nationally recognized, Michelin-starred, or award-winning restaurants.

• Previous experience working with an established expo and culinary team.

• Knowledge of premium beef, seafood, and live-fire cooking.

• Familiarity with fine-dining service standards and proper plate presentation.

• Ability to confidently describe menu items and ingredients to guests.

• Strong organizational skills and excellent situational awareness.

• A demonstrated passion for food and culinary education.

• Interest in growing into a Server or other front-of-house leadership position.

• Multilingual communication skills.

Compensation: Hourly + Tip Share (where applicable)

Benefits for eligible employees may include:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• 401(k)

• Employee Dining Discounts

• Continued Food & Beverage Education

• Professional Development & Training

• Career Growth & Leadership Opportunities

At Asador Bastian, every position plays a critical role in delivering exceptional hospitality.

Our Food Runners work directly alongside a highly skilled culinary and service team, developing firsthand knowledge of premium beef, exceptional seafood, and the precision required in one of Chicago's most celebrated dining rooms.

We believe that great hospitality professionals are developed through preparation, discipline, curiosity, and a genuine passion for their craft.

We invest in training and continued education, creating opportunities for ambitious individuals who want to build meaningful careers in hospitality.

We are looking for professionals who take pride in their work, move with purpose, value the details, and are eager to learn from the best.

If you bring a strong work ethic, a passion for food, and a commitment to excellence, we would love to meet you.

Eat Well Hospitality | Asador Bastian