← Back to all roles in the United States

Chicago, United States

Food Runner

The Alinea Group · Chicago · United States

$21.00–$21.50 per hourWaiter / Service Staff

Posted: 2/5/2026 · Last checked: 10/12/2026

Job description

Quoted in full from The Alinea Group's job posting. Gavroche does not edit it.

Description

The Aviary 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.

The Aviary reinvents the cocktail lounge, crafting modernist cocktails that are visually striking, flavorfully complex, and ready to be paired with a delicious pre-fixe or a-la-carte dining experience by The Alinea Group. Venture beneath The Aviary and you will find yourself in The Office, a vintage-inspired speakeasy that holds a rare collection of spirits to be enjoyed in your favorite cocktail or on the rocks. The Aviary was named Outstanding Bar Program in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation in 2013. It won the coveted Spirited Award for the World’s Best Cocktail Menu in 2014 and has three times been featured on Drinks International’s The World’s 50 Best Bar list.

Responsibilities

  • Maintains knowledge of current day reservations, including PONs (People of Note), dietary restrictions, or other special instructions via pre-service meetings
  • Sets up room before service, including seating and bar areas and side stations
  • Maintains complete knowledge of all menus, including ingredients and techniques used
  • Runs all food and beverages to the dining room
  • Maintains complete knowledge of table and seat numbers
  • Greets and acknowledges all guests, providing a positive dining experience
  • Anticipates guest needs and responds promptly
  • Accommodates all request for information courteously
  • Takes direction from Chefs
  • Other duties as assigned by management


Requirements

  • 1 or more years experience as a food runner, server assistant, server, or related position
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, chef-driven environment
  • High attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to carry a tray with food and/or drinks
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
  • Thinks clearly, quickly, and maintains concentration during high pressure situations


Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours
  • Must be able to move, pull or lift at least 35 pounds
  • Must be able to climb stairs multiple times per shift


Benefits

  • Competitive hourly wage at $21.00 - $21.50/hour
  • Medical, vision, dental and life benefits available on the 1st month following full-time employment
    • 50% 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 employment
  • Employee Dining Discount, 20% to any Alinea Group restaurant
  • Referral 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.

Similar roles in Chicago

162 open roles like this one; at most three per employer shown.

What waiter / service staff adverts in the United States state

Middle half: 30,225 – 42,383 USD a year; median 36,046 USD.

From 68 adverts by 30 employers that state a salary, annualised.

How waiter / service staff roles in the United States are worked

0% fully remote · 0% hybrid · 100% do not say

Of 125 adverts. An advert that does not state a work mode is counted as not saying, not as on-site.

New openings in Chicago, by week

  1. 7/20/2026 71
  2. 7/27/2026 58
  3. 8/3/2026 82
  4. 8/10/2026 69
  5. 8/17/2026 96
  6. 8/24/2026 163
  7. 8/31/2026 154
  8. 9/7/2026 128
  9. 9/14/2026 167
  10. 9/21/2026 185
  11. 9/28/2026 177
  12. 10/5/2026 226
  13. 10/12/2026 7

1,583 openings over 12 weeks, by the week they were published.

Other roles at The Alinea Group

22 open.