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Food runner/busser vs cashier/host

The differences between food runner/bussers and cashiers/host can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a food runner/busser has an average salary of $28,577, which is higher than the $24,581 average annual salary of a cashier/host.

The top three skills for a food runner/busser include cleanliness, wine and excellent guest. The most important skills for a cashier/host are cleanliness, host, and excellent guest.

Food runner/busser vs cashier/host overview

Food Runner/BusserCashier/Host
Yearly salary$28,577$24,581
Hourly rate$13.74$11.82
Growth rate14%-10%
Number of jobs124,680131,740
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age2334
Years of experience--

What does a food runner/busser do?

A food runner or busser is an employee who works at a restaurant to provide quality food services to customers and patrons. Food runners or bussers perform food preparation and ensure that foods are delivered promptly to the appropriate customers' tables. In case the bar server is busy, food runners or bussers may take the drink orders of customers at the bar counter. They also make sure that tables are bussed, cleaned, and set up for the next paying customers.

What does a cashier/host do?

A cashier/host is responsible for facilitating the cash register processes and managing financial transactions. Cashier/hosts process reservations and online payments, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, escalate high-level complaints, update customer's account information on the database, and perform various administrative and clerical tasks as needed. They also create comprehensive financial reports for management's review, including recommendations on cost-efficient strategies to minimize the company's loss without compromising high-quality services. A cashier/host must be analytical and communicative to maintain smooth operations and achieve the highest customer satisfaction.

Food runner/busser vs cashier/host salary

Food runner/bussers and cashiers/host have different pay scales, as shown below.

Food Runner/BusserCashier/Host
Average salary$28,577$24,581
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $36,000Between $16,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WAAustin, TX
Highest paying stateNew HampshireWashington
Best paying companyThe Culinary Institute of America24 Carrots Catering and Events
Best paying industryHospitalityRetail

Differences between food runner/busser and cashier/host education

There are a few differences between a food runner/busser and a cashier/host in terms of educational background:

Food Runner/BusserCashier/Host
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 42%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Food runner/busser vs cashier/host demographics

Here are the differences between food runner/bussers' and cashiers/host' demographics:

Food Runner/BusserCashier/Host
Average age2334
Gender ratioMale, 75.4% Female, 24.6%Male, 42.7% Female, 57.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 25.0% Asian, 8.3% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage8%5%

Differences between food runner/busser and cashier/host duties and responsibilities

Food runner/busser example responsibilities.

  • Manage event reservations and party requests, inform customers about upcoming events and specials.
  • Educate and experience in fine dining experience, professional etiquette and wine knowledge
  • Operate a POS system, highly experience with cash handling methods.
  • Give assistance to clients at POS to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.
  • Note allergies and special accommodations on receipts to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
  • Collaborate closely alongside coworkers to ensure customer satisfaction and overall cleanliness of the establishment.
  • Show more

Cashier/host example responsibilities.

  • Greet guests, answer phones, seat guests, prepare to-go orders, POS station, handle cash.
  • Answer telephone calls regarding group party reservations and business information.
  • Cook burgers at a timely manner and used fryers also wash dishes and close the store
  • Perform debit, credit and cash transactions, totale accountant on computer database, using specialize POS accounting software.
  • Restock supplies and maintain restaurant cleanliness.
  • Maintain an up-most standard for customer satisfaction and restaurant cleanliness.
  • Show more

Food runner/busser vs cashier/host skills

Common food runner/busser skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Wine, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 8%
  • Culinary, 6%
  • Water Glasses, 6%
  • Food Delivery, 5%
Common cashier/host skills
  • Cleanliness, 19%
  • Host, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 11%
  • POS, 10%
  • Reservations, 7%
  • To-Go Orders, 6%

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