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Food runner vs food runner/busser

The differences between food runners and food runner/bussers 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 $25,536 average annual salary of a food runner.

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

Food runner vs food runner/busser overview

Food RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Yearly salary$25,536$28,577
Hourly rate$12.28$13.74
Growth rate14%14%
Number of jobs240,853124,680
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age2323
Years of experience--

What does a food runner do?

Food Runners are responsible for assisting waitstaff on serving customers at a restaurant or similar establishment. Among their duties include maintaining cleanliness in particular areas, setting tables, refilling drinks, assisting customers with everything that they need, and coordinating with the workforce in and out of the kitchen. Furthermore, Food Runners need to ensure that all deliveries are accurate according to what is ordered by a customer. It is essential to stay presentable and helpful at all times as the main priority is customer satisfaction.

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.

Food runner vs food runner/busser salary

Food runners and food runner/bussers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Food RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Average salary$25,536$28,577
Salary rangeBetween $18,000 And $34,000Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CitySeattle, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateVermontNew Hampshire
Best paying companyUniversity of Massachusetts BostonThe Culinary Institute of America
Best paying industryHospitalityHospitality

Differences between food runner and food runner/busser education

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

Food RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Food runner vs food runner/busser demographics

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

Food RunnerFood Runner/Busser
Average age2323
Gender ratioMale, 59.0% Female, 41.0%Male, 75.4% Female, 24.6%
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, 9.6% Unknown, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 6.5% White, 57.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

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

Food runner example responsibilities.

  • Manage labor and design of numerous weddings, banquets, buffets, and the restaurant floor.
  • Manage event reservations and party requests, inform customers about upcoming events and specials.
  • Provide excellent customer service to guests by describing and suggesting culinary options
  • Greet customers and prepare drinks (tea, smoothies).
  • Expedite the kitchen to ensure food leaves fast and accurately.
  • Demonstrate strong computational skills for tendering receipt of payments from clients.
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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.
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Food runner vs food runner/busser skills

Common food runner skills
  • Cleanliness, 20%
  • Wine, 9%
  • Culinary, 7%
  • Food Orders, 6%
  • Fine Dining, 5%
  • Food Handling, 5%
Common food runner/busser skills
  • Cleanliness, 14%
  • Wine, 13%
  • Excellent Guest, 8%
  • Culinary, 6%
  • Water Glasses, 6%
  • Food Delivery, 5%

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