Food Runner/Busser

Have you worked as a busser, runner or in any restaurant job before? What did a normal shift look like?

What they are checking: Whether they know the pace of restaurant work and what's expected without being told every step.

Tell me about a time you helped a coworker without being asked.

What they are checking: Whether they pitch in as a team member, which keeps service smooth for servers and guests.

What does passion for service mean to you in a job like this?

What they are checking: Whether they see support roles as part of the guest experience, not just behind-the-scenes labor.

The kitchen has food up for three tables, and a party just left a table that needs to be reset. What do you do first?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize hot food reaching guests while keeping the dining room turning.

You drop a tray of glasses in the dining room. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they handle accidents calmly, keep guests safe and clean up quickly without panicking.

A guest asks you a question about the menu while you're clearing their table. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they help when they can and get the server when they can't, rather than brushing the guest off.

How do you know when it's the right time to clear plates from a table?

What they are checking: Whether they understand basic dining etiquette, like waiting until everyone at the table has finished.

How do you make sure you bring the right plate to the right person?

What they are checking: Whether they use seat numbers or check tickets so guests don't have to sort out their own food.

How would you reset a table quickly while still making it look right?

What they are checking: Whether they balance speed with the attention to detail the posting asks for.

How would you keep your work areas clean during a busy rush?

What they are checking: Whether they keep stations stocked and tidy during service so the team doesn't run out of what it needs.