Job Description

Position: Restaurant Support (Runner/Busser)

Department: Food & Beverage

Location: Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $12.70 per Hour

Truth Be Told, the British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago in Hyde Park, is seeking a full-time Restaurant Support (Runner/Busser) to help deliver a welcoming, efficient, and memorable dining experience for every guest.

This hands-on front-of-house role supports service flow by running food, clearing and resetting tables, maintaining service stations, assisting with room service delivery, and anticipating the needs of guests and fellow team members. The ideal candidate is energetic, attentive, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Our caring and attentive team members reinforce our belief that guest service is our highest priority. We seek individuals who enjoy working as part of a team, take pride in the details, and understand how strong behind-the-scenes support contributes to an exceptional guest experience.

Restaurant Snapshot

• Truth Be Told — British-inspired tavern located within The Study at University of Chicago
• Approximately 100-seat restaurant and tavern
• Open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Operating hours generally span 7:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Serves hotel guests, the University of Chicago community, Hyde Park neighbors, and visitors

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, attentive, and efficient hospitality to restaurant and hotel guests.
• Run food from the kitchen to the dining room promptly and accurately, confirming dishes are delivered to the correct guests.
• Assist with expediting food and help ensure dishes meet presentation and quality standards before leaving the kitchen.
• Clear, clean, sanitize, and reset tables efficiently throughout service.
• Prepare tables with appropriate flatware, glassware, napkins, condiments, and other service items.
• Assist servers with water service, table maintenance, and other guest needs throughout the dining experience.
• Prepare and deliver room service orders, including trays, serviceware, condiments, and accompanying items.
• Maintain organized and properly stocked service stations throughout the shift.
• Complete assigned side work, including polishing silverware and glassware, preparing roll-ups, stocking supplies, and maintaining established par levels.
• Monitor the dining room and anticipate opportunities to assist guests and fellow team members.
• Assist the host team with greeting or seating guests when needed to support restaurant flow.
• Maintain working knowledge of menu items, ingredients, allergens, and beverage offerings.
• Communicate guest requests, concerns, and service needs promptly to servers and restaurant leadership.
• Complete opening, closing, setup, and breakdown responsibilities, including detailed cleaning of assigned work areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe restaurant environment in accordance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Work collaboratively with servers, hosts, bartenders, culinary team members, and restaurant leadership to provide seamless service.
• Assist with additional restaurant responsibilities as needed to support smooth and efficient operations.

Fundamentals

• Previous restaurant, hospitality, or customer service experience preferred; upscale casual or full-service restaurant experience is a plus.
• A genuine interest in hospitality and creating a positive guest experience.
• Friendly, professional, and courteous demeanor.
• Strong sense of urgency with the ability to remain organized and attentive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests and fellow team members.
• Strong teamwork skills and willingness to assist wherever needed during service.
• Ability to learn and maintain knowledge of menu items, ingredients, allergens, and restaurant service standards.
• Ability to stand and move throughout the restaurant for extended periods.
• Ability to grasp, lift, carry, and otherwise move items weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

About Us

The Study at University of Chicago is a 167-room hotel located on the Midway Plaisance in Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Designed as a place of discovery and connection, the hotel reflects the character and energy of the University of Chicago while providing thoughtful, contemporary accommodations for university visitors, families, faculty, business travelers, and the surrounding community.

The hotel is home to Truth Be Told, a British-inspired tavern that offers a welcoming gathering place for hotel guests, the University of Chicago community, Hyde Park neighbors, and area visitors. The property also features 4,700 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 2,500-square-foot Winter Garden designed for social events and private functions.

Eligible full-time team members receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Team members may also participate in our 401(k) retirement savings plan and Employee Assistance Program.

Satisfactory completion of a background check is required. Study Hotels is a drug-free workplace.

Study Hotels is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, religion, disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Keywords: Restaurant Support, Food Runner, Busser, Restaurant Runner, Front of House, Restaurant Jobs, Hospitality Jobs, Chicago Restaurant Jobs, Hyde Park Chicago, Truth Be Told, Study Hotels