Food Runner Position Job Description
King’s Famous Barbecue Location: 2910 S Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805
Job Type: Part-time / Full-time (Flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and potential early prep hours)
Reports to: Operations Manager, General Manager, or Owners
King’s Famous Barbecue is a historic Petersburg institution founded in 1946, celebrated for its authentic pit-smoked Virginia-style barbecue — pork shoulders, beef, chicken — slow-cooked over oak wood, chopped to order, and paired with our legendary signature sauce and homemade sides. After a 30-month closure, the restaurant is thrilled to reopen in 2026, bringing back generations of loyal customers and community favorites. The Food Runner (also called Expo Runner) is a vital, energetic role that bridges the kitchen and dining room, ensuring hot, fresh barbecue reaches tables quickly and accurately while supporting the team in delivering that classic King’s experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver food orders from the kitchen to tables promptly, accurately, and with a friendly smile — announcing dishes as needed (e.g., “Here’s your minced pork deluxe with extra sauce!”)
- Verify orders for correctness (right meat cut, sides, sauce level, and portion) before leaving the kitchen to maintain quality and prevent errors
- Assist customers by clearing tables, refilling drinks, providing extra napkins/sauce packets, and resetting tables for the next guests
- Maintain food presentation standards — ensuring plates look appealing, are hot, and garnished properly
- Help with bussing duties, such as removing dirty dishes, wiping tables, and keeping the dining room clean and inviting
- Support busy periods by running multiple plates at once, prioritizing orders, and keeping the expo line organized
- Assist with light side work during slower times, like restocking condiments, utensils, or to-go supplies
- Handle guest requests politely and professionally, escalating concerns to servers or management when needed
- Perform opening/closing tasks for the dining area, including setup, cleanup, and ensuring everything is ready for service
Requirements & Qualifications
- No formal education required — high school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Previous restaurant experience (especially as a food runner, server assistant, busser, or in fast-casual dining) is a plus, but we provide excellent training for the right enthusiastic team player!
- Energetic, fast-paced personality with strong attention to detail — you’ll thrive in a busy environment during peak lunch/dinner rushes
- Excellent communication skills and a warm, customer-focused attitude — many guests are longtime fans excited about the reopening
- Ability to carry multiple plates/trays, stand for long periods, and lift moderate weights (trays of BBQ can be heavy!)
- Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented — we’re a family-run business where everyone works together to keep the tradition alive
- Passion for great barbecue and pride in serving the Petersburg community
What You Can Expect
- Join a legendary reopening — help revive a Tri-Cities icon that’s been a family favorite for 80 years!
- Free or discounted meals during shifts (fresh pit-smoked BBQ, sides, and more — straight from the pit!)
- Competitive pay for the area
- Flexible scheduling in a welcoming, close-knit family environment
- Opportunities to cross-train in other roles (carryout, expo, or even server) as we grow post-reopening
- Pride in delivering the melt-in-your-mouth barbecue and Southern hospitality that keeps customers returning generation after generation
If you’re quick on your feet, love food and people, and want to be part of bringing King’s Famous Barbecue back in 2026, the Food Runner position is a fantastic way to join our family team!