Kissaki
Food Runner/Expo
Manhasset, New York•Part-time
$20 - $30 hourly
$20 - $30 hourly
About the Job
Job Title: Food Runner / Expo.
Location: Kissaki Manhasset.
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese / Omakase / Sushi.
Service Style: Fine dining, counter and table service.
About Kissaki Manhasset:
Kissaki Manhasset, which opened in late 2023, is a distinguished Japanese restaurant blending tradition and modernity. Anchored in the art of omakase and kaiseki, the restaurant emphasizes mindful sourcing, seasonality, and exceptional craftsmanship. Under the direction of Executive Chef Edgar Valerio, Kissaki delivers a refined and immersive dining experience—balancing creativity, precision, and hospitality.
The ambiance is elegant and intimate, with dim lighting, sleek finishes, and a layout that includes an omakase sushi counter, bar seating, and main dining areas. The menu spans hot and cold appetizers, artfully presented nigiri and maki, signature entrées like uni pasta and wagyu fried rice, and seasonal dessert offerings. Reservations are strongly recommended given its limited seating and premium positioning.
Role Summary:
As a Food Runner / Expo at Kissaki, you serve as a vital bridge between the kitchen and the dining room. Your role supports smooth service flow, precision in plating and delivery, and maintaining the elevated standards expected in a fine dining, sushi- and omakase-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Expedite & Plate Presentation.
- Coordinate with chefs and sous chefs to ensure dishes are plated according to house standards.
- Inspect final plating for consistency, accuracy, and visual appeal (garnishes, sauces, cleanliness).
- Relay timing cues to servers to ensure hot items reach guests promptly.
- Food Running / Delivery.
- Transport dishes from the kitchen to the correct table or counter seat, in the right order.
- Assist servers during peak service in clearing, replacing covers, and managing dish flow.
- Quality Control & Communication.
- Double-check that orders match tickets (all components included).
- Communicate any discrepancies, delays, or special requirements to the kitchen promptly.
- Be familiar with menu items (names, ingredients, plating style) to help support accuracy under pressure.
- Maintain Cleanliness & Organization.
- Keep expo station, heat lamps, and pass-throughs clean and organized.
- Re-stock essential garnish, condiments, plating supplies during service.
- Assist in side-work tasks (e.g., polishing plates, clearing used dishes) without disrupting service.
- Team Support & Guest Focus.
- Work closely with servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff to maintain smooth service flow.
- Help floor staff where needed (e.g. refilling water, running small items).
- Uphold the dignity, pace, and standards of fine dining service.
Ideal Skills & Qualities:
- Strong attention to detail and presentation.
- Ability to move quickly but gracefully in a refined environment.
- Good judgment about temperature, timing, and order flow.
- Clear communication skills, ability to work cohesively with kitchen and FOH teams.
- Familiarity or willingness to learn sushi / omakase service norms.
- Poise under pressure, especially during peak dinner service.
- Physical stamina: carrying trays, walking, standing for long periods.
About Kissaki
We strive to create a unique and innovative culinary experience grounded in Japanese tradition.In the pursuit of these experiences, we follow 3 Core Values:• Hone our Craft: we hone our skills as hospitality professionals and we use those skills – our craft - to create a consistent experience for our guests; plate by plate and location by location.• Seek out Balance: the Kissaki experience is comprised of the full spectrum of flavors, textures, and personal connections. We provide moments that are familiar and comforting, and those that are exciting and new; the balance exists where each part of the spectrum is shared with and received by the guest.• Strive for Success: we push ourselves daily in order to reach daily milestones; we create our own opportunities and we create our own success; we don’t wait for it to happen!