Server Runner's Role At Chuck E. Cheese: Explained

Chuck E. Cheese is a pizza restaurant that includes arcade games and live entertainment to create a fun, family-oriented environment. The company offers party packages for guests who are celebrating, as well as everyday dining for a fun dinner experience. Working as a server runner at Chuck E. Cheese involves providing great service by delivering food to guests, taking food orders, refilling beverages, and assisting guests. It is a demanding and fast-paced job that requires employees to be able to stand for long hours and stay active throughout their shift.

Serving food and drinks

The work environment at Chuck E. Cheese includes flashing and flickering lights, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises. The role requires the ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others, including guests and co-workers. Servers must be able to lift or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds during their shift and be able to stand, bend, kneel, reach, push/pull, walk and squat.

Chuck E. Cheese offers a 50% discount on meals during shifts, and employees receive discounts on food during their shift, with higher-ups receiving a free meal. The company also has a ""Work Today, Get Paid Tomorrow" program, where employees don't have to wait between paychecks.

Chuck E. Cheese is a great place for a first-time job seeker, with many opportunities for growth within the company, and over 60% of managers are promoted from within. The company serves almost 40 million guests each year and celebrates approximately 500,000 parties annually.

Cleaning tables, sweeping, wiping, dishes

As a server runner at Chuck E. Cheese, you will be responsible for keeping the dining area clean and tidy. This includes cleaning tables, sweeping the floor, wiping down surfaces, and doing the dishes. Here is a more detailed breakdown of these tasks:

Cleaning tables: After guests leave, you will need to clear and wipe down tables promptly. This involves removing used plates, cups, and cutlery, as well as any leftover food or rubbish. You will also need to sanitise the table surfaces, ensuring they are clean and ready for the next guests.

Sweeping: To maintain a clean and safe dining area, you will need to regularly sweep the floor. This task is particularly important at Chuck E. Cheese due to the high volume of children running around and playing games. You will need to keep a close eye on any food or drink spills and sweep up any mess to prevent accidents.

Wiping: In addition to table surfaces, you will need to wipe down other areas, such as highchairs, booster seats, and menus. This helps to maintain a sanitary environment and prevent the spread of germs. You may also be asked to wipe down arcade games and rides, ensuring they are clean and safe for children to use.

Dishes: Handling the dishes is a crucial part of the role. You will be responsible for collecting used dishes from tables and taking them to the kitchen for washing. You may also be asked to assist with washing, drying, and putting away dishes, ensuring they are ready for the next guests. Additionally, you might need to restock clean plates, cups, and cutlery in the dining area.

It is important to note that, as a server runner at Chuck E. Cheese, you will be expected to maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation. The restaurant has rigorous health and sanitation standards, and you will need to ensure that your cleaning practices meet or exceed these expectations. This includes properly sanitising surfaces, practising safe food handling, and adhering to safety protocols to protect the health of both guests and employees.

Interacting with guests and co-workers

Server runners are expected to be enthusiastic and energetic, and to provide great service as they deliver food to guests. They must be able to handle job stress and interact effectively with guests, especially children, and co-workers. This includes dealing with difficult guests and parents who do not control their children.

The role also involves interacting with co-workers as part of a team, as Chuck E. Cheese is a place that emphasises working with one another. The company culture is described as having no drama and being supportive, with employees enjoying seeing the smiles on children's faces.

In addition to interacting with guests and co-workers, server runners may also be expected to interact with managers, who have been described as sometimes disrespectful.

Handling job stress

A server runner at Chuck E. Cheese is responsible for delivering food to guests and providing excellent customer service. They may also be required to assist in the kitchen and game room. It can be a fun and rewarding job, especially for first-time job seekers, but it can also be demanding with constant cleaning and busy shifts.

Now, here are some tips for handling job stress:

Be Aware of Your Stressors

Start by identifying your stressors. Keep a journal for a week or two to track stressful situations and your reactions to them. This will help you understand what triggers your stress and how you respond. Ask yourself how these situations make you feel and what you can do to resolve them.

Adopt Healthy Coping Strategies

Instead of resorting to unhealthy habits like overeating or substance abuse, develop healthy responses to stress. Exercise is an excellent stress-buster, so try to incorporate physical activities like yoga into your routine. Also, ensure you get enough good-quality sleep and make time for hobbies and activities that bring you pleasure.

Establish Boundaries

Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. This might include making rules like not checking work emails from home in the evenings or not answering work calls during your downtime. Creating these boundaries will help reduce work-life conflict and the associated stress.

Take Time to Recharge

It is crucial to take breaks and disconnect from work to avoid burnout. This could mean taking vacation days to relax and unwind or simply turning off your work devices for a while to focus on non-work activities. Even short pauses during a busy day, such as listening to a podcast or watching a funny video, can help prevent burnout.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Learn relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness. These practices can help melt away stress and improve your overall well-being. Start small by taking a few minutes each day to focus on a simple activity like breathing or walking, and gradually increase your practice.

Talk to Your Supervisor

Approach your supervisor or manager and have an open conversation about your workload and stress levels. The purpose of this conversation is not to complain but to collaborate on a plan to manage your stressors more effectively. This might include clarifying expectations, improving time management, or making changes to your physical workspace to reduce strain.

Seek Support

Don't hesitate to reach out to your support network, including trusted friends and family members, when you're feeling overwhelmed. Your employer may also have stress management resources or employee assistance programs available, so be sure to explore these options. If needed, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for additional support.

Health and safety

A server runner at Chuck E. Cheese must adhere to rigorous health and sanitation standards. Operational procedures are designed to meet or exceed local health and safety requirements. This includes regular cleaning and sanitising of all surfaces, especially in the kitchen and dining areas. Servers must also be mindful of the safety of guests and other staff members, as the restaurant features flashing and flickering lights, moving mechanical parts, and loud noises. Reasonable accommodations are made for individuals with disabilities.

The role involves a lot of physical activity, including standing for long periods, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, walking, and squatting. Employees must be able to lift or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. This can be demanding, so it is important to maintain good physical health and practice proper techniques to avoid injury.

As the restaurant caters to families and children, ensuring child safety is a key priority. Chuck E. Cheese offers "Kid Check," a unique stamp system that prevents children from leaving unless accompanied by an authorised adult. This helps to create a safe and secure environment for families.

Additionally, server runners should be trained to handle food safely, including proper handling, storage, and allergen awareness. They should also be aware of any potential hazards in the restaurant, such as slippery floors or blocked exits, and report them promptly.

Overall, health and safety are of utmost importance at Chuck E. Cheese, and employees are expected to follow established procedures and use their best judgment to ensure the well-being of guests and staff.

Frequently asked questions