Associate Olive Garden Restaurant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager
Classification: Non-Exempt
Work Arrangement: Onsite - San Marcos, California
Compensation: Starting at $17.00 per hour

Employees may be eligible for consideration for an increase to $18.00 per hour following the successful completion of the 90-day introductory period, based on performance, business needs, and management approval.

Schedule: Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunities Available

In-Person Interviews: Held Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am to 4pm. Please ask for Genesis.

About Olive Branch Eatery

Olive Branch Eatery is proudly affiliated with the Pacific Health Group family of organizations. Operated by Food Peers, Inc., we share a commitment to wellness, community, and exceptional service. Together, we believe great food brings people together and supports healthier communities.

At Olive Branch Eatery, we bring the bold, fresh flavors of Italy to our local communities. We are committed to culinary excellence, exceptional hospitality, and creating memorable dining experiences where every meal is prepared with quality, care, and attention to detail.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, love serving others, and take pride in delivering outstanding customer service, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Restaurant Associate is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service while preparing and serving high-quality food in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This position supports daily restaurant operations, including food preparation, guest service, cleanliness, and inventory support. The Restaurant Associate works under the direction of the Operations Manager and plays an essential role in creating a positive guest experience while supporting the operational success of Olive Branch Eatery.

The ideal candidate is friendly, dependable, team-oriented, and committed to maintaining high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and hospitality.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesGuest Service & Hospitality

• Greet guests warmly and provide friendly, knowledgeable menu recommendations.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and create a welcoming dining experience.
• Respond to guest questions and resolve concerns in a professional and courteous manner.
• Promote current specials, menu offerings, and restaurant initiatives.
• Encourage guest engagement and positive dining experiences.

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare and present deli items, sandwiches, salads, beverages, and other menu offerings according to company recipes and standards.
• Maintain food quality, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and handling requirements.
• Assist with food preparation, stocking, and kitchen support activities as needed.
• Ensure food preparation areas remain organized and properly maintained.

Restaurant Operations

• Operate the point-of-sale (POS) system accurately and efficiently. Experience with Toast POS is preferred.
• Complete opening and closing duties, including equipment setup, cleaning, food preparation, and cash handling procedures.
• Assist with inventory management, restocking, and supply organization.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment in accordance with company standards and applicable health regulations.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, safety protocols, and operational standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support restaurant operations.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house team members to ensure efficient operations and exceptional guest service.
• Communicate effectively with the Operations Manager and team members regarding operational needs, inventory concerns, and guest feedback.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support changing business needs.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Follow directions and operational standards established by the Operations Manager and leadership team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Prior restaurant, hospitality, retail, or customer service experience preferred; training will be provided for the right candidate.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service mindset and positive attitude.
• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality and presentation.
• Basic math and cash-handling skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 pounds.
• Frequently bend, reach, kneel, twist, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to safely work around hot equipment, sharp utensils, and kitchen machinery.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including kitchen and refrigerated areas.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

California Food Handler Requirement

Employees required by California law to possess a valid California Food Handler Card must obtain one within thirty (30) days of their hire date if they do not already possess one. Olive Branch Eatery will provide information regarding approved training providers during onboarding.

Compensation & BenefitsMeal Benefits

• Complimentary employee meal during shifts of five (5) hours or more.
• Fifty percent (50%) employee meal discount during shifts under five (5) hours.
• Fifty percent (50%) discount for family and friends.

Benefits & Perks

• Paid Sick Leave in accordance with applicable California law and company policy.
• Employee Discount Programs.
• Comprehensive training and onboarding.

Benefit eligibility, waiting periods, employee contributions, and plan terms are governed by the applicable plan documents and may be modified in accordance with applicable law and company policy.

Paid Sick Leave

Restaurant Associates accrue and may use paid sick leave in accordance with applicable California and local laws and Olive Branch Eatery's Paid Sick Leave Policy.

Work Schedule

• Eight-hour shifts
• Morning shifts
• Day shifts
• Evening shifts
• Weekend availability required
• Holiday availability required based on business needs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Olive Branch Eatery is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

At-Will Employment

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, express or implied, or a guarantee of employment.

Employment with Olive Branch Eatery is at will, which means that either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law.