ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Catering Assistant Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

QDOBA

Catering Driver

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Operational Support * Assist with catering production, packaging, order staging, and restaurant tasks when not on delivery. * Report delivery issues, delays, or customer concerns to the Catering ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Park Ridge, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Oak Lawn, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Niles, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Hearty Boys Caterers

Catering Event Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

Catering Event Cook Company: Hearty Boys Caterers Location: Off-site at venues througout Chicago Hearty Boys Caterers is hiring experienced Event Cooks for off-site catered events including weddings ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Glen Ellyn, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Skokie, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Mount Prospect, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Norridge, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Des Plaines, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Skokie, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Chicago, IL

$17 - $20.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

River Forest, IL

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Marketing Panera Catering to local area businesses, schools and events. * Assist and support your Managers and Team Members as needed. * Help build our Culture of warmth, belonging, growth, and trust.

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsCatering JobsCatering Assistant JobsCatering Assistant Jobs in Riverside, IL

Catering Assistant information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do catering assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering assistant in Riverside, IL is $16.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Catering Assistant?

A catering assistant assists the lead caterer and supports other employees while serving food at catered events. As a catering assistant, your job duties involve planning events, managing orders, stocking supplies, preparing food and drink, serving guests, cleaning the kitchen, and handling bill inquiries. This career requires both customer service and food prep experience. Additional qualifications include strong communication skills, knowledge of safe food handling and personal hygiene, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Many states require that all food workers, including catering assistants, receive food safety training and certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catering Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catering Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as a Food Handler Certificate are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you excel in fast-paced, client-focused environments. These skills ensure efficient service delivery, food safety compliance, and positive client experiences at catering events.

What are some common challenges faced by Catering Assistants during large events, and how can they be managed?

Catering Assistants often face challenges such as managing high volumes of guests, maintaining food quality, and ensuring timely service during large events. Effective teamwork, clear communication with kitchen staff and supervisors, and strong organizational skills are essential to handle these situations smoothly. Being proactive in replenishing supplies, staying attentive to guests' needs, and remaining calm under pressure can significantly improve the overall catering experience and help manage these challenges efficiently.

What does a Catering Assistant do?

A Catering Assistant supports the preparation, presentation, and serving of food and drinks at events or in food service establishments. Their duties often include setting up dining areas, assisting chefs with basic food prep, serving guests, and cleaning up after events. They may also help with inventory management and ensure food safety standards are met. The role is vital for smooth catering operations and delivering excellent customer service.

What is the difference between Catering Assistant vs Kitchen Porter?

AspectCatering AssistantKitchen Porter
Primary RoleAssisting with food service, customer interaction, and event setupCleaning, dishwashing, and basic kitchen support
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering events, hotelsCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering facilities
Required SkillsCustomer service, basic food handlingCleaning, manual labor, basic kitchen knowledge

The main difference is that Catering Assistants focus on customer service and food presentation, while Kitchen Porters handle cleaning and kitchen support tasks. Both roles are essential in food service environments but serve different functions within the team.

More about Catering Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Catering Assistant jobs in Riverside, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Catering Assistant jobs in Riverside, IL are:
What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Catering Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Catering Assistant job openings:
Catering Assistant jobs near you
Catering Driver

Catering Driver

QDOBA

Wheaton, IL • On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Catering Driver is responsible for delivering QDOBA catering orders safely, accurately, and on time while providing exceptional customer service. This role represents the QDOBA brand off-site and ensures every guest receives a positive, professional, and seamless catering experience.

Key ResponsibilitiesCatering Delivery & Setup

  • Safely deliver catering orders to businesses, event sites, and residential customers.

  • Review each order for accuracy before leaving the restaurant.

  • Load and unload catering equipment, food, and beverages following food safety guidelines.

  • Set up buffet lines, chafing equipment, utensils, and displays according to QDOBA catering standards.

  • Ensure presentation is clean, professional, and aligned with brand guidelines.

Customer Service

  • Provide friendly, courteous, and professional service at each delivery.

  • Communicate with customers upon arrival, confirm order details, and address needs or concerns.

  • Maintain a strong knowledge of the QDOBA menu and catering offerings to answer questions when needed.

Safety & Compliance

  • Follow all traffic laws and drive safely at all times.

  • Maintain a clean driving record and provide updated driver documentation as required.

  • Adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards, including proper holding and transportation temperatures.

Operational Support

  • Assist with catering production, packaging, order staging, and restaurant tasks when not on delivery.

  • Report delivery issues, delays, or customer concerns to the Catering Manager immediately.

  • Keep vehicle clean, organized, and stocked with delivery supplies (e.g., sternos, utensils, napkins).

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old (age requirement may vary by franchise).

  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.

  • Access to a reliable, insured vehicle (if using personal vehicle; franchise may provide vehicle depending on location).

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and carry catering equipment up stairs when needed.

  • Strong time-management skills and reliability.

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Previous delivery, hospitality, restaurant, or catering experience.

  • Familiarity with local traffic patterns and route planning.

  • Strong attention to detail with a guest-first mindset.