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Catering Associate Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu presentation, and customer service. * Tracks ... and monitors the labor and food cost for each event. * Communicates on various levels to include ...

Catering Coordinator

New York, NY · On-site

$31.25 - $32.22/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

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Catering Associate information

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How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Ridgewood, NJ is $16.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $17.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a catering associate do?

A catering associate serves food and drinks to customers at special events hosted by a catering company, such as a party or wedding. As a catering associate, your job duties include taking guests’ orders, maintaining the buffets, and refilling beverages. Although you do not need formal education to become a catering associate, the position typically requires on-the-job training and excellent customer service skills. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience and multi-tasking ability. You may also obtain a certificate or associate degree in catering to help advance your career in the foodservice industry.

What is a catering associate?

Catering Associates are professionals who assist with the preparation, setup, and service of food and beverages for events such as meetings, parties, or large gatherings. Their responsibilities typically include arranging tables, setting up buffets, serving guests, and ensuring that food safety standards are met. They may also help with the cleanup after events and coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service. Catering Associates play a key role in creating a positive experience for event attendees by providing efficient and friendly service.

What is the difference between Catering Associate vs Catering Server?

AspectCatering AssociateCatering Server
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with event setup, food preparation, and customer serviceServing food and beverages, attending to guests, and clearing tables
Required SkillsCustomer service, teamwork, basic food handlingCustomer service, food handling, communication skills
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, catering companies, outdoor eventsEvent venues, banquets, private parties
CertificationsFood safety certification often preferredFood safety certification often required

While both roles involve working in catering settings, Catering Associates typically assist with event setup and food prep, whereas Catering Servers focus on serving guests and attending to their needs during events. Both positions require customer service skills and food safety knowledge, but their specific duties differ based on the event stage and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by catering associates during large events and how can they be managed?

Catering Associates often face challenges such as managing time-sensitive food service, handling last-minute changes to event details, and ensuring all dietary requirements are met. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate closely with the kitchen and event coordinators, and maintain flexibility in responding to guests' needs. Developing strong teamwork and problem-solving skills can help Catering Associates navigate these situations smoothly and ensure a positive experience for clients and guests.

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

To thrive as a Catering Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience in food service or hospitality, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with food safety standards, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you manage client needs and collaborate with colleagues effectively. These skills ensure seamless event execution and high customer satisfaction in a fast-paced catering environment.

Are catering associate jobs stressful?

Catering associate jobs can be stressful during busy events or peak hours due to the need to coordinate food service, manage time efficiently, and handle customer interactions. The job often requires multitasking, working under pressure, and maintaining a professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Ridgewood, NJ?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:

What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Catering Associate job openings:

CATERING MANAGER - NEW YORK, NY

Eurest

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Eurest Services rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Position Title: CATERING MANAGER - NEW YORK, NY 

Salary: 80000 - 85000

As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities. We feed the employees of the nation's largest and most-prestigious companies -- in every state and across all industries. As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more.

Our company is innovative, high performing and fast growing. Our teammates are enthusiastic, committed to quality and thrive on consistently delivering unparalleled results. And did we mention we work with exciting companies and at interesting locations? Come grow your career with Eurest.

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary

As a Catering Manager, you will be responsible for managing the Catering Department in all duties including training new associates, overseeing event set-ups, and directing any temporary personnel in addition to their everyday assignments. You will ensure proper service to clients during events, including proper set-up, cleaning, and breakdown procedures.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Supervises all catering events.
  • Involved in catering events operations, including logistics, quality improvement, sanitation, and all facility-related activities.  
  • Works with the Chef in creating menus.
  • Trains catering associates in service techniques, menu presentation, and customer service.
  • Tracks and monitors the labor and food cost for each event.
  • Communicates on various levels to include management, client, customer and associate levels; maintains excellent client relationships.
  • Assists in the responsibility for all foodservice-related activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • 2 years of food service experience including 1 year at the management level.
  • Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or related food service operations.
  • Catering experience is required.
  • Some knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation.
  • Financial, budgetary, accounting and computational skills.
  • Proficient computer skills and knowledge of MS Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet.
  • ServSafe Certification.

Apply to Eurest today!

Eurest is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026_Wage-Transparency_Eurest.pdf 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Eurest maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.


What Eurest Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Eurest

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eurest is recognized worldwide for standards of service and excellence within the foodservice industry. Embracing an ownership mindset, Eurest leverages global resources, promotes a local presence and enriches the communities we serve. The Eurest Promise, "connect with people, inspire through food, create solutions, and live our promise," is exemplified throughout our organization. Eurest is proud to serve the world's most respected successful corporations, including many of the Fortune 500.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1996

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