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Catering Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Rochester, NY

$17 - $20.25/hr

And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Catering Lead

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

And much, much more! As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

HRI Hospitality

Assistant Director of Sales

Hilton, NY · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Pay Range: $75,000.00-$115,000.00The Associate Director of Sales is responsible for supporting the DOSM or DOS with the day to day leadership and management of the sales and catering team, to include ...

Spa at the Del Monte

Banquet Server

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$16/hr

Become part of our family and see why so many of our associates have made DelMonte Hotel Group their career home. Contact us today - we're waiting to hear from you! Job Responsibilities As a Catering ...

DelMonte Hotel Group

Banquet Server

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$16/hr

Become part of our family and see why so many of our associates have made DelMonte Hotel Group their career home. Contact us today - we're waiting to hear from you! Job Responsibilities As a Catering ...

Highland Hospital

Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Supervision of kitchen, production, dish room, catering functions, Deli, Coffeehouse and cafeteria ... Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or an equivalent combination of education and supervisory ...

Fleet Feet

Retail Sales Associate

Victor, NY · On-site

$16/hr

Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it's a privilege to serve and to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer.

Fleet Feet

Retail Sales Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16/hr

Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it's a privilege to serve and remain committed to delivering unmatched service and support when ...

Farmhouse Table LLC

Cafe Line Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

... catering/large production kitchen. · Associates degree or equivalent experience preferred. · Ability to work in a team environment and give/receive feedback to increase skillset and drive ...

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Catering Associate information

See Rochester, NY salary details

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How much do catering associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for catering associate in Rochester, NY is $16.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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 the positions in catering?

In catering, common positions include Catering Assistant, Catering Server, Banquet Server, Catering Supervisor, and Catering Manager. These roles involve food service, event setup, customer interaction, and coordination, often requiring teamwork and communication skills. Certifications like food safety may be beneficial for some positions.

What is the highest position in catering associate?

The highest position for a catering associate typically is a Catering Supervisor or Catering Manager, responsible for overseeing event operations, managing staff, and coordinating client services. Advancement often requires experience, leadership skills, and sometimes relevant certifications in hospitality or food service management.

What qualifications does a catering associate need?

A catering associate typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent and strong customer service skills. Prior experience in food service or hospitality is often preferred, and knowledge of food safety standards and basic food handling is beneficial. Certifications such as ServSafe may be required or advantageous depending on the employer.
More about Catering Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Catering jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Catering jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Catering Associate jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Catering Associate job openings:

Catering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catering Associate job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,411 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Catering Lead

Panera Bread

Rochester, NY

$17 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Panera Bread rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,456 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 16 rated cafes

Job description

At Panera, our people come first. If you're looking for a place where you can grow, feel supported, be yourself, enjoy great perks, and have a little fun along the way—you're in the right spot. We're here to help you succeed every day, in every way.

Get ready to rise and come join the fun where you will be a part of making the familiar fantastic!  Because at Panera, the best thing of bread is sharing it!

What’s In It for You?

  • Competitive pay & eligible for team tips
  • Free on-shift meals & unlimited fountain beverages
  • Flexible & reliable scheduling
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays for full-time team members
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance & 401(k) with match available
  • Career advancement & leadership development opportunities
  • Tuition discounts
  • Perks & rewards for team members
  • Team member assistance program
  • And much, much more!

As a Catering Lead at Panera, you play a crucial role in our catering operations. You help guests plan and choose delicious, familiar and fantastic Panera dishes for their events, respond to their inquiries and requirements, and guarantee hassle-free hosting with craveable food delivered promptly and accurately.

As a Catering Lead at Panera, Your Role Includes:

  • Manage and produce catering orders for our guests.
  • Create memorable experiences with warm, friendly service, effective communication, and proactive follow-ups to ensure every guest leaves satisfied.
  • Assist with delivering orders to guests’ events. 
  • Strictly adhere to health and food safety standards.
  • Maintain Panera’s exceptional standards for craveable food quality.
  • Build excitement and interest in Panera’s products and services.
  • 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.

This Opportunity Is for You If:

  • Minimum age: 18 years of age.
  • Complete basic food safety understanding and practice training.  (Food Handler’s Card, as required by law).
  • Enjoy people and have effective communication skills. 
  • A self-starter who can meet goals with limited supervision.
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
  • Must have your own vehicle that you can use for delivering orders and an acceptable driving record.
  • This role requires flexible hours, including nights and weekends in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
    • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects 25-50 pounds.
    • Capability to stand and walk for up to 3 hours.
    • Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates’ directions in a loud environment.
  • Be an ambassador of our Guiding Values and Behaviors by making people smile, learning and growing together, finding solutions and taking initiative, working (and winning) as a team, having fun and celebrating success, and seeing the best in others!

__

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans


Additional Description :

Competitive pay: $17.00 - $20.25

What Panera Bread employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Panera Bread

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm. While our business has expanded well beyond St. Louis since then, that same sourdough starter is still used in our iconic sourdough bread and the craft of baking bread fresh each day remains at the heart of Panera Bread. Each day our trained bakers fill our bakery shelves with delicious freshly baked cookies, pastries, bagels, and a range of breads from focaccia to classic baguettes. We believe in serving delicious, freshly prepared, Clean food made with carefully selected ingredients that we are proud to serve our own families. Our menu, crafted by chefs and bakers, features classic, comforting dishes, each with an intriguing twist. We respect our planet and take measures to lessen our impacts. We believe in treating people with warmth, kindness, and respect, whether it’s a guest in our cafe or one of our associates. And we believe in helping our local communities, especially in times of need.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1981

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