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Dining Room Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Dining Room Lead

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

The Dining Room Lead supervises and coordinates activities of associates engaged in Sheffield's, Willow's, Briarwood, Herman's and/or Seasons Dining Rooms. Responsible for ensuring satisfaction ...

Dining Room Attendant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated.Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our ...

Dining Room Attendant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$15.75/hr

We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our ...

Dining Room Attendant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated.Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our ...

Dining Room Attendant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated.Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our ...

Work cooperatively with other dining room associates to produce pleasant and efficient dining room operation. * Ability to understand and relate the menu to residents. * Ability to act as liaison ...

Work cooperatively with other dining room associates to produce pleasant and efficient dining room operation. * Ability to understand and relate the menu to residents. * Ability to act as liaison ...

Responsible for Nutrition Operators, Workstation and Wait Staff Associates. * Oversees systems and processes to ensure that the strategic and operational objectives of the Dining on Call service are ...

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Dining Room Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do dining room associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for dining room associate in Chicago, IL is $14.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Dining Room Associate vs Waitstaff?

AspectDining Room AssociateWaitstaff
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; customer service skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food service experience
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, dining hallsRestaurants, catering events
Job DutiesAssisting guests, setting tables, maintaining cleanlinessTaking orders, serving food and drinks, handling payments

Both roles involve customer service in dining settings, but Dining Room Associates typically focus on maintaining the dining area and guest comfort, while Waitstaff actively serve food and beverages. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in the food service industry.

What are some common challenges dining room associates face during peak hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Dining Room Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak dining hours, such as managing multiple tables, responding promptly to guest requests, and maintaining cleanliness. Effective time management, clear communication with kitchen and service staff, and staying organized are crucial for success. Many teams use coordinated systems or digital tools to track orders and service flow, making teamwork and adaptability essential skills for overcoming these challenges.

What is a dining room associate?

Dining Room Associates are staff members responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and overall atmosphere of a restaurant's dining area. Their duties typically include setting and clearing tables, assisting servers, refilling water and other beverages, and ensuring that guests have a pleasant dining experience. They may also help with seating guests and responding to customer requests. Dining Room Associates play a key role in supporting the front-of-house team and ensuring smooth restaurant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dining room associate?

To thrive as a Dining Room Associate, you need strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, reservation software, and basic food safety practices is often required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help create a welcoming dining experience. These skills ensure efficient operations, satisfied guests, and a smooth flow of service in a hospitality environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dining Room jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Dining Room jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Dining Room Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Dining Room Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Dining Room Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,709 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Dining Room Lead

Encore Village

Schaumburg, IL โ€ข On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

) Encore Village of Schaumburg is hiring a Dining Room Lead. The Dining Room Lead supervises and coordinates activities of associates engaged in Sheffield's, Willow's, Briarwood, Herman's and/or Seasons Dining Rooms. Responsible for ensuring satisfaction, consistency, timeliness, quality and efficient service.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential Functions:
โ€ข Responsible for the preparation and service of meals in assigned dining venue, monitoring food quality, portion control, and food temperature.
โ€ข Maintains current diet lists and resident menus before each meal service using menu planning software system.
โ€ข Communicates with the Dietitian regarding nutritional issues with residents.
โ€ข Monitors inventory and restocking of food and supplies on a regular basis.
โ€ข Responsible for the cleanliness of the dining venues and/or pantries as well as the equipment by performing weekly and daily sanitation checks.
โ€ข Monitoring of food selections that it is nutritionally adequate and meets standards of IDPH requirements.
โ€ข Reporting of all hazardous conditions or equipment
โ€ข Reporting of all accidents / incidents
โ€ข Monitors ongoing shift activities
โ€ข Monitors preparation of routine set-up of dining room for next day and/or special holidays
โ€ข Maintains quality level of service
โ€ข Attends meetings as necessary.
โ€ข Assists the Supervisors with department orientation for new associates.
โ€ข Conducts daily pre-shift meetings for review of the day's activities and menu items.
โ€ข Performs food preference interviews with newly admitted residents in Briarwood in accordance to Department Policy & Procedure.
โ€ข Ensures that all menus are professionally presented for residents and guests.
โ€ข Responsible for ensuring all tables are set to standard, prior to seating a table.
โ€ข Assigns tables, meets, greets and seats the residents/guests in a friendly and professional manner in accordance with set standards.
โ€ข Controls the flow of the dining room by ensuring equal distribution of residents throughout the dining room.
โ€ข Maintains full knowledge of menu items and specials.
โ€ข Communicates with residents, guests and co-workers in a friendly and professional manner.
โ€ข Adherence to all sanitation and food handling protocols
โ€ข Adherence to all safety policies & procedures of FVS and regulatory authorities.
โ€ข Maintenance of confidentiality of all pertinent resident information to assure residents' rights and employee confidentiality are protected.
โ€ข Assuring that all dining services protocols and procedures are followed in accordance with established policies.
โ€ข Proper personal appearance and hygiene according to established procedures.
โ€ข Attendance and participation in in-service training programs.
โ€ข Reporting of all hazardous conditions or equipment
โ€ข Reporting of all accidents / incidents
โ€ข Reports any maintenance problems or other problem areas to supervisor.
โ€ข Maintains full knowledge of service standards.
โ€ข Assists servers on floor if needed.
โ€ข Maintains the cleanliness of the storage areas, tools, equipment, carts and other areas/items as directed by Supervisor or Manager on duty.
โ€ข Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the manager. Tasks and responsibilities may be added or revised based on the volume of business and the need for the work to be completed at the present time.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical Activities:
  • Constantly standing, walking, talking, hearing, reaching with hands and arms, tasting, and smelling.
  • Frequently bending, squatting, reaching, feeling, grasping, crouching, crawling, and kneeling.
  • Occasionally sitting, twisting, climbing stairs, ladders, or other climbing or balancing.

Range of Motion:
  • Constantly being able to move from shoulder and above; waist to shoulder; and waist and below.

Weight Lifting Requirements:
  • Being able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Vision Requirements:
  • Frequently looking at a computer monitor, utilizing peripheral and depth perception, and have the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Exposure:
  • Constantly being exposed to chemical hazards.
  • Occasionally being exposed to body fluids/blood and required to operate equipment.

qualifications/requirements:
Experience:
  • 1-2 years in large volume Dining Venue required

Education:
  • High school or GED

Certification:
  • ServeSafe Certified
  • Bassett Certified

(or will obtain upon hore as needed)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
โ€ข Good communication skills; must be able to demonstrate effective reading, writing, speaking and analytical skills.
โ€ข Must be a detail oriented person and be able to perform duties with great accuracy each day.
โ€ข Must demonstrate computer proficiency skills.
โ€ข Must be able to work overtime, holidays, weekends as assigned.
โ€ข Must be able to interface with people at all levels and with residents in a positive and professional manner.
Other Qualifications:
โ€ข Knowledge of sanitation, food borne illness, and cross-contamination policies and procedures
โ€ข Full understanding and use of H.A.C.C.P. protocols
โ€ข Full understanding of dining room operational procedures and etiquette
โ€ข Full understanding of proper small wares handling
โ€ข Full understanding of residents' rights
โ€ข Full understanding of departmental policies & procedures
This organization does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of ancestry, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, military status, veteran status, or disability. No question on the application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination. This application will be given every consideration, however its receipt does not imply employment for the applicant.