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Fast Food Associate Jobs in Columbia, TN (NOW HIRING)

SSA Group

Food Service Associate

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural ... Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. * Ideal candidate is a ...

ssagroup

Food Service Associate

Nashville, TN

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural ... Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. * Ideal candidate is a ...

ssagroup

Food Service Associate

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural ... Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. * Ideal candidate is a ...

Vintage Vine 100

Kitchen Associate

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. • Strong ... If you're passionate about food, hospitality, and working with great people, we'd love to meet you.

Vintage Vine 100

Kitchen Associate

Franklin, TN

$17 - $22/hr

Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. * Strong communication ... Maintain a clean, organized workspace while following all food safety and sanitation standards.

Food Lion

PT Cake Decorator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

... fast, friendly, and accurate customer service to create a positive shopping experience • ... all associate and customer accidents in accordance with established Food Lion procedures to the ...

Food Lion

PT Customer Service Leader

Columbia, TN · On-site

... fast, easy, flexible and friendly service to our customers through the achievement of Food Lion ... other associates when customers are present • Ensure store office functions are completed ...

Food Lion

PT Cake Decorator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

... fast, friendly, and accurate customer service to create a positive shopping experience • ... all associate and customer accidents in accordance with established Food Lion procedures to the ...

JRN Inc. - KFC

Food Production

Columbia, TN

$11.25 - $15.50/hr

If you want to build a great career while providing fast, fun and friendly service to our customers ... food to our customers! * Must be at least 16 years of age * Accessibility to dependable and ...

Food Lion

PT Customer Lead

Columbia, TN · On-site

... fast, easy, flexible and friendly service to our customers through the achievement of Food Lion customer service standards. To be friendly, courteous and cooperative with other store associates.

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Fast Food Associate information

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How much do fast food associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for fast food associate in Columbia, TN is $14.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fast food associate?

Fast Food Associates are employees who work in fast food restaurants, handling customer orders, preparing food, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining and kitchen areas. They are often responsible for operating cash registers, stocking supplies, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This role typically requires good communication skills, the ability to work quickly in a team environment, and a friendly attitude. Fast Food Associates may also assist with drive-thru service and follow food safety regulations.

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

To thrive as a Fast Food Associate, you need strong customer service abilities, basic math skills, and the ability to follow food safety guidelines, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food preparation equipment, and health and safety protocols is common. Teamwork, reliability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and a safe, productive work environment.

What are some common challenges fast food associates face during busy shifts, and how can they be managed?

Fast Food Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak hours, with long lines and a fast-paced environment. Managing these challenges involves staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and communicating effectively with team members. Many restaurants provide thorough training and supportive supervisors to help associates build confidence and efficiency. Embracing teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude are key to handling busy periods successfully.

What is the difference between Fast Food Associate vs Cashier?

AspectFast Food AssociateCashier
Primary RolePreparing food, taking orders, maintaining cleanlinessHandling customer transactions, processing payments
Work EnvironmentKitchen, dining area, drive-thruFront counter, register area
Required SkillsCustomer service, multitasking, food safetyCustomer service, basic math, communication
Common EmployersFast food chains, quick-service restaurantsFast food outlets, cafes, convenience stores

Fast Food Associates focus on food preparation and service, while Cashiers primarily handle transactions. Both roles are essential in quick-service settings and often overlap in customer interaction, but their core responsibilities differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fast Food jobs in Columbia, TN?

The most popular types of Fast Food jobs in Columbia, TN are:

What cities near Columbia, TN are hiring for Fast Food Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, TN with the most Fast Food Associate job openings:

Fast Food Associate jobs near you

Food Service Associate

SSA Group

Nashville, TN • On-site

$15/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

SSA Group rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

371st of 739 rated retailers

Job description

Food Service Associate
Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Position Title: Food Service Associate
Reports to: Food Service Supervisor (if applicable) and/or Food Service Operations Manager(s)
Responsibilities
  • Live out 452 Hospitalityby delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.

  • Supports restaurant prep (FOH and line) for daily operation.
  • Meets daily quick service, food service, safety and quality, availability, merchandising and guest service standards.
  • Participates in safety logs including food temperatures, rotation and waste as necessary.
  • Ensures proper uniform, hygiene, hand-washing and glove use with self.
  • Maintains a SSAfe work environment by abiding to all SSAFETY rules.
  • Follows through daily prep and items lists, as assigned.
  • Actively helps to support operation in assigned role, supporting holes as necessary.
  • Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with report to the supervisor to ensure that any potential complaints are mitigate against further occurrence.
  • Communicates up to the Restaurant Supervisor and/or Food Operations Manager in regard to any issues seen with daily service or quality.
  • Remains knowledgeable of all menu items, prices and specials for sharing with guests.
  • Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
  • Maintains a clean, safe and organized work environment.
  • Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
  • Responsibly geared towards presenting a clean and welcome experience for guests through upholding sanitation requirements.

Job Requirements
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ideal candidate is a team player, personable, professional, upbeat and energetic, and takes initiative.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging
  • Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
  • Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
  • Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
  • Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Previous Experience
  • None Required

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Eligible for overtime pay.
  • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
  • Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
  • Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
  • Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
  • Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave
  • Holiday pay of1.5x the regular rateis provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day
  • Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.
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