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Food Line Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Associate

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to ... Restock food line, chips and cooler. * Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep ...

Restaurant Associate

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$15 - $16/hr

A Company Associate's job is to delight customers with great food and good vibes. Since they are ... Restock food line, chips and cooler. * Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep ...

Part Time Food Production

Lansing, IL ยท On-site

$16 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Part Time Food Production Associate you bring fun into our store! No 2 days are ever the same ... line. All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free. Gordon Food Service is a drug-free ...

Warehouse Lead Supervisor - SBE

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors the activities of the commissary to ensure a smooth flow of food and supplies to Amtrak ... Supervises the activities of each front-line associate during their shift. * Provides guidance to ...

Warehouse Lead Supervisor - SBE

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors the activities of the commissary to ensure a smooth flow of food and supplies to Amtrak ... Supervises the activities of each front-line associate during their shift. * Provides guidance to ...

Warehouse Lead Supervisor - SBE

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors the activities of the commissary to ensure a smooth flow of food and supplies to Amtrak ... Supervises the activities of each front-line associate during their shift. * Provides guidance to ...

Warehouse Lead Supervisor - SBE

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitors the activities of the commissary to ensure a smooth flow of food and supplies to Amtrak ... Supervises the activities of each front-line associate during their shift. * Provides guidance to ...

Food Service - Associate

Brookfield, IL ยท On-site

$15/hr

  • Retirement

Food Service Associate Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural ... Supports restaurant prep (FOH and line) for daily operation. * Meets daily quick service, food ...

Line cook

Deerfield, IL ยท On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We offer full-time associates benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, 401K PTO/ Sick time ... Quickly and efficiently preparing food orders with pride * Follow established recipes and ...

Line cook

Deerfield, IL

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We offer full-time associates benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, 401K PTO/ Sick time ... Quickly and efficiently preparing food orders with pride * Follow established recipes and ...

Line cook

Deerfield, IL ยท On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We offer full-time associates benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, 401K PTO/ Sick time ... Quickly and efficiently preparing food orders with pride * Follow established recipes and ...

Line Cook

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

They help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. The optimum Line Cook is skilled ... by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable ...

Line Cook

Naperville, IL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

They help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. The optimum Line Cook is skilled ... by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

They help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. The optimum Line Cook is skilled ... by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

They help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. The optimum Line Cook is skilled ... by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable ...

Line Cook

Vernon Hills, IL ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

They help prepare and maintain assigned par levels of food items. The optimum Line Cook is skilled ... by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable ...

Ensure food quality, safety, and sanitation standards are met. * Maintain a clean and organized ... Benefits for eligible full-time associates, including: * Affordable employee medical coverage

PM Line Cook

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$16/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure food quality, safety, and sanitation standards are met. * Maintain a clean and organized ... Benefits for eligible full-time associates, including: * Affordable employee medical coverage

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Showing results 1-20

Food Line Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$20

$45

How much do food line associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food line associate in Chicago, IL is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $18.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Line Associate vs Food Production Worker?

AspectFood Line AssociateFood Production Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFood service lines, fast-paced kitchensFactories, food processing plants
Industry UsageRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringFood manufacturing, processing plants
Job FocusPreparing and serving food on a lineAssembling, packaging, or processing food products

The main difference between a Food Line Associate and a Food Production Worker lies in their work environment and focus. Food Line Associates typically work directly in food service settings, preparing and serving food, while Food Production Workers operate in manufacturing plants, focusing on processing and packaging food products. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different parts of the food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food line associate?

To thrive as a Food Line Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding teamwork, time management, and customer service skills help you stand out in this fast-paced environment. These competencies ensure efficient food preparation, adherence to safety standards, and a positive dining experience for customers.

What is a food line associate?

Food Line Associates are employees who work in the food service industry, typically in cafeterias, restaurants, or grocery store delis. They are responsible for preparing, assembling, and serving food to customers, ensuring food safety and cleanliness standards are met. Their duties may also include restocking supplies, handling customer requests, and maintaining a clean work area. Food Line Associates play a key role in providing efficient and friendly service, contributing to a positive dining experience for customers.

What are some common challenges faced by food line associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Food Line Associates often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, maintaining high food safety standards, and managing multiple orders simultaneously. Effective communication with team members and staying organized are key to handling these demands. Adhering to standardized procedures and actively seeking feedback can help improve efficiency and reduce errors, ultimately ensuring a positive dining experience for customers.
What are popular job titles related to Food Line Associate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Food Line Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Line Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Food Line Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Associate

Department/Function: Operations

Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop

Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager

Part-Time - Nonexempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A Company Associate's job is to delight customers with great food and good vibes. Since they are the primary point of customer contact, it is up to them to provide our customers an excellent experience by providing fast, friendly and efficient service and by delivering a quality and consistent product every time, in a clean and inviting environment.

FOCUS

Essential

  • Demonstrate and reinforce Company's Behaviors and Values- Great Food, Good Vibes, Achievement, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, Community and Belonging
  • Familiarity with the Potbelly brand and its products
  • Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream, etc.) efficiently per Company recipe manual standards.
  • Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety of shop.
  • Maintain personal hygiene standards, including wearing clean Company uniform.
  • Comply with established food safety requirements and practices.
  • Comply with shop security and safety standards.
  • Be speedy and accurate in fulfilling orders.
  • Handle raw and finished waste according to established procedures.
  • Delight customers
  • Engage in friendly conversation with customers in line.
  • Act with a sense of urgency toward all customers in shop.

Other Key Functions

  • Restock food line, chips and cooler.
  • Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep, front) as directed by Manager or Shift Leader
  • Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement.
  • Prepare meats and cheeses for different sandwiches.
  • If 18 or older, uses and cleans the automatic slicer & manual chicken slicer to prep food items.
  • Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash.
  • Operate cash register: handle, balance and follow all cash handling procedures.
  • Effectively handle customer complaints/issues.
  • Take delivery/catering/pickup orders over the phone.
  • Others duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

  • Ability to stand/walk a minimum of 5 hours or as needed.
  • Must be able to exert well-paced and frequent mobility for periods of up to 3 hours or as needed.
  • Be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Will frequently reach, feel, bend, stoop, carry, finely manipulate and key in data.
  • Able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors (95%) and outdoors (5%).
  • Must be able to tolerate higher levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic.
  • Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS

  • Must represent Company Values.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • For Illinois employees, all employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employment. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment.
  • Must be friendly and customer service-oriented.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Must possess neat and clean hygiene.
  • Ability to handle a knife confidently.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and have a sense of urgency.
  • Ability to work as a team-player.
  • Ability to comprehend and communicate in English via verbal and written communication, such that employee can perform his or her job responsibilities.
  • Must demonstrate leadership behaviors and values that align with Company.

You are applying to work with a franchisee of Potbelly Corporate. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who set own terms of employment, including wage and benefit programs, which can vary between franchisees.