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

Potbelly

Restaurant Associate

Aurora, IL · 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 ...

Gordon Food Service

Part Time Food Production

Lansing, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

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 ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Associate

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$15/hr

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 ...

TCA Professional Services

Line cook

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

MidTown Athletic Club

Line cook

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

Midtown Athletic Club

Line cook

Deerfield, IL

$20/hr

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 ...

Aramark

Warehouse Lead Supervisor - SBE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27/hr

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 ...

Aramark

Warehouse Lead Supervisor - SBE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27/hr

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 ...

Aramark

Warehouse Lead Supervisor - SBE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27/hr

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 ...

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All JobsFood Line Associate JobsFood Line Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Food Line Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$20

$45

How much do food line associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Culinary Associate- Monday-Friday Schedule

Deerfield, IL • On-site

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
Traveler Accommodation • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLCexternal

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Quest Food Management Services rating

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Culinary Associate

Love working with food, but ready for a schedule that gives you your life back?

Quest Food Management Services is looking for dependable, energetic Culinary Associate team members to join our school food service team. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen, take pride in preparing quality food, and want a role with no nights, no weekends, no holidays, and summers off, this could be a great fit.

Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available.

What You’ll Do

As a Culinary Associate you’ll help keep our kitchen running smoothly while preparing and serving fresh, quality meals that meet Quest standards. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Preparing and presenting menu items for cafeteria service

  • Following daily preparation lists and recipes to support menu execution

  • Assisting with bulk food preparation and catering preparation

  • Preparing cold items, salads, and grab-and-go offerings

  • Serving guests on the hot food line in a friendly and professional manner

  • Assisting customers and keeping serving lines clean, organized, and well maintained

  • Receiving kitchen deliveries and properly putting away products and supplies

  • Supporting kitchen cleaning and day-to-day operational needs

  • Following all HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and Quest standards

Why Join Quest?

Food service doesn't have to mean nights, weekends, and holidays. At Quest, eligible hourly team members enjoy benefits and perks designed to support both work and life, including:

  • No nights, weekends, or holidays

  • Summers off

  • Career growth and future promotional opportunities

  • Two opportunities for raises each school year, based on company and individual performance

  • Annual shoe credit through Shoes for Crews

  • 8 company-paid holidays

  • Employee referral bonuses with no limit on the number of referrals

  • Payout of unused sick time at the end of each school year

  • Pre-tax commuter benefit

  • 401(k) with company matching

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wisely Pay Card with access to pay up to two days early

  • Discounts on event spaces and catering

Full-time team members are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, and additional voluntary benefits.

About Quest

For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has provided food service management to schools, higher education institutions, corporate dining programs, and event venues. We believe great food and great service start with great people—and we’re committed to creating opportunities for our team members to grow.

Both full-time and part-time Culinary Associate positions are available.

Quest Food Management Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

#QuestFood



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