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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Ripley, TN (NOW HIRING)

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Newbern, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Covington, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Arlington, TN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Dyersburg, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Covington, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Caruthersville, MO · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Dyersburg, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Dyersburg, TN

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Newbern, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Atoka, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Millington, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Millington, TN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Arlington, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Dyersburg, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Dyersburg, TN

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Arlington, TN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic

Assistant Manager

Alamo, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Alamo, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Dyersburg, TN · On-site

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

Sonic Drive-In

Assistant Manager

Millington, TN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry ... Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service ...

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Food Service Assistant information

See Ripley, TN salary details

$8

$14

$21

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Ripley, TN is $14.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.69 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service assistant?

A food service assistant helps with the planning, preparing, and serving of meals in a restaurant or other organization that serves food. They may work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Job duties may include planning meals, preparing food, delivering food to customers, managing stock, maintaining supplies, cleaning the kitchen and service areas, and running the cash register. There are no educational requirements to become a food service assistant, but many vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in the food service industry. Some state their food service careers in this entry-level position and seek promotions as they gain experience.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, maintain food safety standards, and deliver a positive dining experience for customers.

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

Food Service Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. One common challenge is handling peak meal times while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized, adhering to hygiene protocols, and being adaptable to sudden changes—like menu adjustments or special dietary requests—are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Food Service Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, dining areasKitchen, food prep areas
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Common Search IntentCustomer service, serving foodFood prep, cleaning

While both roles support food service operations, a Food Service Assistant primarily interacts with customers and serves food, often requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Kitchen Helper focuses on food prep and kitchen cleaning tasks without direct customer contact. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What skills do you need to be a food service assistant?

A food service assistant needs strong communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers and team members. They should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and often require basic math skills for handling transactions and inventory. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are also important.
More about Food Service Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Ripley, TN?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Ripley, TN are:

What cities near Ripley, TN are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ripley, TN with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Ripley, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,592 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Assistant Manager

Sonic Drive-In

Newbern, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Sonic Drive-In rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 1,626 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

There are two kinds of people in this world: SONIC employees and those who wish they were SONIC employees. This elite group gets to work with awesome people, earn great pay, and sport the cool uniform. 

Being an Assistant Manager at a SONIC Drive-In restaurant is the cherry on top of a Strawberry Banana Split Molten Cake Sundae. You’ll assist the drive-in restaurant’s General Manager in managing drive-in operations. You will also be involved in training and supporting other employees to ensure we provide quality food in a clean, safe and efficient manner. We want every guest to have an enjoyable dining experience every time they come to SONIC. 

Basic job duties for the drive-in restaurant’s Assistant Manager include:

  • Manages, trains, monitors and coaches Team / Crew Members, Carhops and Skating Carhops
  • Directs and assigns drive-in restaurant employees as needed to ensure all aspects of food service meet operational standards
  • Adheres to and monitors employee compliance of the drive-in restaurant employee handbook, policies and practices
  • Performs restaurant opening and/or closing duties
  • Monitors and makes appropriate adjustments to staffing levels, inventory levels and food cost control 
  • Completes weekly inventory as needed
  • Assists in administrative duties including maintaining files, records and all required documentation
  • Reinforces a customer service mentality and ensures all employees are focused on serving the customer at all times. 
  • Immediately and respectfully responds to guest requests. Reports guest complaints to immediate supervisor and assists in resolving such complaints.

Requirements:

SONIC Drive-In Assistant Manager Requirements:

  • Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays
  • General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations required
  • Minimum of six months of restaurant management experience (QSR) or one year entry level retail management experience required. Experience running shifts without supervision
  • Effective communication skills; basic math, reading and computer skills
  • Ability to follow directions and work with autonomy once given directions; ability to multi-task and successfully solve problems
  • Willingness to abide by the appearance, uniform and hygiene standards at SONIC

Additional SONIC Drive-In Assistant Manager Qualifications…

  • Friendly and smiling faces that enjoy providing courteous food service to our guests!
  • Professional individuals who value people and demonstrate respect for others!
  • A team player willing to meet and exceed drive-in goals and objectives.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and lead team members.
  • Dedicated individuals with a proven track record of building sales, creative marketing, expense management and developing people into successful teams.

Sure, classic cars and vintage threads may be things of the past, but the Sonic Drive-In experience will always be groovy, right on, awesome, wicked, fab, the bee’s knees, cruisin’ . . . you get the picture!  It’s downright sensational!! 

All that’s missing is you, so APPLY TODAY!

SONIC and its independent franchise owners are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Here at SONIC Drive-in, our priority isn’t just great service, it’s great experiences. Whether you’re coming for a Cherry Limeade on your lunch break or picking up Shakes with your team after a big win, we’re ready for you. That’s why our drive-in makes your burgers with 100% pure beef patties, prepares hand-made onion rings, and serves real ice cream. Carhops deliver orders with a smile because “This is How We SONIC”. Download the SONIC app and order your favorites to enjoy exclusive perks and offers, including half price drinks and slushes any time. Stop by to treat yourself today!

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