ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Service Assistant Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Norridge, IL

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Schiller Park, IL

$15 - $19/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Norridge, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

Denny's

Dishwasher/Service Assistant

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

At Denny's, you can be yourself, relax and enjoy delicious food at any time of the day. Come as you are and be a part of our team! Overview : As a Service Assistant at Denny's, you will play a ...

S&C

Food Service

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.50/hr

As a Food Service function, you'll be crucial in ensuring smooth operations and supporting our diverse team. S&C's Food Service Department is "self-operated," meaning that the company's two ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsFood Service JobsFood Service Assistant JobsFood Service Assistant Jobs in Riverside, IL

Food Service Assistant information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$9

$16

$25

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Riverside, IL is $16.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $18.37 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 Riverside, IL?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Riverside, IL are:

What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Riverside, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,986 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Food Service Cashier/Cold Lunch Cook

Suburban Cook County Online Application Consortium

Lyons, IL • On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

JOB TITLE:Food Service Cashier/Cold Lunch Cook

LOCATION: Columbia Central School

SUPERVISOR:Food Service Director

FLSA Status:Non-exempt

Union/Non-Union:    Non-Union

JOB SUMMARY:

We are currently seeking a Food Service Cashier/Catering  for Steger School District #194. We are seeking someone who is outgoing, organized, resourceful, has great initiative and is a dedicated team player. This position is responsible for assisting the facility Food Service Director in all aspects of food service operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Prepare all cold lunch items to be served on the lunch line. 
  • Fill any items as needed during breakfast and lunch service.
  • Assist with daily food preparation within an established production schedule following standardized recipes, preparation, and serving methods.
  • Exhibit knowledge of operation of all equipment in the kitchen.
  • Identify serving utensils, temperature, and correct portion size for serving.
  • Ensure product is cooked and held at proper temperature for higher quality food attainable.
  • Follow accepted procedures for operating, cleaning, and caring for large equipment and small equipment.
  • Maintain high standards of sanitation in compliance to Health Department Regulations.
  • Maintain high personal hygiene as the basis for sanitation in the kitchen.
  • Maintain high standards of safety in the kitchen.
  • Responsible for storage and handling of foods; work with manager on maintaining organized inventory and storage; communicate product needs to director.
  • Report maintenance needs or equipment malfunction to the Food Service Director.
  • Perform major cleaning at regularly scheduled Intervals as designated.
  • Run the cash register at breakfast and lunch. 
  • In professional responsibilities:
    • Responsible for working in a courteous and cooperative manner.
    • Demonstrate ability to deal fairly and pleasantly with students.
    • Occasional travel to various school locations required.
    • Utilizes time efficiently and productively.


ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Additional tasks as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: The role requires frequent sitting, walking, standing, and the ability to lift 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment is generally stable, with minimal exposure to unusual temperatures, noise, or hazards. The position requires extended and non-traditional hours to fulfill job duties, as well as participation in organization-sponsored events and meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Computer skills including knowledge of Excel, Word, and Google. 
  • Strong culinary, customer service, communication, teambuilding, and organizational skills required. 
  • 2-4 years' experience in food service production 

LICENSES/CREDENTIAL: 

  • Illinois Managers License or ServSafe recommended.
    • We can assist with ServSafe Certification

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

  • Work year ten months (177 days)
  • Seven hours per day 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
  • Twelve paid sick days 
  • Four paid personal days  
  • Yearly vacation days as stated in Policy 5:330. 
  • Salary and insurance as negotiated

EVALUATION: The performance of this role is evaluated according to the Board's policy on evaluating professional personnel by the Food Service Director.

 






Apply