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Food Service Associate Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

Circle K Stores, Inc.

Food Captain

Nisswa, MN · On-site

Train, teach and coach store associates on Food execution, production, replenishment, ordering, organization, sanitization and customer service * Be the go-to person in store for employees with ...

Grand View Lodge

Server Assistant

Nisswa, MN · On-site

Our resorts provide an array of services including accommodations, golf, spa food & beverage ... Our associate journey begins and ends with a positive work environment and experience for our team.

Panera Bread

Team Manager

Baxter, MN

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Make sure every guest is delighted by the quality of our food, service, and staff. * Build engaging ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Team Manager

Baxter, MN · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Make sure every guest is delighted by the quality of our food, service, and staff. * Build engaging ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Panera Bread

Team Manager

Baxter, MN

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Make sure every guest is delighted by the quality of our food, service, and staff. * Build engaging ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

The Salvation Army

Thrift Store Associate

Brainerd, MN · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

... services and pastoral care, the Corps provides short- and long-term case management, food and ... The Thrift Store Associate plays a key role in creating a positive experience for both customers ...

Dollar General

SALES ASSOCIATE in MOTLEY, MN S17530

Motley, MN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Every day. ® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks ... Provide excellent customer service, greet and assist customers. * Operate cash register and scanner ...

Dollar General

SALES ASSOCIATE in PILLAGER, MN S16370

Pillager, MN · On-site

$14.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Every day. ® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks ... Provide excellent customer service, greet and assist customers. * Operate cash register and scanner ...

Dollar General

SALES ASSOCIATE in GARRISON, MN S17764

Garrison, MN · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Every day. ® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks ... Provide excellent customer service, greet and assist customers. * Operate cash register and scanner ...

Dollar General

SALES ASSOCIATE in GARRISON, MN S17764

Garrison, MN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Every day. ® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks ... Provide excellent customer service, greet and assist customers. * Operate cash register and scanner ...

Dollar General

SALES ASSOCIATE in MOTLEY, MN S17530

Motley, MN

$13 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Every day. ® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks ... Provide excellent customer service, greet and assist customers. * Operate cash register and scanner ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Brainerd, MN

Food Service Associate information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Brainerd, MN is $15.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service associate?

A food service associate usually works in a school, park, or within a business center to ensure the food served meets health safety codes. Your daily duties include greeting guests, answering questions, and providing quality customer service. In this career, companies expect you to understand proper cash handling procedures and the ability to work a register. A food service associate must prepare food with health and safety standards in mind. For food service associates working in a school, you must understand the health needs of children and work within those restraints. A job as a food service associate can lead to a fulfilling career in the culinary arts.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Associate, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety regulations, and preferably a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Excellent customer service, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and compliance with health standards in food service environments.

What are some common challenges a food service associate might face during busy meal periods, and how can they effectively manage them?

During peak meal times, Food Service Associates often face challenges such as long lines, high customer volume, and the need to maintain quality service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized at the workstation are crucial for handling these busy periods. Being proactive, such as prepping ingredients in advance and anticipating customer needs, can also help ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Food Service Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Service AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsNone required or basic food safety certificationTypically similar; may require food safety training
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets
Employer UsageCommonly used in healthcare, schools, and hospitalityWidespread in food service establishments
Job DutiesCustomer service, food prep, servingFood prep, serving, cleaning

Both roles involve food handling and customer service, often with overlapping duties. The term "Food Service Associate" is frequently used in healthcare and institutional settings, emphasizing customer interaction and food service tasks, while "Food Service Worker" is more common in fast food and casual dining environments. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right opportunities in the food service industry.

More about Food Service Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Brainerd, MN?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Brainerd, MN are:

What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Brainerd, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,099 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Food Captain

Circle K Stores, Inc.

Nisswa, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Circle K rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 1,360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 47 rated convenience stores

Job description

Store 2746166: 4917 County Rd 77, PO Box 13, Nisswa, Minnesota 56468
Shift Availability
Days (Weekdays + Weekend Availability Required)
Time Type
Full time
ACCOUNTABILITIES
  • Food Category expert in store
  • Ensures all food operational execution in store are followed to maximize sales and reduce waste.
  • Train, teach and coach store associates on Food execution, production, replenishment, ordering, organization, sanitization and customer service
  • Be the go-to person in store for employees with questions connected to food products and services
  • Plan and execute food sampling for employees and customers
  • Conduct and lead in store training, for store employees and operation teams on all new Foodservice programs, modeling an established train the trainer program
  • Follow up with and conduct refresher training activities for store employees as needed
  • Ensure foodservice areas are stocked and food rotated using FIFO method of food rotation
  • Food items are displayed using current Planogram provided by your Business Unit
  • Order or assist in ordering the food products to lower Out Of Stocks and improve Shrink
  • Monitor shrink while improving sales, to maximize foodservice profit
  • Identify, suggest, train, and continuously collaborate with BUQAS training personnel, ensuring that the manager and store employee Foodservice training programs are delivered
  • Food safety practices and procedures
  • Conduct needs analysis and provide recommended actions based on BUQAS visits
  • Operate within budgeted expectations

EDUCATION
  • High school diploma or equivalate
  • Education/instructional, or equivalent retail training experience
  • Leading or supervisory experience desired

EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum 2 years experience working in Fast Moving Consumer Goods retail and/or Foodservice industry
  • Experience in training, leadership, team building
  • Skills in collaboration, cooperation, communication and organization
  • Food Manager Certification, Approved certifications include ServSafe and NRFSP
  • Strong communication skills in English, both verbally and written. French skills in Quebec Provinces
  • Customer service-oriented / excellent customer service skills
  • Consistently delivering within deadlines
  • Communicates effectively (written and oral) with customers, management, associates, and vendors

Hiring Range: $15.50 to $20.50
Circle K is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) and all state and local disability laws. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the ADA and certain state or local laws as long as it does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. Please inform the Company's Human Resources Representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Click below to review information about our company's use of the federal E-Verify program to check work eligibility:
In English
In Spanish

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About Circle K

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Circle K Stores are owned by Alimentation Couche-Tard, the largest convenience store operator in Canada. We are recognized for our strong food service brands, Simply Great Coffee, and of course our icy cold, flavour abundant Frosters. Our innovative store design and merchandising is second to none.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tempe, AZ, US

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