ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Food Service Associate Jobs in Elmhurst, IL (NOW HIRING)

Carol Stream Cherry Llc

Be Seen First

Food Service Associate

Carol Stream, IL

$17/hr

Job Summary: We're looking for a dependable Food Service Associate to join our team. The ideal candidate can multitask in a fast-paced environment while providing great customer service. Duties ...

Carol Stream Cherry Llc

Be Seen First

Food Service Associate

Carol Stream, IL

$17/hr

Job Summary: We're looking for a dependable Food Service Associate to join our team. The ideal candidate can multitask in a fast-paced environment while providing great customer service. Duties ...

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 attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Previous food service and cafe experience preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range: $17.00 ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Speedway LLC

Food Service Specialist

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$3.2K/wk

We're looking for associates who enjoy interacting with people and working in a fast-paced ... Food Service Specialist * Excellent customer service skills, communication skills, and a happy ...

Speedway LLC

Food Service Specialist

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$3.2K/wk

We're looking for associates who enjoy interacting with people and working in a fast-paced ... Food Service Specialist * Excellent customer service skills, communication skills, and a happy ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.83/hr

Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Elmhurst, IL

Food Service Associate information

See Elmhurst, IL salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Elmhurst, IL is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $17.50 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 Elmhurst, IL?

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

What cities near Elmhurst, IL are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs?

Cities near Elmhurst, IL with the most Food Service Associate job openings:

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Elmhurst, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,675 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Carol Stream Cherry Llc

Carol Stream, IL

$17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Job Summary:

We’re looking for a dependable Food Service Associate to join our team. The ideal candidate can multitask in a fast-paced environment while providing great customer service.

Duties include:

Making hot sandwiches and serving food

Prepping food for daily service

Operating the register/POS system

Cleaning and maintaining the kitchen, restrooms, and gaming/customer areas

Following food safety and cleanliness standards

Requirements:

Ability to multitask and stay organized

Willingness to clean and maintain work areas

Friendly attitude and strong work ethic

Food service or register experience preferred, but not required

Flexible scheduling available. Training provided.

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • On-the-job training
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Shift availability:

  • Day Shift (Required)
  • Night Shift (Required)
  • Overnight Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

  • West Chicago, IL 60185 (Required)

Work Location: In person