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Food Service Associate Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Buc-ee's

Deli/Food Service Associate

Richmond, KY · On-site

$25/hr

Prepare Buc-ee's unique food service menu offerings to prescribed recipes and maintain ... Provide responsive communication with store management and fellow associates * Safely and ...

Buc-ee's

Deli/Food Service Associate

Richmond, KY · On-site

$25/hr

Prepare Buc-ee's unique food service menu offerings to prescribed recipes and maintain ... Provide responsive communication with store management and fellow associates * Safely and ...

Baptist Health

Room Service Associate

Lexington, KY · On-site

Summary Room Service Associate Baptist Health Lexington Full Time, First Shift The Food & Nutrition Services team at Baptist Health Lexington plays an important role in supporting patient health and ...

Baptist Health

room service associate

Lexington, KY · On-site

Summary Room Service Associate Baptist Health Lexington Full Time, First Shift The Food & Nutrition Services team at Baptist Health Lexington plays an important role in supporting patient health and ...

Baptist Health

room service associate

Lexington, KY · On-site

Summary Room Service Associate Baptist Health Lexington Full Time, First Shift The Food & Nutrition Services team at Baptist Health Lexington plays an important role in supporting patient health and ...

Baptist Health

Room Service Associate

Lexington, KY · On-site

Summary Room Service Associate Baptist Health Lexington Full Time, First Shift The Food & Nutrition Services team at Baptist Health Lexington plays an important role in supporting patient health and ...

Baptist Health

room service associate

Lexington, KY · On-site

$7.25/hr

Room Service Associates serve as the primary contact between patients and the food service department, ensuring that every meal is delivered with care, compassion, and accuracy. Whether assisting ...

Baptist Health

Room Service Ambassador

Lexington, KY

Summary Room Service Associate Baptist Health Lexington Full Time, First Shift The Food & Nutrition Services team at Baptist Health Lexington plays an important role in supporting patient health and ...

Baptist Health

Room Service Associate

Lexington, KY · On-site

$7.25/hr

Room Service Associates serve as the primary contact between patients and the food service department, ensuring that every meal is delivered with care, compassion, and accuracy. Whether assisting ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Wilmore, KY · On-site

$15/hr

Prior food service experience is preferred, but not required. * Pay Range: $12.00 per hour to $15 ... Associates at Fresh Ideas are offered many fantastic benefits: • Medical • Dental • Vision ...

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All JobsFood Service Associate JobsFood Service Associate Jobs in Lexington, KY

Food Service Associate information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Lexington, KY is $13.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $15.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How to get a food service associate job with no experience?

To get a food service associate job with no experience, focus on demonstrating a positive attitude, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. Entry-level positions often do not require prior experience, but having a basic understanding of food safety and customer service can improve your chances. Volunteering or completing short training programs can also help build relevant skills and improve your resume.

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 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 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.
More about Food Service Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Lexington, KY? The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Lexington, KY are:
What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for Food Service Associate jobs? Cities near Lexington, KY with the most Food Service Associate job openings:
Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,439 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Nicholasville Food Service Associate

double kwik

Nicholasville, KY

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Double Kwik rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Food Service Associate
Department: Retail  Job Status: Full Time/Part Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt  Reports To: Store Manager
Grade/Level: 6  Amount of Travel Required: None
Job Type: Regular  Positions Supervised: None
Work Schedule: Rotating full-time or part-time shift schedule as required by manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Food Service Associate works in support of store management to complete all store-level tasks. This includes cooking, preparing, packaging, and presenting food and other products in a deli or restaurant setting according to existing company policy and procedures. Additional responsibilities include cash register duties, customer service, general housekeeping, and other sales floor functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

  • Greet customers and provide prompt, courteous service.

  • Operate cash registers, including opening/closing, counting money, and balancing drawers.

  • Maintain knowledge of current promotions.

  • Process cash and credit card payments.

  • Assist customers in locating merchandise.

  • Maintain cleanliness of store and restrooms.

  • Perform cigarette counts and maintain logs.

  • Follow company policies for cash handling and alcohol/tobacco sales.

  • Maintain fueling area safety and cleanliness.

  • Replenish supplies at fueling pump islands.

  • Clean beverage and food service equipment.

  • Record waste, perform inventory tasks, and check cooler/freezer temperatures.

  • Clean kitchen equipment and walk-in coolers.

  • Take and record customer orders and compute bills.

  • Stock, clean, rotate, and present food merchandise following FIFO method.

  • Place food items in trays, dishes, or takeout containers.

  • Report any unsafe food handling to management.

  • Prepare shift reports and required documentation.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s)

  • Accuracy – Perform work accurately and thoroughly.

  • Adaptability – Adjust to changes in the workplace.

  • Oral Communication – Speak clearly and effectively with others.

  • Customer Orientation – Serve customer needs while following company procedures.

  • Friendliness – Exhibit a cheerful and approachable demeanor.

  • Integrity – Be truthful and credible in the workplace.

  • Initiative – Take actions to solve problems and reach goals.

  • Organization – Follow a systematic method of task completion.

  • Problem Solving – Address and solve work-related challenges.

  • Reliability – Be dependable and trustworthy.

  • Self-Motivation – Perform tasks with internal drive and initiative.

  • Work Under Pressure – Handle tasks in stressful situations.

SKILLS amp; ABILITIES

Education: High School Diploma or GED (Required)
Experience: 6+ months preferred, but not required
Computer Skills: Basic keyboarding/computer skills preferred
Certifications amp; Licenses: None required

Other Requirements:

  • Must read/write fluent English and communicate clearly.

  • Must be 18 years or older.

  • Employees selling alcohol must be at least 21 years old per state law.

PHYSICAL DEMANDSPhysical ActivityFrequencyStandConstantly ( gt;66%)WalkOccasionally (0–33%)Reach OutwardFrequently (33–66%)Reach Above ShoulderOccasionallyClimbOccasionallySquat/Kneel/BendFrequentlyLift/Carry (0–20 lbs)Frequently–ConstantlyLift/Carry (21–50 lbs)OccasionallyPush/Pull (0–25 lbs)FrequentlyPush/Pull (26–100 lbs)Occasionally

Other: Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Indoor controlled temperature environment, occasional outdoor tasks, regular stocking in walk-in coolers. Possible exposure to gasoline vapors, strong cleaning agents, hot kitchen equipment, and slippery surfaces. PPE is required.

Disclaimer:
This job description outlines essential functions and responsibilities. It is not a complete list of all tasks or expectations. Childers Oil may change or assign duties as needed. This document does not constitute a contract of employment.

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