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

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 ...

BradyPLUS

Food Service Specialist

Glenview, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

General information Name Food Service Specialist Ref # 3571 City Glenview State Illinois Country ... This range represents what the company reasonably expects to pay an associate for this role based ...

New

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 ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$20/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

Lisle, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$16/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Address : Ascension ... We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$17/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Address : St Alexius ... We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.60/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Address : Resurrection ... We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Customer service, working with a POS, food prep, and hot food cooking required. * Perks: Weekend ... Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Prior food service experience preferred. * Perks: Willing to train! * Pay Range: $17.25 per hour to ... We asked some of our associates why they love working for Touchpoint. Click here to see what they ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a part time FOOD SERVICE WORKER position. * Location : School of the ... Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice ...

Compass Group

FOOD SERVICE WORKER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time FOOD SERVICE WORKER positions. * Location : Latin School of ... Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice ...

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

Food Service Associate information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do food service associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service associate in Riverside, IL is $15.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $17.64 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 Riverside, IL?

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

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

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

Food Service Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Associate job openings in Riverside, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,985 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Food Service Associate

Carol Stream Cherry Llc

Carol Stream, IL • On-site

$17/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

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