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Food Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Food Service Associate

Oliver Springs, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Gray, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Morristown, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Vansant, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Rogersville, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Etowah, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Hazard, KY · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Hixson, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Louisa, KY · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Morristown, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Winchester, TN · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Big Stone Gap, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

Food Service Associate

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities. Qualifications: * Must be 18 years of age or older * Food Service experience a plus, but not ...

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Food Service information

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$9

$16

$21

How much do food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Qualifications Do You Need for Food Service Jobs?

Most food service jobs provide on-the-job training, so you don’t need many qualifications before starting work. Some employers prefer you to have a high school diploma, and you can take culinary courses to gain specific kitchen skills. To work front of house roles, you need strong interpersonal and customer service skills. If you want to work as a chef, you may have to work your way up from prep cook. All food service workers need physical stamina, as you spend most of each shift on your feet.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Food Service, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Service, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic food preparation, and customer service, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handler certifications is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure effective service, customer satisfaction, and adherence to health and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food service workers and how can they be managed?

Food service workers often encounter challenges such as managing high customer volumes during peak hours, maintaining food safety and hygiene standards, and effectively communicating with both kitchen staff and customers. Staying organized, keeping a positive attitude under pressure, and being proactive with time management can help manage these challenges. Many workplaces also offer ongoing training and support to help staff continuously improve their skills and adapt to fast-paced environments.

What are food service jobs?

Food service jobs encompass a wide range of positions involved in preparing, serving, and managing food and beverages in settings such as restaurants, cafeterias, catering companies, and institutional kitchens. Common roles include cooks, servers, dishwashers, cashiers, and food service managers. These jobs may involve customer service, food preparation, cleaning, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Food service workers play a crucial role in delivering quality dining experiences and maintaining a clean, safe environment.

What is the difference between Food Service vs Food Preparation?

AspectFood ServiceFood Preparation
CredentialsNone required or basic food handler permitsFood safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringKitchen, food production areas
Job DutiesServing customers, taking orders, customer servicePreparing ingredients, cooking, assembling dishes
Industry UsageFront-of-house roles in food industryBack-of-house food production roles

Food Service involves direct interaction with customers, focusing on serving and customer experience, while Food Preparation centers on cooking and preparing food behind the scenes. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ mainly in responsibilities and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Food Service jobs? Cities with the most Food Service job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs? The most popular types of Food Service jobs are:
What states have the most Food Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Service jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Service jobs are:
Infographic showing various Food Service job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,746 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Food Service Associate

Food Service Associate

Food City

Oliver Springs, TN • On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Food City rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 630 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 114 rated grocery stores


Job description

Essential Job Functions:
  • Ensure efficient and courteous customer service at all times in support of the company mission to "Run the Best Store in Town!"
  • Maintain a positive attitude; create an atmosphere of friendliness and fun through flexibility and teamwork.
  • Generate a positive, friendly, and fun working environment with a customer first initiative by greeting and speaking to customers, provide prompt, courteous, and efficient customer service.
  • Prepare and produce "Quality" food & products to meet or exceed our customer & company expectations
  • Make sandwiches
  • Assist with Hot Bar
  • Slice meats and cheese
  • Serve food and drinks
  • Take telephone orders for food and specialty cakes
  • Keep workstation and area around workstation neat and clean (washing dishes, mopping, etc.)
  • Assist in making sure that all package products for self-service are in proper package with correct weights and ingredients
  • Follow company Food Safety program
  • Assist in stocking and proper rotation of products
  • Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying responsibilities.

Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Food Service experience a plus, but not required
  • Ability to meet standard Physical, Mental, and Visual demands
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written instructions, perform routine and repetitive tasks and have constant contact/interaction with various levels of individuals on a daily basis
  • Ability to attend on-site work during scheduled shifts to adhere to company time and attendance policies

Benefits of working for Food City:
401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Weekly Pay Checks with Direct Deposit, Company paid Life and Disability Insurance, Medical Plan with wellness benefits, Dental Plan, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacations, Associate Offers, and so much more!
About Food City:
Food City is a privately held, family-owned company with a driving mission to 'run the best store in town.' Dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve, we encourage our associates to get involved with their local civic organizations. We consider our associates to be our greatest asset. Over 13% of the company is currently owned by our associates through our employee stock ownership plan, promoting tremendous pride in the services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food City has a promising career opportunity for you. We offer flexible schedules to ensure our associates have ample time to spend with family and friends. If you're looking for a great career or the opportunity to try something different, consider becoming part of the Food City family.

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