ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Associate Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Sage Hospitality

Supervisor Kitchen

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21/hr

Sage Hospitality Group is set to hire a Kitchen Supervisor to join us at the upcoming Indigo ... by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable ...

Sage Hospitality

Supervisor Kitchen

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Sage Hospitality Group is set to hire a Kitchen Supervisor to join us at the upcoming Indigo ... by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable ...

Crateandbarrel

Team Leader, Kitchen

Durham, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

With a team of more than 8,000 associates spanning 130 store and distribution locations across the ... Energetic and customer-focused, the Team Leader - Kitchen drives sales performance and store ...

Compass Group

KITCHEN UTILITY LEAD

Durham, NC · On-site

$18/hr

Morrison Living is hiring immediately for full time KITCHEN UTILITY LEAD positions. * Location ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

UNC Health Careers

Food Services Associate

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$18 - $24.66/hr

As a Food Services Associate in Production Services, you will prepare ingredients and produce ... Production kitchen operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to support patient care. Pay Range ...

United Skates of America

Associate- Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$10/hr

Free uniforms The Associate position may require the following tasks, based on areas assigned, such ... Able to clean and operate all kitchen equipment properly * Prepare food properly in amounts as ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsKitchen Associate JobsKitchen Associate Jobs in Durham, NC

Kitchen Associate information

See Durham, NC salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Durham, NC is $18.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen associate?

Kitchen associates are team members who assist with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the overall organization of a kitchen. They typically work under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers and help with tasks such as chopping ingredients, washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Kitchen associates play a vital role in keeping the kitchen running efficiently and supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

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

To thrive as a Kitchen Associate, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, compliance with health standards, and consistently high-quality food preparation.

What are some typical challenges a kitchen associate faces during busy service periods, and how can they be managed?

During peak meal times, Kitchen Associates often face challenges such as high order volumes, tight deadlines, and maintaining quality standards under pressure. To manage these, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Many kitchens operate with a strong sense of teamwork, so supporting colleagues and asking for help when needed can make a big difference. Developing good time management skills and staying calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Kitchen Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectKitchen AssociateKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar environments, often assisting kitchen staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, hotels, catering companiesCommonly used interchangeably with Kitchen Associate in hospitality
Job ResponsibilitiesFood prep, dishwashing, maintaining cleanlinessAssisting with basic food prep, cleaning, stocking supplies

Overall, Kitchen Associates typically have more defined responsibilities and may require basic certifications, while Kitchen Helpers focus on assisting with daily tasks and cleaning. Both roles are essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Can I work in a kitchen as a Kitchen Associate with no experience?

Kitchen Associate positions often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training for tasks like food preparation and cleaning. Basic skills such as teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn are valued, and some roles may require food safety certifications which can be obtained quickly. Entry-level roles are suitable for individuals new to the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Kitchen Associate jobs near you

Kitchen Manager

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 59 rated activity centers and activity clubs

Job description

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is seeking a Kitchen Manager to join our team!
POSITION SUMMARY
The Kitchen Manager will be responsible for the leadership of the Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Culinary department with a focus on staffing, scheduling & training of hourly staff, cost control, food quality standards, operational procedures, sanitation & cleanliness, health department compliance and staff motivation.
This is a full-time salaried manager role with bonuses. The ideal candidate will be experienced with high-volume, full-service restaurants and be relocatable and willing to travel to support other locations. AIKG is growing fast! Some big career opportunities come with being relocatable!
The Kitchen Manager will take ownership of a high-volume culinary department and work to create an environment that encourages ownership and accountability by Team Members.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Lead the unit Culinary Department with integrity and purpose
  • Empower staff to deliver exceptional legendary service
  • Always support the Andretti Indoor Karting and Games Motto "Striving for Perfection; Achieving Excellence"
  • Manage daily, weekly and monthly operations: food product ordering, staffing, scheduling, cleanliness, organization, service timing, and quality product.
  • Ensure banquets, buffets and event culinary offerings are consistent with AIKG standards and specifications
  • Responsible for compliance with all environment and health board requirements related to the preparation and service of food and beverage
  • Responsible for the development of Culinary Staff and Supervisors
  • Manage staff training and employee relations
  • Assure that Culinary Staff morale is maintained at a high level
  • Take an active part in the recruitment and retention of staff
  • Manage Culinary department labor and food costs within acceptable budgets
  • Ensure site inspections are within acceptable standards
  • Manage organization and cleanliness of all food storage, kitchen, and food service areas
  • Work closely with Sales Department to ensure proper scheduling and planning for Events
  • Oversee, maintain and inventory Culinary Department equipment

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - Speed out of the pits and let AIKG be the racetrack for your winning Management Career!
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games (AIKG) is a rapidly growing Family Entertainment company. Our locations feature high-speed, high-tech indoor Karting on multilevel tracks, multi-player immersive Virtual Reality Simulators, Arcade fun, and amazing restaurants & event spaces featuring scratch cocktails and culinary creations crafted in our kitchens.
Benefits Include:
  • KM's get top salaries plus bonus.
  • AIKG has the BEST staff, so managers work with and lead motivated professionals!
  • Personal/Family Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
  • $1200 company paid Health Savings Account
  • Vacation and Sick time accrued during the first year
  • 401k retirement program with generous company match
  • Company provided Life Insurance
  • Company provided Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Accident, Critical Illness and Voluntary Life Insurance

Kitchen Manager Qualifications
Required:
  • Experience leading high-volume kitchens
  • Strong written & verbal communication skills
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Work varying days, nights, holidays and weekends
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • At least 18 years of age

Preferred and great to have:
  • Five years+ of Kitchen management in a high-volume environment
  • Five years+ of private event experience
  • Experience working with an event sales team
  • Experience with multi-unit, or multi-site strongly preferred
  • HACCP or Serv-Safe food safety trained and certificate
  • Bi-lingual
  • Proven leadership and team skills; ability to motivate and manage all levels of staff
  • Strong training and development background
  • Strong knowledge of cost controls

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an Andretti Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of their job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Walk or stand for extended periods of time
  • The ability to communicate quickly and accurately
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs on a regular basis
  • Perform functions which require organization, bending, reaching, turning, lifting, climbing and occasional stocking up to 50lbs
  • The work environment may include bright, dim or flashing lights and loud sounds
  • Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment
  • Be able to understand, follow and maintain safety standards at all times

What Andretti Indoor Karting & Games employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply