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Restaurant Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Applebee's

Restaurant Assistant - Riverdale

Bronx, NY · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

Position & Perks Applebee's is hiring Restaurant Assistants who take pride in keeping the restaurant clean, organized, and guest-ready every shift. If you enjoy staying active, supporting the team ...

Applebee's

Restaurant Assistant - Riverdale

Bronx, NY · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Position & Perks Applebee's is hiring Restaurant Assistants who take pride in keeping the restaurant clean, organized, and guest-ready every shift. If you enjoy staying active, supporting the team ...

Applebee's

Restaurant Assistant - Fordham Plaza

Bronx, NY · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

Position & Perks Applebee's is hiring Restaurant Assistants who take pride in keeping the restaurant clean, organized, and guest-ready every shift. If you enjoy staying active, supporting the team ...

Applebee's

Restaurant Assistant - Fordham Plaza

Bronx, NY · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

Position & Perks Applebee's is hiring Restaurant Assistants who take pride in keeping the restaurant clean, organized, and guest-ready every shift. If you enjoy staying active, supporting the team ...

Applebee's

Restaurant Assistant - Broadway NYC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Position & Perks Applebee's is hiring Restaurant Assistants who take pride in keeping the restaurant clean, organized, and guest-ready every shift. If you enjoy staying active, supporting the team ...

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Restaurant Assistant information

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How much do restaurant assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $15.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $16.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a restaurant assistant?

A restaurant assistant supports daily operations by helping serve customers, prepare food, clean, and maintain the dining area. They often work under supervision, require good communication skills, and may handle tasks such as taking orders, setting tables, and assisting with inventory. The role helps ensure smooth service and a positive customer experience.

What are some typical challenges a Restaurant Assistant might face during busy shifts?

As a Restaurant Assistant, managing multiple tasks simultaneously during peak hours can be challenging. You'll often need to balance supporting servers, handling customer requests, restocking supplies, and ensuring cleanliness—all while maintaining a positive attitude. Good communication and teamwork are essential, as you’ll work closely with kitchen staff, servers, and management to keep operations running smoothly. Developing strong organizational and time-management skills will help you excel and reduce stress during busy periods.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Assistant, you need strong customer service skills, basic food safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and adherence to local health regulations are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and smooth restaurant operations.

What are Restaurant Assistants?

Restaurant Assistants are support staff who help ensure the smooth operation of a restaurant. Their duties can include greeting guests, taking reservations, assisting servers, setting and clearing tables, and helping with basic food preparation or cleaning tasks. They play a key role in maintaining a pleasant dining environment and efficient service. Restaurant Assistants often work closely with both kitchen and front-of-house teams to enhance the overall customer experience.

Which work can I do in a restaurant?

A restaurant assistant can perform various tasks such as serving customers, taking orders, cleaning tables, preparing food, and assisting with kitchen duties. They often need good communication skills, a friendly attitude, and may require food safety certifications depending on the role. The work environment is fast-paced and customer-focused.

Can I work in a restaurant with no experience?

Restaurant assistants often do not need prior experience, as many entry-level positions focus on basic tasks like serving, cleaning, or assisting with food prep. Employers typically provide on-the-job training, and having good communication skills and a positive attitude can help you get started. Certifications such as food safety training may be required or beneficial.

What restaurant job pays the most?

In restaurants, executive chef and general manager positions tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually depending on the establishment and location. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing kitchen operations or overall restaurant management.

What is the difference between Restaurant Assistant vs Waitstaff?

AspectRestaurant AssistantWaitstaff
CredentialsNone required, on-the-job trainingNone required, customer service skills preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen support, front-of-house, back-of-houseFront-of-house, serving customers
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, catering servicesRestaurants, cafes, bars
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles are essential in the restaurant industry, a Restaurant Assistant typically supports kitchen and front-of-house operations, often with minimal experience required. Waitstaff primarily serve customers at tables, focusing on customer service. The roles overlap in customer interaction but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs in Rutherford, NJ? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Restaurant Assistant jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Restaurant Assistant job openings:
Restaurant Assistant jobs near you
Restaurant Assistant - Riverdale

Restaurant Assistant - Riverdale

Doherty Enterprises

Bronx, NY • On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Doherty Enterprises rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Applebee’s is hiring Restaurant Assistants who take pride in keeping the restaurant clean, organized, and guest-ready every shift. If you enjoy staying active, supporting the team, and helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes, this role is a great fit.

 

What We Offer

  • Competitive pay
  • Health care benefits (for both part-time and full-time team members)
  • Flexible schedules
  • Paid, on-the-job training
  • Meal discounts
  • Real advancement opportunities
  • WOW-a-Friend Foundation – Employee Assistance Program

What You’ll Do
Support overall restaurant cleanliness and guest readiness, assist with opening and closing duties, help with takeout orders and food expediting, restock service and bar items, maintain restroom and dining area cleanliness, assist with pre-bussing, dishwashing, prep work, and follow all food safety and sanitation standards.


  • Ability to stand and move throughout the entire shift
  • Ability to lift and carry 25–50 lbs.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant environment
  • Comfort working around kitchen equipment, noise, and varying temperatures
  • Team-oriented, dependable, and detail-focused

Apply today and help keep the neighborhood restaurant running strong at Applebee’s.

What Doherty Enterprises employees say

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About Doherty Enterprises

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Doherty Enterprises is a well-known name in the foodservice industry, based in Allendale, New Jersey, United States and operates through its official website, dohertyinc.com. Conceived by Ed Doherty in 1985, the company has made a mark for itself as a recognized and respected multi-brand franchisee. Doherty Enterprises is responsible for the operation and management of over 150 establishments, related to a range of restaurant and pub brands. This includes the likes of Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. The company’s mission pivots around the concept of ‘Wow’, standing for outstanding customer experiences, commitment to the team, improving operations, and building relationships with the community.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Allendale, NJ, US

Year founded

1985

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