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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

Potbelly

Restaurant Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time - Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate ...

Golden Corral

Restaurant Associate Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... restaurant and gain knowledge of operational tasks including ordering, receiving, storage, and menu planning. You work closely with the General and Associate Managers and complete a one-year ...

Golden Corral

Restaurant Associate Manager

Joliet, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... restaurant and gain knowledge of operational tasks including ordering, receiving, storage, and menu planning. You work closely with the General and Associate Managers and complete a one-year ...

Cracker Barrel

Restaurant Manager

Naperville, IL

$19.23 - $23.53/hr

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Restaurant Associate Manager, you'll combine your passion for people and restaurant management skills to deliver excellent guest and employee experiences while driving business ...

Cracker Barrel

Restaurant Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$19.23 - $23.53/hr

WHAT YOU'LL DO As a Restaurant Associate Manager, you'll combine your passion for people and restaurant management skills to deliver excellent guest and employee experiences while driving business ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Lockport, IL

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Lockport, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Oswego, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Oswego, IL

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Channahon, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Plainfield, IL

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

East Dundee, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.10/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

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All JobsRestaurant Associate JobsRestaurant Associate Jobs in Aurora, IL

Restaurant Associate information

See Aurora, IL salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Aurora, IL is $15.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant associate?

Restaurant Associates are employees who support daily operations in a restaurant, including tasks like taking orders, serving food, preparing simple dishes, and ensuring customer satisfaction. They may also help with cleaning, stocking supplies, and assisting kitchen staff as needed. The role requires good communication skills, multitasking, and a friendly attitude to provide a positive dining experience for guests. Restaurant Associates are essential for maintaining a smooth and efficient service environment.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Associate, 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, food handling certifications, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and a smooth-running restaurant environment.

What are some typical challenges a restaurant associate might face during busy shifts, and how can they manage these effectively?

During peak hours, Restaurant Associates often encounter challenges such as handling multiple customer requests simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in orders, and ensuring quick service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with both kitchen staff and fellow associates, and staying organized are key strategies to manage these situations. Many restaurants provide training on multitasking and customer service to help associates excel during high-demand periods, and teamwork plays a crucial role in keeping operations smooth.

What is the difference between Restaurant Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectRestaurant AssociateFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, fast food outletsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industryWidely used in food service establishments and institutional settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, taking orders, maintaining cleanlinessPreparing food, serving customers, cleaning

Both roles involve customer service and food handling, but a Restaurant Associate typically focuses more on customer interaction and order management, while a Food Service Worker may have broader food preparation duties. The roles often overlap, but the title 'Restaurant Associate' is more common in retail and fast food chains, emphasizing customer service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs in Aurora, IL?

The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Aurora, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Associate jobs in Aurora, IL?

For Restaurant Associate jobs in Aurora, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Aurora, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Aurora, IL are:

What cities near Aurora, IL are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs?

Cities near Aurora, IL with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:

Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Aurora, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,565 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Restaurant Associate

Carpentersville, IL

Potbelly Sandwich Works
Traveler Accommodation • 5 - 10K employees

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 107 rated fast food restaurants

Free food

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Learn more about Potbelly Sandwich Worksexternal

$15 - $16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

A Company Associate’s job is to delight customers with great food and good vibes. Since they are the primary point of customer contact, it is up to them to provide our customers an excellent experience by providing fast, friendly and efficient service and by delivering a quality and consistent product every time, in a clean and inviting environment.

FOCUS

Essential

  • Demonstrate and reinforce Company’s Behaviors and Values- Great Food, Good Vibes, Achievement, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, Community and Belonging
  • Familiarity with the Potbelly brand and its products
  • Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream, etc.) efficiently per Company recipe manual standards.
  • Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety of shop.
  • Maintain personal hygiene standards, including wearing clean Company uniform.
  • Comply with established food safety requirements and practices.
  • Comply with shop security and safety standards.
  • Be speedy and accurate in fulfilling orders.
  • Handle raw and finished waste according to established procedures.
  • Delight customers
  • Engage in friendly conversation with customers in line.
  • Act with a sense of urgency toward all customers in shop.

Other Key Functions

  • Restock food line, chips and cooler.
  • Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep, front) as directed by Manager or Shift Leader
  • Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement.
  • Prepare meats and cheeses for different sandwiches.
  • If 18 or older, uses and cleans the automatic slicer & manual chicken slicer to prep food items.
  • Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash.
  • Operate cash register: handle, balance and follow all cash handling procedures.
  • Effectively handle customer complaints/issues.
  • Take delivery/catering/pickup orders over the phone.
  • Others duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

  • Ability to stand/walk a minimum of 5 hours or as needed.
  • Must be able to exert well-paced and frequent mobility for periods of up to 3 hours or as needed.
  • Be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Will frequently reach, feel, bend, stoop, carry, finely manipulate and key in data.
  • Able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors (95%) and outdoors (5%).
  • Must be able to tolerate higher levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic.
  • Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS

  • Must represent Company Values.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • For Illinois employees, all employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employment. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment.
  • Must be friendly and customer service-oriented.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Must possess neat and clean hygiene.
  • Ability to handle a knife confidently.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and have a sense of urgency.
  • Ability to work as a team-player.
  • Ability to comprehend and communicate in English via verbal and written communication, such that employee can perform his or her job responsibilities.
  • Must demonstrate leadership behaviors and values that align with Company.

You are applying to work with a franchisee of Potbelly Corporate. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who set own terms of employment, including wage and benefit programs, which can vary between franchisees.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop, also known as Potbelly Sandwich Works, is an American fast-casual restaurant chain with over 400 locations that focuses on submarine sandwiches and milkshakes. It is owned by RaceTrac. Potbelly was founded in 1977 in Chicago, and its name refers to the potbelly stove.

What Potbelly Sandwich Shop employees say

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