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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Starkville, MS · On-site

This career opportunity is with a independently owned franchise restaurant. NEWK'S Associate Managers treat all people with courtesy and respectful attitude. They are reliable, independent thinkers ...

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Starkville, MS

This career opportunity is with a independently owned franchise restaurant. NEWK'S Associate Managers treat all people with courtesy and respectful attitude. They are reliable, independent thinkers ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Starkville, MS

$14 - $18.75/hr

Join us as a Service Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Starkville, MS

This career opportunity is with a independently owned franchise restaurant. NEWK'S Associate Managers treat all people with courtesy and respectful attitude. They are reliable, independent thinkers ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Starkville, MS · On-site

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Family Dollar

Customer Service Associate I

West Point, MS · On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

Customer Service Associate We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver ... Previous customer service experience in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store ...

Roses Discount Stores

Customer Service Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Roses/Roses Express Customer Service Associate As a Roses/Roses Express Customer Service Associate ... Prefer experience working in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery or drug store environments.

Family Dollar

Customer Service Associate I

Columbus, MS · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Customer Service Associate We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver ... Previous customer service experience in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store ...

Variety Stores LLC

Customer Service Associate

Macon, MS

$12.75 - $17.75/hr

Summary As a Roses/Roses Express Customer Service Associate you will be responsible for providing ... Prefer experience working in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery or drug store environments.

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All JobsRestaurant Associate JobsRestaurant Associate Jobs in Columbus, MS

Restaurant Associate information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$8

$15

$27

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Columbus, MS is $15.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs in Columbus, MS? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Columbus, MS are:
What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,292 per year, or $15 per hour.

Restaurant Supervisor

Valor Hospitality Partners

Starkville, MS

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

At Valor, we are passionate Hotelitarians-driven, detail-obsessed professionals who go beyond service to deliver true hospitality. With a global perspective and a commitment to thoughtful hospitality and sustainable dining, we bring enthusiasm, creativity, and local flair to every property we support. We seek individuals who value relationships, embrace high standards, and create meaningful experiences for guests, teams, and owners alike. If you're someone who notices the little things and strives to make a lasting impact, you'll thrive here.

Please visit http://www.valorhospitality.com to learn more about our existing hotels, other exciting job opportunities and our company.

POSITION PROFILE

Supervise the associates in the shift operations and aid in the administration of the Restaurant to achieve guest satisfaction, quality service, compliance of policies and procedures while meeting/exceeding financial goals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILTIES

  • Supervise the shift's operations in the restaurant and liaise with the kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations, compliance with procedures and safety regulations and an optimal level of quality service and hospitality are achieved.
  • Supervise the restaurant associates; interview, recommend hiring, schedule, train, develop, empower, coach and counsel, recommend performance reviews, resolve problems, provide open communications and recommend discipline as appropriate with the guidance of the restaurant management team.
  • Create, recommend and implement promotions, displays, buffet presentations and ideas to capture more in-house guests and a larger share of the local market.
  • Avoid legal challenges by conforming to the regulations of the alcoholic beverage commission.
  • Maximize bar profitability by ensuring portion control; monitoring accuracy of charges.
  • Maintain safe, secure, and healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures; supervise the maintenance of restaurant equipment to protect the assets, while securing revenues and complying with legal regulations and ensure quality service.
  • Investigate, resolve, respond to guest needs, inquires, comments and/or problems to ensure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.
  • Update the cash management system and compile, generate and prepare various reports to aid in the administration of the Restaurant.
  • Respond to guest needs, issues, comments and problems to ensure a quality experience and enhance future sales prospects.
  • Supervise the maintenance/sanitation of the restaurant and equipment during the shift to protect the assets, comply with regulations and ensure quality service.
  • Perform special projects and other responsibilities as assigned. May serve as manager on duty.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Two to Four-year college degree or equivalent education/experience.
  • Minimum of two-year experience in the food and beverage industry
  • Requires basic knowledge of restaurant operations.
  • Possess excellent oral, written and presentation skills.
  • Ability to delegate, manage manpower and establish priorities consistent with department/hotel objectives.
  • Listen effectively.
  • Operate department within the guidelines of the Foundation Document.
  • Communicate to both, guests and fellow associates, professionally and positively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Continuous Standing as needed

Lift, pull, push, bend, and move items to support the hotel and outlets

BENEFITS PACKAGE

  • Competitive Salary

  • Daily Pay!

  • Team Member Hotel Discount Program

  • Uniforms Provided for most positions

  • Benefits - Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and other supplemental options

  • Paid PTO

  • 401k with employer match

  • Food and Beverage Discounts

  • Tuition Reimbursement

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