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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Crete, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

Bourbonnais, 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 ...

Cracker Barrel

Restaurant Manager

Tinley Park, 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 ...

Cracker Barrel

Restaurant Manager

Tinley Park, 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

Bourbonnais, 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 ...

7-ELEVEN

Restaurant Crew

Portage, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/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

Portage, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/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

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$12 - $15.25/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

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$12 - $15.25/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

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$12 - $15.25/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

Portage, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/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

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$12 - $15.25/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 Corporation

Restaurant Crew

Chicago, 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 · 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 · 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 · 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

Bedford Park, 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

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 · 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 Crete, IL

Restaurant Associate information

See Crete, IL salary details

$8

$14

$26

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Crete, IL is $14.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.97 and $14.95 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 cities near Crete, IL are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Crete, IL with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Crete, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,675 per year, or $14.7 per hour.

Restaurant Associate Manager

Golden Corral

Joliet, IL • On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Golden Corral is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team!
In this entry-level, hourly management position, you are cross-trained in all skill positions within the 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 certification program including a series of modules designed to teach in-store management skills.
Our franchise organization offers benefits designed to meet the particular needs of you and your family. Golden Corral offers paid training and the opportunity for upward mobility. We are looking for hardworking individuals with some restaurant management experience who want to grow and develop with a top company.
Requirements:
  • 1-2 years experience in the food service industry, preferably in a management capacity in a high volume restaurant with diversified menu offering.
  • Education and training associated with completion of a high school diploma and college coursework in hospitality or business is preferred.

Thank you for your interest in Golden Corral. Upon completion of your online application, you may be directed to complete an additional online questionnaire that is specific to the position in which you are applying.
The job opening listed on this page has been posted by an independent franchisee of Golden Corral Corporation. Golden Corral Corporation does not hire or employ any individuals at this franchise location. The franchisee will make all decisions with respect to applications for the position listed on this page. The name of the franchisee appears in this job posting. All questions concerning this job opportunity should be directed to the franchisee.
Compensation: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchisee, and not to Golden Corral Corporate.

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