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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Crete, IL (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Enjoy a complimentary meal in the associate cafeteria during your shift * Free Parking Day 1: * ... Coordinates the set-up of restaurant or outlet areas in accordance with Choice Hotels standards

Restaurant Manager Lead with purpose. Grow with support. At Panera, our leaders are celebrated for ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $24.50/hr

Restaurant Manager Lead with purpose. Grow with support. At Panera, our leaders are celebrated for ... Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests and associates' directions in a ...

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Restaurant Associate information

See Crete, IL salary details

$8

$14

$26

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 Crete, IL?

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

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

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

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 Manager

Choicehotels

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the restaurant.

  • Manages the operation of the assigned restaurant or outlet, including setting up areas, confirming menu items, and overseeing food and beverage service.

  • Develops and implements strategies to achieve revenue and profit goals, and supports employee engagement through recruitment, training, and performance management.


Job description

Choice Hotels International, Inc (NYSE:CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. A challenger in the upscale segment and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choicehas more than 7,400 hotels, representing over 625,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that run the gamut from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choiceto meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privilegesloyalty program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visitwww.choicehotels.com.

The ability to model Choice's Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Our managed hotels portfolio includes Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson Red, Park Plaza, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.

Join Our Renowned Team as Restaurant Manager - Radisson Blu Aqua Chicago Downtown

FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar at the Radisson Blu Aqua Chicagopossesses a timeless atmosphere with a modern edge who is looking for an energetic and detail orientedRestaurant Manager.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 annual

Benefits we provide:

  • Employee discounts on thousands of hotels

  • Enjoy a complimentary meal in the associate cafeteria during your shift

  • Free Parking

Day 1:

  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time

  • 8 Paid Holidays

  • Paid Bereavement

  • Paid Floating Holidays

1st of the month following 30 days of service:

  • Full benefits package to our full-time employees, including health, dental, vision, short & long term disability, auto insurance, and so much more!

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

Key Responsibilities

Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the restaurant which are aligned with Radisson Blu's overall mission, vision values and strategies

  • Develops and implements strategies for department

  • Monitors status regularly and adjusts strategies as appropriate

  • Develops and implements strategies for the assigned Food & Beverage outlets that support achievement of the hotel's goals

Develops and implements strategies to achieve revenue and profit goal

  • Assists in the development of the marketing plan for assigned outlet by keeping current on competitors on a regular basis

  • Develops and implements special promotions and employee incentives

  • Provides employees with current up-to-date information on menu offerings

  • Increases sales by coaching employees on effective sales techniques

  • Maximizes productivity by using forecasting techniques to adjust scheduling

Manages the operation of assigned restaurant or outlet

  • Coordinates the set-up of restaurant or outlet areas in accordance with Choice Hotels standards

  • Confirms daily specials and new menu additions with Executive Chef

  • Manages the food and beverage service provided in assigned outlet; coaches employees on effective service and food presentation techniques

  • Inspects restaurant and outlet areas on an on-going basis and takes appropriate steps to ensure facilities meet or exceeds the hotel's standards at all times

  • Leads staff meetings; conducts daily pre-shift meetings to discuss specials, house count, reservations and new menu items

  • Assists in quarterly inventories

Develops and implements strategies and practices which support employee engagement

  • Recruits and selects qualified candidates

  • Provides employees with the orientation and training needed to understand expectations and perform job responsibilities

  • Communicates performance expectations and provides employees with on-going feedback

  • Provides employees with coaching and counseling as needed to achieve performance objectives and reach their fullest potential

Creates 100% guest satisfaction by providing the Radisson Blu experience through performance that demonstrates the standards of, genuine hospitality and exceeding guest expectations

Requirements/Skills

  • Minimum two - three years restaurant management experience

  • High school diploma required, bachelor's degree preferred

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Able to collaborate effectively with other hotel employees and managers to ensure teamwork

  • Able to resolve conflicts guests, supervisor and employee

  • Knowledge of local, state and federal liquor laws and regulations

  • Strong floor presence with focus and energy

  • Ability to multitask and work well under pressure

  • Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to model Choice's Cultural Values: Welcome and Respect Everyone, Be Bold, Be Quick, Listen, Be Curious and Show Integrity are key to our success in inspiring Loyalty, Growth, and the Hospitality Spirit.

Choice Hotels International is an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer. Employment practices and decisions are not influenced by an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or express, disability veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this offer of employment is conditional upon your presenting documents verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. All offers of employment are conditional upon the satisfactory completion of a background check and E-Verify.