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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Service Team (P1-1350284-0)

Decatur, AL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/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 ...

Service Team (P1-1350447-0)

Athens, AL · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/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 ...

Service Team

Madison, AL

$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 ...

Service Team

Decatur, AL

$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 ...

Service Team

Athens, AL

$13.25 - $17.75/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 ...

Panda is 100% committed to the professional and personal development of our family of associates ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Panda is 100% committed to the professional and personal development of our family of associates ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Panda is 100% committed to the professional and personal development of our family of associates ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Panda is 100% committed to the professional and personal development of our family of associates ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Panda is 100% committed to the professional and personal development of our family of associates ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Every Crescent associate is a guest relations ambassador, every working minute of every day. Work Habits: In order to maintain a positive guest and associate experience, your work habits should ...

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Restaurant Associate information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$7

$14

$26

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Decatur, AL is $14.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $14.66 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.

Is Restaurant Associates legit?

Restaurant Associates is a well-established food service provider that operates in various hospitality settings, including corporate dining and catering. It is a legitimate company with a history of serving clients across multiple industries, and employment typically involves food service skills and adherence to safety standards.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include high-level roles such as specialized surgeons, corporate executives, or successful entrepreneurs. Some freelance professionals, like consultants or contractors with significant experience, may also reach this level through project-based work or commissions. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience.

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 an associate in a restaurant?

An associate in a restaurant is an employee who performs various tasks such as serving customers, taking orders, preparing food, or maintaining the dining area. They typically need good communication skills, customer service abilities, and may require food safety certifications depending on their role. The position often involves working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

What are Restaurant Associates?

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 is a Restaurant Associates job description?

A Restaurant Associate is responsible for providing customer service, taking orders, serving food and beverages, and maintaining cleanliness in a restaurant setting. They often work in fast-paced environments and may need basic food safety or sanitation certifications. The role requires good communication skills and the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Service Team (P1-1350284-0)

Service Team (P1-1350284-0)

Panda Restaurant Group

Decatur, AL • On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Panda Express rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 721 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 104 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Join us as a Service Team Associate
We're looking for friendly team players to create a warm environment for our guests and provide great service for our guests. Thrive in a safe and supportive work environment with team members who become friends. There's always something new to learn, do, and accomplish. If you don't have experience, we'll train you! You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go. We're all about giving back, so you'll also get the chance to impact your community through our Panda Cares initiative. Let's work together.
Essential Functions for Service Team Associates:
  • Provides exceptional dining experience to Guests - Greeting Guests, Serving food and handling payments at cash register
  • Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of the store
  • Follows Operations Standards and Safety Procedure to serve fresh and quality food
  • Works efficiently in fast paced kitchen environment, and may work at different positions - Front counter, Drive Through or Kitchen
  • Work effectively with team members to meet daily goals in a fun, positive environment.

How we reward you:**
  • Flexible schedules
  • Great pay
  • Free meals while working at Panda
  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Cancer Income Protection insurance for full-time associates
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Vacation, sick leave, bereavement/funeral leave and Leave Share Program for eligible associates
  • Associate discounts for many brands
  • Referral bonus for eligible associates
  • Opportunity to give back to your community
  • Hands-on paid training to prepare you for success
  • On-Going Career & Leadership Development
  • Opportunities for growth into management positions
  • Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Please refer to https://www.pandacareers.com/files/PRG_HR_Recruiting_Benefits.pdf for details.

**Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.
Qualification:
  • Friendly and helpful team members
  • Operations experience is a plus
  • Some high school
  • Food Handler certification may be required depending on local requirements, acquired at your expense

ADA Statement:
While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, use Chinese cook knife and other kitchen equipment and work quickly without losing accuracy. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand up to four hours and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchens are hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and the ability to manage conflicts/difficult situations.
Panda Strong since 1983:
Founded in Glendale, California, we are now the largest family-owned American Chinese Restaurant concept in America. With close to 2,800 locations globally, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives. Whether it's impacting our team or the communities we work in, we're proud to be an organization that embraces family values.
You're wanted here:
Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity, and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including but not limited to sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related conditions), gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, and veteran status. Additionally, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding requests for workplace accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability. Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations, absent undue hardship, to effectively participate in the application and hiring process, for example, sign language interpreters. If you believe you require an accommodation for the application or interview process or for the position for which you are applying, please reach out to TASupport@PandaRG.com .

What Panda Express employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Panda Express logo

About Panda Express

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Panda Express is a leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, specializing in American Chinese cuisine. It was established in 1983 in Glendale, California by Andrew and Peggy Cherng and has grown to become the largest Asian segment restaurant chain in the United States, with in excess of 2,200 locations. Its headquarters are located in Rosemead, California. The eatery offers a variety of menu items, including their signature dish, Orange Chicken, along with other favorites like Kung Pao Chicken and Beef and Broccoli. Guided by their mission to "deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences," Panda Express is beloved by many for its convenience, consistently high quality, and innovative twists on traditional Chinese dishes.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rosemead, CA, US