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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Madison, CT (NOW HIRING)

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Previous experience in retail, restaurants, hospitality, or customer service is a plus, but not ... Whether you've worked as a cashier, retail associate, barista, server, host, customer service ...

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Previous experience in retail, restaurants, hospitality, or customer service is a plus, but not ... Whether you've worked as a cashier, retail associate, barista, server, host, customer service ...

Sales Associates provide exceptional customer service with our customers needs in mind. Youll help ... Discounts at hundreds of retailers, restaurants and more * 401(k) plan with a company match

Associate Veterinarian

New Haven, CT · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Associate Veterinarian Department: Veterinarians Employment Type: Full Time Location: New Haven ... New Haven has a walkable, community-driven feel with standout restaurants and a thriving arts scene ...

Customer Service Associate I

Newington, CT · On-site

$14.50 - $20/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 ...

Customer Service Associate I

Meriden, CT · On-site

$14.50 - $20/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 ...

Customer Service Associate I

Manchester, CT · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/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 ...

Customer Service Associate I

West Haven, CT · On-site

$14 - $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 ...

Customer Service Associate I

Waterbury, CT · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/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 ...

Customer Service Associate I

Stratford, CT · On-site

$15 - $20.75/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Restaurant Associate information

See Madison, CT salary details

$7

$14

$26

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Madison, CT is $14.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $14.62 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 Madison, CT? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Madison, CT are:
What cities near Madison, CT are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, CT with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Madison, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,950 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

Panera Bread Manager Riverhead NY

Doherty Enterprises

Riverhead, NY • On-site

$58K - $72K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Doherty Enterprises rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Restaurant Manager – Panera Bread

At Panera Bread, we believe food should be good for you—and so should your career. We are hiring Restaurant Managers who lead with heart, inspire their teams, and create welcoming cafe environments where guests and associates feel valued.

As a Panera Bread Restaurant Manager, you will oversee daily cafe operations, develop future leaders, and help deliver the fresh food and friendly service Panera is known for.

What We Offer

  • Competitive management pay
  • Health care benefits (medical, dental, vision, FSA)
  • Flexible scheduling to support work life balance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401k with company match
  • Paid, on the job leadership training
  • Meal and cafe discounts
  • Dining perks across all our brands
  • Discounts with partner brands including Verizon, Dell, gyms, and more
  • Real advancement and long term career growth opportunities
  • WOW a Friend Foundation – Employee Assistance Program

Responsibilities

What You Will Do

Operational Excellence and Guest Experience

  • Lead day to day cafe operations while ensuring a consistently warm and welcoming guest experience
  • Uphold Panera food quality, safety, and service standards
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and all local, state, and federal regulations

People and Culture Leadership

  • Hire, train, coach, and develop a high performing cafe team
  • Foster a people first culture built on respect, teamwork, and growth
  • Empower Assistant Managers, Shift Supervisors, and associates to succeed and advance

Business and Financial Management

  • Drive sales, labor efficiency, and cost controls to meet business goals
  • Support financial performance through planning, execution, and accountability
  • Protect company assets and maintain strong operational controls

Community and Brand Engagement

  • Represent Panera Bread within the local community
  • Support cafe marketing initiatives and guest engagement efforts
  • Live Panera mission of serving food with purpose every day

Qualifications

  • 1 to 3 plus years of restaurant or retail management experience
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills
  • Passion for guest service and team development
  • Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment
  • ServSafe Food certification a plus, training provided

If you are ready to lead with purpose and grow your career with a brand that values people and quality, apply today to become a Restaurant Manager at Panera Bread.


What Doherty Enterprises employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Doherty Enterprises logo

About Doherty Enterprises

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Doherty Enterprises is a well-known name in the foodservice industry, based in Allendale, New Jersey, United States and operates through its official website, dohertyinc.com. Conceived by Ed Doherty in 1985, the company has made a mark for itself as a recognized and respected multi-brand franchisee. Doherty Enterprises is responsible for the operation and management of over 150 establishments, related to a range of restaurant and pub brands. This includes the likes of Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. The company’s mission pivots around the concept of ‘Wow’, standing for outstanding customer experiences, commitment to the team, improving operations, and building relationships with the community.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Allendale, NJ, US

Year founded

1985