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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Meridian, MS (NOW HIRING)

Cracker Barrel

Restaurant Manager

Meridian, MS · On-site

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 ...

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Meridian, MS

As an Associate Manager, you'll partner with the General Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, develop team members, deliver an exceptional guest experience, and help drive sales and ...

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Meridian, MS · On-site

As an Associate Manager, you'll partner with the General Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, develop team members, deliver an exceptional guest experience, and help drive sales and ...

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Meridian, MS

As an Associate Manager, you'll partner with the General Manager to lead daily restaurant operations, develop team members, deliver an exceptional guest experience, and help drive sales and ...

Roses Discount Stores

Customer Service Associate

Quitman, MS · On-site

$13.50 - $18.75/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

De Kalb, MS · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/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 ...

Family Dollar

Customer Service Associate I

De Kalb, MS · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/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 ...

Family Dollar

Customer Service Associate I

Newton, MS · On-site

$13 - $18/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

Meridian, 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.

Variety Stores LLC

Customer Service Associate

Quitman, MS

$13.50 - $18.75/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 Meridian, MS

Restaurant Associate information

See Meridian, 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 Meridian, MS is $15.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $15.34 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 Meridian, MS? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Meridian, MS are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Meridian, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Meridian, MS are:
What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Meridian, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,410 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Restaurant Manager

Cracker Barrel

Meridian, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Cracker Barrel rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,086 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 87 rated restaurants

Job description

They say you are the company you keep - and at Cracker Barrel, we take that seriously. Whether you're greeting guests, rolling out biscuits, or keeping things humming behind the scenes, you make the moments that matter, both big and small. Here, the work means more because we take pride in doing it together. So, join our team and find your place, because here...we're all in good company.
What You'll Do - You'll Make the Moment
WHY CRACKER BARREL
What is it like to work at Cracker Barrel? It feels like ...
  • Care beyond the table - At Cracker Barrel, our managers play a vital role in caring for our employees and guests. Through their leadership, our care and hospitality shine. We strive to provide our managers with the right resources and tools to make serving up care for others possible.
  • Opportunities to fill your cup - Essential to the growth and development learning journey, our managers get trained and equipped to be role models of the employee and guest experience. At the center of both experiences, they receive care, guidance, support and encouragement - and are then able to pass it on to their team members.
  • A warm welcome - For more than 50 years, we have served up a sense of warmth and hospitality across hundreds of stores and multiple states. Our managers are the "something special" that fuels the fires of employees to take pride and comfort in keeping that enduring Cracker Barrel hospitality alive.

Serving up the care - and career - you crave.
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 results. They say variety is the spice of life, and we agree! Our Restaurant Associate Managers are people leaders and execute all store operations including front- and back-of-house responsibilities. With home office support available to you on a 24/7 basis, you'll have everything you need to succeed.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
  • 2+ years of successful restaurant management experience
  • Ability and willingness to work 50 hours a week (five 10-hour shifts)
  • Ability and willingness to work holidays and weekends as needed
  • A caring attitude with a dedication to hospitality
  • Valid driver's license

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
  • Compensation and Bonuses: Competitive Annual Salary | Annual Merit Increase Opportunities | Quarterly Bonus Opportunities
  • Care for Your Well-being: Medical, Rx, Dental and Vision Benefits on Day 1 | Life Insurance and Disability Coverage | Paid Vacation/Employee Assistance Program
  • Growth and Development: Nearly 100% internal promotion for General Managers and District Managers openings | Tuition Reimbursement | Professional Development
  • Invest in Your Future: 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions at 90 days | Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Even More to Look Forward to: 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items

ABOUT US
For more than 50 years, we have committed to serving up a sense of warmth and hospitality across hundreds of stores across the country. We believe in providing opportunities for growth and development for our 70,000 plus team members and take pride and comfort in that enduring Cracker Barrel hospitality. It's something our employees and guests can count on now and into the future as we welcome new employees, guests, and experiences. Just like uncovering a delightful find in our stores, there is potential for discovery and fulfillment in every job at Cracker Barrel.
PURSUE THE CAREER YOU CRAVE-APPLY NOW
AFTER YOU APPLY: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Based on your application information, you may be given the opportunity to complete a video interview shortly after applying. This will include a set of questions for you to record a response to along with an interactive element. Remember to keep an eye on your email for information about your next steps.
Cracker Barrel is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other class expressly protected by law.
Focus on You
We're all about making sure you're taken care of too. Here's what's in it for you:
A Little About Us
Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to gather around delicious food, abundant servings, unexpected finds, and a warm welcome. Over time, it's become even more - somewhere folks can reconnect and feel at home. With more than 70,000 team members nationwide, we take pride in our roots -- always serving up more than a meal.
See for yourself. Apply now.
Cracker Barrel is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other class expressly protected by law.

What Cracker Barrel employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Cracker Barrel logo

About Cracker Barrel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Quite simple, really. It starts with quality food served with care. Offering warm welcomes and friendly service. It takes a dedication to pleasing people and treating our guests and staff like family. Maybe that’s why, for more than 50 years, millions of folks have trusted Cracker Barrel as a home-away-from-home where they can get a warm, comforting meal. It’s a trust we take seriously and couldn’t be more grateful for. And it’s a trust we’ve earned as a homegrown business dedicated to treating our guests to the very best – delicious, hand-prepared fare that’s sourced with love and served with a smile.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lebanon, TN, US

Year founded

1969

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