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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

What we offer: โ€ข Competitive pay โ€ข Comprehensive benefits for eligible associates and their ... As a Restaurant Supervisor, you will help lead our restaurant team and ensure exceptional guest ...

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Trains, manages, and develops hourly associates. * Assisting in the interviewing and hiring of ... Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or ...

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Trains, manages, and develops hourly associates. * Assisting in the interviewing and hiring of ... Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or ...

Restaurant Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Trains, manages, and develops hourly associates. * Assisting in the interviewing and hiring of ... Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Riverside, IL ยท On-site

$15.50/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Riverside, IL ยท On-site

$15.50/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$15.50/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Restaurant Crewmember

Des Plaines, IL ยท On-site

$15.50/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Showing results 41-60

Restaurant Associate information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$8

$15

$27

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Park Ridge, IL is $15.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.31 and $15.38 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 Park Ridge, IL? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,509 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

$73K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

With a career at HMSHost, you really benefit! We Offer
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Generous paid time off (vacation, flex or sick)
  • Holiday pay
  • Meal and Transportation Benefits
  • *401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • *Company paid life insurance
  • *Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • Training and exciting career growth opportunities
  • Referral program - refer a friend and earn a bonus

*Benefits may vary by position so ask your recruiter for details.
The purpose of the General Manager II (GMII) position is to manage a complex QSR or Casual Dine Restaurant or small cluster of restaurants or points-of-sale in close proximity to each other with annual sales generally in excess of $4M. The GMII ensures the restaurant is clean, staffed, open for business, and operates to high operational and financial standards. The GM uses broad discretion and judgement to make great leadership decisions. The GMII is responsible for the overall success of the restaurant.
Essential Functions:
Open and Close
  • Ensures all assistant managers and staff recognize the importance of closing the restaurant to prepare the restaurant for opening, holding Shift Managers accountable for executing all closing and opening checklist/requirements
    Staffing/Deployment
  • Understands, adopts, and consistently demonstrates defined manager behaviors designed to create an environment where employee engagement thrives
  • Deploys staff and resources to maximize profitability within the restaurant, and accepts P&L responsibility.
  • Assigns work tasks and activities, prepares schedules, and ensures that all shifts are covered
  • Provides restaurant staff(s) with consistent support, coaching and encouragement necessary to achieve business goals
  • Interviews job candidates, makes hiring, termination, advancement, promotion or any other status change decisions for associates within the unit. Promotes HMSHost as an employer of choice within the local community
  • Ensures company and branch diversity and inclusion philosophy is understood and actively executed within the restaurant
  • Ensures on-boarding and off-boarding of all restaurant associates, to include all activities related to compliance with proper badging requirements, orientation, OJT, and other company training/processes
  • Reads and understands financial and operational data and reports to monitor progress towards unit goals and assigns associates to meet those objectives.
  • Recognizes restaurant staff for their contributions and performance, including using Shout-Out tools and materials; supports company recognition initiatives and develops and implements plans that will motivate team.
  • Accepts, understands, adopts, trains and champions all Employee Engagement behaviors
  • Ensures that the company has most current contact information for all associates working in the restaurant.
    Product Availability/Working Equipment
  • Ensures daily orders are prepared and units are stocked with appropriate levels of product and teaches associates these order procedures
  • Oversees receiving goods, processing invoices, and contacting vendors for supply chain issues/product availability.
  • Maintains proficiency in management information systems and tools like MIV, Crunch Time, Kronos and other programs as utilized by the company.
  • Monitors and maintains restaurant equipment, schedules routine service or repairs as needed.
  • Participates and manages company response to NSF and other audits
  • Minimizes waste, records as needed and participates in food donation program.
    Brand Knowledge/Proficiency
  • Assesses skill levels of restaurant associates and conducts and coordinates on-the-job and other training/education activities as necessary
  • Embraces technology and inspires employees to understand and adopt new technologies implemented by the company
  • Maintains a working knowledge of all applicable brand standards, CBAs, Landlord lease agreements, and all procedures and protocols to maximize brand/landlord/labor relations, and teaches associates these standards
  • Develops and implements creative strategies to increase revenue
    Visual/Vibe/Appeal
  • Manages the day-to-day activities of associates within a defined individual or group of restaurants or points-of-sale
  • Uses judgment and discretion to resolve customer and associate questions and problems and determines when to refer more complex issues to senior level leaders
  • Utilizes associate's strengths and provides ongoing feedback that reflects on progress against individual development goals and business goals
  • Implements marketing programs as directed by OSC or brand initiatives, complies with promotional activity, drives revenue and interacts with support teams for AB programming, sales matrix, Coke programming or other as directed.
    Safety
  • Maintains an in-depth understanding of all federal, state, and local sanitary, safety, and health standards, and all procedures and protocols to comply with the law
  • Holds Managers and staff accountable for ensuring all safety standards are understood and followed
  • Trains new managers and associates in wellness check protocols and adheres to new COVID 19 requirements.
  • Understands and performs all Health and Safety activities as specified in the Manager's Guide to Associate Health and Safety
    Reporting relationship and other important information
  • The GMII position as described falls under the Fair Labor Standards act as an Exempt position, under both the Administrative Exemption and the Executive Exemption tests.
  • The position typically reports to the Director of Operations, or an intermediate zone, cluster or area leader within the assigned location.
  • The GMII position is expected to work a varied and rotating schedule to be on site at various operating days and hours each week; some opening shifts, during some busy dayparts, and during some closing shifts to monitor restaurant associates' work activities during these different days and times.
    Avolta, including Dufry, HMSHost Corporation, Hudson, and affiliates ("the Company"), is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment and to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal opportunities to applicants and team members without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, age, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military service and veteran status, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances (referred to as "protected characteristics").