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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Starbucks

Shift Manager I

Portland, ME · On-site

$20.71 - $25.31/hr

Assists the AGM/GM in managing by supervising day-to-day activities of associates within a defined individual or group of restaurants or points-of-sale * Participates in the interview process ...

Dufry

Shift Manager I

Portland, ME · On-site

$20.71 - $23.01/hr

... associates within a defined individual or group of restaurants or points-of-sale • Participates in the interview process, provides input in hiring, recommends termination, advancement, promotion or ...

Dufry

Shift Manager I

Portland, ME · On-site

$20.71 - $23.01/hr

Ability to work shifts during various operating days and hours each week; during opening, during busy day parts, and during closing to monitor restaurant associates' work activities during these ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Portland, ME

$19 - $22/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 Restaurant Group

Assistant Manager

Portland, ME

$24 - $27/hr

This includes, but is not limited to, hiring, managing and directing of associates to achieve ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Shift Leader

Portland, ME

$21 - $24/hr

Our Panda Shift Leader associates are important leaders of our team and are responsible for bringing Panda's mission alive in our restaurants by supporting management in creating food with passion ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Cook (P1-1480646-2)

Portland, ME · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are ... Our restaurants are the heart and soul of our company, and we believe our people are the recipe for ...

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All JobsRestaurant Associate JobsRestaurant Associate Jobs in Portland, ME

Restaurant Associate information

See Portland, ME salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Portland, ME is $15.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $16.01 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 Portland, ME? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Portland, ME are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Portland, ME look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Portland, ME are:
What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Portland, ME with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Portland, ME 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 $32,762 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Restaurant Cook - Customer Service Associate (Restaurant)

Applebee's - Gurnet Road

Brunswick, ME

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Applebee's - Gurnet Road is looking for a Restaurant Cook to join our team in Brunswick, ME. This position is full time or part time. The restaurant cook is responsible for food preparation that meets or exceeds hospitality and service standards and must be able to prepare all foods to meet quantity and deadline requirements. As a restaurant cook at Applebee's - Gurnet Road you will prepare food items according to the menu, recipes, and special dietary or nutritional restrictions. You will also determine food and supplies needed to keep the kitchen running and stocked during service. Cooks make sure that proper health procedures are followed. You should maintain or exceed standards of appearance, cleanliness, hygiene, and health. Previous cook, line cook, prep cook, sous chef or other back of house (BOH) experience is beneficial. High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not mandatory. Food Handlers certification or willingness to obtain. Most importantly, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn will help you go far at Applebee's - Gurnet Road.

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