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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Prior Lake, MN (NOW HIRING)

Cracker Barrel

Restaurant Manager

Lakeville, MN · 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 ...

Cracker Barrel

Restaurant Manager

Lakeville, MN · 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 ...

Hardee's

Early Morning Associate

Faribault, MN

$13 - $18/hr

Do you want to work in a safe restaurant environment with a company that respects and adheres to good health standards?Join our team! We are looking for candidates who are willing and able to work in ...

HMSHost

Responsable de quart principal I

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

West Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$15/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

West Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$15/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 ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

West Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$15/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 ...

Areas Hospitality USA

Restaurant Manager

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

Restaurant Manager I Department: Operations Reports To: Unit General Manager Status: Exempt Date ... Advises concept manager to the performance of associates. * Ensure all employees are following the ...

HMSHost

Shift Manager II - Shacke Shack

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Assists the GM/AGM in managing by supervising day-to-day activities of associates within a defined individual or group of restaurants or points-of-sale * Ensures compliance with all company adult ...

Dufry

Shake Shack Shift Manager II

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$22.27 - $24.74/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 ...

Dufry

Shake Shack Shift Manager II

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$22.27 - $24.74/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 ...

Shake Shack

Shift Manager II

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$22.27 - $27.21/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 ...

Dufry

Starbucks C12 Shift Manager I

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$21.01 - $23.34/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 ...

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Restaurant Associate information

See Prior Lake, MN salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Prior Lake, MN is $15.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.84 and $16.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs in Prior Lake, MN?

The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Prior Lake, MN are:

What cities near Prior Lake, MN are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs?

Cities near Prior Lake, MN with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:

Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Prior Lake, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 49% Full Time, and 49% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,862 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Restaurant Manager

Lakeville, MN • On-site

Cracker Barrel
Restaurants • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Cracker Barrelexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Cracker Barrel rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,098 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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
  • Must be fluent in English

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.

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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