1

Restaurant Associate Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Event Sales Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Commission Plan Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and ...

Beverage Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Trains all associates in the kitchen how to perform their job duties to the best of their abilities, including proper seasoning, food production techniques, plate presentation, display work, cleaning ...

Trains all associates in the kitchen how to perform their job duties to the best of their abilities, including proper seasoning, food production techniques, plate presentation, display work, cleaning ...

General Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Annual Performance Bonus Opportunity (Up to 20% of Base Salary) Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most ...

Chef Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Showing results 41-60

Restaurant Associate information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Ridgewood, NJ is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.82 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 Ridgewood, NJ? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Ridgewood, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:
What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:

Event Sales Manager

Restaurant Associates

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Restaurant Associates rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 236 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Position Title: Event Sales Manager

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Commission Plan 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice AwardsBest Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

Working as the Event Sales Manager you will effectively  coordinate and oversee internal and external events. You will be responsible for menu development as well as costing and marketing functions as they relate to the events department. You will implement labor cost control, foods cost control, preparation, transportation, setup, operation and clean-up of all events.

Key Responsibilities:  

  • Hires, trains and develops managers, and is actively involved in the development of service techniques, menu presentation, policies and procedures
  • Creates operating statements, reports, and operational budgets, and reviews of the collection of receivables
  • Creates catering activities, books, plans & directed functions
  • Creates proposals, contracts and banquet event orders
  • Prepares and monitors budgets; financial targets and forecasts
  • Maintains local clients database and builds and maintains relationship with vendors
  • Ensures all safety and sanitation procedures are followed in compliance with HACCP
  • Performs related duties and special projects as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree is preferred or equivalent professional experience
  • Proven track record for meeting sales goals
  • Strong knowledge of current food, industry trends and fine dining points of service
  • A minimum of two years of experience in hospitality industry including one year experience in catering sales
  • Supervisory, scheduling, training and coaching skills
  • Ability to assess client requirements and deliver ensuring client satisfaction
  • Must be able to write menu proposals in consultation with chefs
  • The ability to supervise food preparation, service and clean-up is also essential
  • Knowledge of A/V equipment with the ability to set up and break down for events.
  • Superior quantitative, oral and written communications and problem-solving/strategizing skills
  • Excellent leadership and organizational skills, flexible and adaptable to constant changes and must possess attention to detail
  • Excellent overall computer skills with advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
  • Proactive mindset and able to remain calm under pressure to anticipate and support changes in our business.
  • Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
  • Exceptional client relations and customer service abilities

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

  

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

Req ID:  1555590

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

[[req_classification]] 


What Restaurant Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Restaurant Associates logo

About Restaurant Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A chef-driven company with a mission to deliver hospitality excellence. Since the very beginning, we’ve delivered culinary quality and innovation coupled with unparalleled hospitality to some of the most recognizable companies, institutions, and brands in the world. At R/A, food is inspiration. Our reputation is built on our ability to continuously evolve and innovate. Our work goes beyond the excellence of our food and hospitality. It extends to industry-best wellness and sustainability practices and a commitment to integrating human-centered technology.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1953