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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Riverside, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Manager

Philadelphia, PA · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Restaurant Manager

Hamilton, NJ · On-site

$19.23 - $23.53/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Restaurant Manager

Philadelphia, PA · 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 ...

Restaurant Manager

Philadelphia, PA · 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 ...

Restaurant Manager

Philadelphia, PA · 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 ...

Restaurant Crew

Wayne, PA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

Restaurant Crew

Wayne, PA · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

The Restaurant Associate is an entry level opportunity that is responsible for providing prompt, efficient, safe, and courteous quality food service to the guest. Cashier, customer service, retail ...

General Manager

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Bonus 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 ...

Executive Chef

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Bonus 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 ...

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 ...

Restaurant General Manager Directly Supervises: AGMs / Shift Managers / Team Members Basic Purpose and Objectives of the Position The Associate Restaurant Manager (ARM) serves as the assistant to the ...

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Restaurant Associate information

See Riverside, NJ salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Riverside, NJ is $15.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $15.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is Restaurant Associates a good company to work for?

Restaurant Associates offers roles such as restaurant associates in food service environments, typically providing entry-level positions with opportunities for advancement. The company is known for a structured work environment, competitive pay, and benefits, though experiences can vary by location and role. Prospective employees should research specific locations and review employee feedback for a comprehensive understanding.

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 an associate at a restaurant?

A restaurant associate is an employee who performs various tasks such as serving customers, taking orders, handling payments, and maintaining cleanliness. They often work in fast-paced environments and may need good communication skills and knowledge of POS systems. The role can include positions like server, cashier, or busser, depending on the restaurant's structure.

What do Restaurant Associates do?

Restaurant Associates employees typically work in food service roles such as servers, cooks, dishwashers, or hosts in dining establishments. They are responsible for preparing, serving, and maintaining food and customer service standards, often requiring knowledge of food safety and customer interaction skills.

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 the 30/30/30 rule for restaurants?

The 30/30/30 rule in restaurants typically refers to a time management guideline where staff aim to greet customers within 30 seconds, take their order within 30 seconds of greeting, and serve the food within 30 minutes of ordering. It helps ensure efficient service and customer satisfaction. Restaurant associates should be familiar with such standards to maintain smooth operations.

What are Restaurant Associates?

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 Riverside, NJ? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Riverside, NJ are:
What cities near Riverside, NJ are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Riverside, NJ with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Restaurant Manager

Restaurant Manager

Restaurant Associates

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Restaurant Associates rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 230 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 67 rated caterers


Job description

Position Title: Restaurant Manager 

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

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
We’re looking for a service-driven and collaborative Restaurant Manager to oversee front-of-house operations within a dynamic, multi-concept dining and events destination in University City. This role is instrumental in delivering exceptional guest experiences across a range of service styles, from refined dining to high-volume events.
 
As a key member of the leadership team, you’ll guide front-of-house execution, support team development, and help create a welcoming, high-performing environment where both guests and team members can thrive.
 
What You’ll Do
  • Lead day-to-day front-of-house operations, ensuring consistent, high-quality service standards
  • Hire, train, and develop FOH team members in fine dining service techniques and guest engagement
  • Create and manage staff schedules, payroll, and labor alignment to support business needs
  • Conduct daily pre-shift meetings and ongoing team communication to ensure service readiness
  • Oversee reservation systems, seating strategies, and floor plans to maximize flow and guest experience
  • Develop station assignments, side work responsibilities, and service execution plans
  • Partner cross-functionally with culinary, events, and operations teams to ensure seamless service
  • Monitor service throughout each shift, providing real-time coaching and support
  • Maintain dining room presentation, cleanliness, and adherence to brand and service standards
  • Handle guest feedback and resolve concerns with professionalism, empathy, and urgency
  • Support execution of special events, private dining, and promotional activations

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience in upscale or fine dining environments, with leadership responsibility in front-of-house operations
  • Ability to lead, coach, and develop hourly teams in a high-performance service culture
  • Strong understanding of high-volume service and event-driven operations
  • Financial awareness, including labor management, inventory oversight, and cost controls
  • Experience with reservation systems, POS platforms, and basic office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments
  • A calm, solutions-oriented approach in fast-paced and high-pressure situations
  • Professional presence with a commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction
  • Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field is a plus, or equivalent hands-on experience

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:  1543475

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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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