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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Sparta, TN (NOW HIRING)

0447 Cookeville FA

Manager

Cookeville, TN · On-site

Manager The Manager is a business partner accountable for leading the Restaurant Associate team to deliver Steak 'n Shake operational and financial standards on each scheduled shift as well as ...

0447 Cookeville FA

Manager

Cookeville, TN · On-site

Manager The Manager is a business partner accountable for leading the Restaurant Associate team to deliver Steak 'n Shake operational and financial standards on each scheduled shift as well as ...

Steak 'n Shake Cookeville

Manager

Cookeville, TN

$14 - $20/hr

Trainers and all Restaurant Associates 1. RESPONSIBILITIES: Major functions/tasks performed in the job and the deliverable (report, product, output, etc.) produced. Primary and On-Going ...

Steak 'n Shake

Manager

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Trainers and all Restaurant Associates 1. RESPONSIBILITIES: Major functions/tasks performed in the job and the deliverable (report, product, output, etc.) produced. Primary and On-Going ...

Steak 'n Shake

Manager

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Trainers and all Restaurant Associates 1. RESPONSIBILITIES: Major functions/tasks performed in the job and the deliverable (report, product, output, etc.) produced. Primary and On-Going ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Cookeville, TN · 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

Cookeville, TN · 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

Cookeville, TN · 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

Cookeville, TN · 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 ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Service Team

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/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

Kitchen Team

Cookeville, TN

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Dollartree

Customer Service Associate I

Pikeville, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $17/hr

We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience ... Previous customer service experience in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store ...

Dollar Tree

Customer Service Associate I

Pikeville, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $17/hr

We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience ... Previous customer service experience in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store ...

Dollar Tree

Customer Service Associate I

Sparta, TN · On-site

$12 - $16.50/hr

We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience ... Previous customer service experience in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store ...

Dollartree

Customer Service Associate I

Spencer, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience ... Previous customer service experience in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store ...

Dollar Tree

Customer Service Associate I

Spencer, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.75/hr

We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience ... Previous customer service experience in retail, hotel, restaurant, grocery, or drug store ...

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Restaurant Associate information

See Sparta, TN salary details

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$23

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Sparta, TN is $12.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.24 and $12.79 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 Sparta, TN?

The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Sparta, TN are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Sparta, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Sparta, TN are:

What cities near Sparta, TN are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs?

Cities near Sparta, TN with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:

Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Sparta, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $26,244 per year, or $12.6 per hour.

Manager

0447 Cookeville FA

Cookeville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Manager

The Manager is a business partner accountable for leading the Restaurant Associate team to deliver Steak 'n Shake operational and financial standards on each scheduled shift as well as building a well cross trained staff within the Restaurant. The Manager is responsible for assessing Associates performance to identify opportunities and coach for improvement. This position has accountability on his/her shift for the correct delivery of Steak 'n Shake procedures, policies and specification which deliver the Steak 'n Shake Vision and Mission. The Manager will partner directly with his/her Restaurant and General Manager and/or Franchise Partner Designate and will receive market level support from his/her Human Resource Manager and Field Training Manager / Coordinator to meet the business and strategic objectives of the organization.

Responsibilities:

  • Effectively manage a Steak 'n Shake shift
  • Execute the 14 point walk and correct deficiencies as they arise
  • Ensure food is properly stored and prepared in compliance with food safety regulations and recipe adherence
  • Ensure service, hospitality, accuracy and speed standards are achieved
  • Maintain strict compliance with health, safety and security standards and procedures
  • Train, coach and inspire Associates to deliver exceptional service, food quality and environment to the Guest
  • Demonstrate effective decision making and problem solving skills that support the Steak 'n Shake Principles
  • Ensure accurate adherence to all State and Federal laws on assigned shift
  • Lead by Example
  • Has authority to discipline associates
  • Recommends associates for hiring and promotion
  • Recommends associates for termination

Key Relationships:

  • Primary: Restaurant Associates, Restaurant Trainers, Restaurant Management
  • Secondary: Division President, Field Training Manager, Human Resource Manager

Requirements:

  • High School graduate or equivalent education preferred
  • Certified in all Stations at Steak 'n Shake or equivalent experience
  • ServSafe certified (based on local regulations)
  • Understand Steak 'n Shake policies, procedures, state laws, Health codes, Safe food handling and Sanitation procedures
  • Positive, motivating communication skills
  • Strong organization and time management skills
  • Strong coaching and mentoring skills
  • Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances
  • Ability to read, write, perform mathematical calculations and analyze data
  • Demonstrate key principles: Golden Rule, Relentless pursuit of Excellence, Exceeding guest expectations, Economic objective, Entrepreneurial approach
  • Able to work in excess of 40 hours per week while standing, walking and stretching
  • Able to lift, carry, push and pull 30 lbs
  • Able to perform any task performed by a service or production associate
  • Able to see across the restaurant to monitor and oversee the operation
  • Able to legally operate a motor vehicle
  • Able to hear, understand and professionally respond to guest and employee inquiries, comments and concerns

Key Performance Indicators:

  • Field Results Report
  • Key Metrics
  • Effective working relationship with Above Store Leaders, Restaurant Management, colleagues and direct reports

Career Path:

  • Restaurant Manager
  • General Manager
  • Franchise Partner

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility. We run background checks on all new hires in this position.

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