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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no experience required) and we provide paid training for every new Customer Service Associate on the ...

Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no experience required) and we provide paid training for every new Customer Service Associate on the ...

Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no experience required) and we provide paid training for every new Customer Service Associate on the ...

New

Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no experience required) and we provide paid training for every new Customer Service Associate on the ...

Even if you don't have previous Restaurant experience, this position is entry-level (yes, that's no experience required) and we provide paid training for every new Customer Service Associate on the ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Restaurant Associate information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Worcester, MA is $15.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $15.58 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 Worcester, MA?

The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Worcester, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Worcester, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,952 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Experienced Restaurant Manager

Apex Entertainment

Marlborough, MA

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Apex Entertainment rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 57 rated amusements


Job description

Restaurant Manager

Apex Entertainment

FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive

Reports To: General Manager

Location: Apex Entertainment - Marlborough, Ma


Position Summary

The Restaurant Manager is a member of the management team responsible for directing all aspects of the Food & Beverage operation, including restaurant, bar, kitchen, catering, concessions, and banquet operations, as applicable. This position is responsible for achieving financial objectives, developing team members, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining exceptional guest experiences, and executing company standards.

The primary duty of this position is the management of the Food & Beverage department. The Restaurant Manager exercises independent judgment and discretion in managing operations, staffing, budgeting, employee performance, and guest service initiatives. While the manager may occasionally assist with non-exempt duties during peak business periods or emergencies, such duties are incidental to the primary responsibility of managing the department.

Essential Management Responsibilities

  • Direct, supervise, and manage all Food & Beverage operations.
  • Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Assistant Managers, Supervisors, and hourly team members.
  • Customarily and regularly direct the work of two or more full-time employees or their equivalent.
  • Establish staffing plans based on forecasted sales and business volume.
  • Hire, interview, recommend promotions, discipline, evaluate performance, and participate in termination decisions.
  • Exercise significant influence regarding personnel decisions.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and implement corrective action when necessary.
  • Develop succession plans and leadership development programs.
  • Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Financial Leadership

  • Manage departmental budgets and operating expenses.
  • Monitor labor costs, food costs, beverage costs, and operating margins.
  • Analyze financial reports including:
    • Profit and Loss Statements
    • Prime Cost Reports
    • Labor Reports
    • Inventory Reports
    • Sales Trends
  • Develop action plans to improve profitability.
  • Control inventory and purchasing.
  • Approve departmental purchases within authorized spending limits.
  • Recommend capital improvements.

Operational Leadership

  • Ensure consistent execution of company operating standards.
  • Oversee food quality, beverage quality, cleanliness, and presentation.
  • Monitor guest satisfaction and implement service recovery procedures.
  • Coordinate with Entertainment, Attractions, Events, Facilities, and Culinary departments.
  • Develop operating procedures that improve efficiency.
  • Ensure appropriate staffing throughout all operating periods.
  • Oversee scheduling to meet business needs while controlling labor expenses.

Compliance Responsibilities

Ensure departmental compliance with all applicable laws and company standards, including:

  • New York State labor laws
  • Federal wage and hour regulations
  • Health Department regulations
  • Food safety requirements
  • Alcohol service regulations
  • OSHA standards
  • Workers' Compensation requirements
  • ADA requirements
  • Company safety programs

Maintain required certifications where applicable.

Leadership Expectations

The Restaurant Manager exercises discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance, including:

  • Staffing decisions
  • Labor deployment
  • Guest recovery
  • Budget recommendations
  • Purchasing decisions
  • Operational priorities
  • Employee coaching and discipline
  • Performance management
  • Inventory management
  • Policy implementation

Guest Experience

  • Create a culture focused on hospitality and guest satisfaction.
  • Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and authority.
  • Monitor service standards throughout all operating areas.
  • Ensure a clean, safe, welcoming environment.
  • Lead by example in providing exceptional hospitality.

Team Development

  • Recruit, interview, onboard, and train employees.
  • Develop supervisors and future managers.
  • Conduct regular coaching sessions.
  • Facilitate departmental meetings.
  • Recognize employee performance.
  • Foster teamwork and accountability.

Qualifications

Required

  • Fluent in spoken and written English.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Restaurant Management, Business, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of progressive restaurant or entertainment food service management experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience supervising multiple employees.
  • Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and alcohol service laws.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to analyze operational and financial data and implement corrective action.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and restaurant POS systems.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts based on business needs.
  • Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility.

Work Environment

The Restaurant Manager works in a fast-paced family entertainment and restaurant environment requiring continuous interaction with guests, employees, vendors, and senior leadership.

Success Measures

Performance is evaluated based on:

  • Food cost management
  • Beverage cost management
  • Labor cost management
  • Revenue growth
  • Guest satisfaction metrics
  • Health inspection scores
  • Safety compliance
  • Employee retention
  • Team engagement
  • Financial performance
  • Operational execution
  • Leadership effectiveness


What Apex Entertainment employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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