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Restaurant Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Restaurant Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

A Company Associate's job is to delight customers with great food and good vibes. Since they are ... fast-casual restaurant chain with over 400 locations that focuses on submarine sandwiches and ...

Apply Early

Potbelly

Restaurant Associate

Austin, TX · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time/Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate's job ...

SpartanNash

Restaurant Associate

Gaylord, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Communicate tasks, recipes, weights and measures, and cleaning steps completed to other associates * Follow all PPE and Safety Guidelines * Follow all Food Safety and Cleaning Expectations * Follow ...

Potbelly - Kavir

Restaurant Associate

Hutto, TX

$13 - $16.50/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time/Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate's job ...

Potbelly - Kavir

Restaurant Associate

Austin, TX

$13 - $16/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time/Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate's job ...

Red Robin

Restaurant Associate Manager

Federal Way, WA

$21.15 - $28.65/hr

Restaurant Associate Manager $21.15-28.65/hr Restaurant Associate Manager Compensation Range: 21.15 - 28.65 Our Restaurant hourly Associate Manager is a true embodiment of unbridled hospitality ...

Potbelly - Kavir

Restaurant Associate

Georgetown, TX

$12 - $15/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time/Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate's job ...

Bubbas Biscuit Barn LLC

Restaurant Associate

Royston, GA · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

The job role will be focused on preparing the food based upon customers' orders but can or will be expected to learn and help with other various functions of the restaurant including taking orders ...

SpartanNash Company

Restaurant Associate

Gaylord, MI · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Communicate tasks, recipes, weights and measures, and cleaning steps completed to other associates * Follow all PPE and Safety Guidelines * Follow all Food Safety and Cleaning Expectations * Follow ...

Bubbas Biscuit Barn LLC

Restaurant Associate

Royston, GA · On-site

$10 - $15/hr

The job role will be focused on preparing the food based upon customers' orders but can or will be expected to learn and help with other various functions of the restaurant including taking orders ...

Potbelly

Restaurant Associate

Hutto, TX · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time/Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate's job ...

Red Robin

Restaurant Associate Manager

Tacoma, WA

$21.15 - $28.65/hr

Restaurant Associate Manager $21.15-28.65/hr Restaurant Associate Manager Compensation Range: 21.15 - 28.65 Our Restaurant hourly Associate Manager is a true embodiment of unbridled hospitality ...

Potbelly

Restaurant Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time - Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate ...

Potbelly

Restaurant Associate

Georgetown, TX · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time/Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate's job ...

Potbelly

Restaurant Associate

Austin, TX · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Associate Department/Function: Operations Location: Field, Assigned to Specific Shop Reports to (Title): General or Assistant Manager Part-Time/Nonexempt GENERAL DESCRIPTION A Company Associate's job ...

Transform Co

Restaurant Associate

Tamuning, GU · On-site

$11.50 - $14.25/hr

Provides World Class Member Service by surprising and delighting our members every day. Provides food service according to industry food standards.

Fazoli's

Restaurant Associate Manager

Mansfield, OH · On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

As Associate Manager, you will work closely with your General Manager and Team to ensure the success of your Fazoli's Restaurant. In this role you are preparing for, and developing to become, a ...

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Restaurant Associate information

See salary details

$8

$15

$28

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in the United States is $15.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.62 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 cities are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? The top employers for Restaurant Associate jobs are:
What states have the most Restaurant Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Restaurant Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs are:
Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 49% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,022 per year, or $15.4 per hour.
Restaurant Associate

Restaurant Associate

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Aurora, IL • On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Prepare and serve quality food products according to company recipe manual standards.

  • Provide fast, friendly, and efficient customer service in a clean and inviting environment.

  • Operate cash register and follow all cash handling procedures.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 104 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

A Company Associate’s job is to delight customers with great food and good vibes. Since they are the primary point of customer contact, it is up to them to provide our customers an excellent experience by providing fast, friendly and efficient service and by delivering a quality and consistent product every time, in a clean and inviting environment.

FOCUS

Essential

  • Demonstrate and reinforce Company’s Behaviors and Values- Great Food, Good Vibes, Achievement, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, Community and Belonging
  • Familiarity with the Potbelly brand and its products
  • Prepare quality finished products (sandwiches, salads, soups, cookies, ice cream, etc.) efficiently per Company recipe manual standards.
  • Comply with health and safety standards for food, cleanliness and safety of shop.
  • Maintain personal hygiene standards, including wearing clean Company uniform.
  • Comply with established food safety requirements and practices.
  • Comply with shop security and safety standards.
  • Be speedy and accurate in fulfilling orders.
  • Handle raw and finished waste according to established procedures.
  • Delight customers
  • Engage in friendly conversation with customers in line.
  • Act with a sense of urgency toward all customers in shop.

Other Key Functions

  • Restock food line, chips and cooler.
  • Work multiple stations (load, dress, shakes, cash, prep, front) as directed by Manager or Shift Leader
  • Deliver catering orders as detailed in the Catering Driver and Delivery Agreement.
  • Prepare meats and cheeses for different sandwiches.
  • If 18 or older, uses and cleans the automatic slicer & manual chicken slicer to prep food items.
  • Clean tables, counters, floors, bathrooms, kitchen and utensils; take out trash.
  • Operate cash register: handle, balance and follow all cash handling procedures.
  • Effectively handle customer complaints/issues.
  • Take delivery/catering/pickup orders over the phone.
  • Others duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

  • Ability to stand/walk a minimum of 5 hours or as needed.
  • Must be able to exert well-paced and frequent mobility for periods of up to 3 hours or as needed.
  • Be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Will frequently reach, feel, bend, stoop, carry, finely manipulate and key in data.
  • Able to work in both warm and cool environments, indoors (95%) and outdoors (5%).
  • Must be able to tolerate higher levels of noise from music, customer and employee traffic.
  • Must be able to tolerate potential allergens: peanut products, egg, dairy, gluten, soy, seafood and shellfish.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORS

  • Must represent Company Values.
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • For Illinois employees, all employees are required to become food safety certified within 30 days of employment. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment.
  • Must be friendly and customer service-oriented.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Must possess neat and clean hygiene.
  • Ability to handle a knife confidently.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and have a sense of urgency.
  • Ability to work as a team-player.
  • Ability to comprehend and communicate in English via verbal and written communication, such that employee can perform his or her job responsibilities.
  • Must demonstrate leadership behaviors and values that align with Company.

You are applying to work with a franchisee of Potbelly Corporate. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who set own terms of employment, including wage and benefit programs, which can vary between franchisees.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop, also known as Potbelly Sandwich Works, is an American fast-casual restaurant chain with over 400 locations that focuses on submarine sandwiches and milkshakes. It is owned by RaceTrac. Potbelly was founded in 1977 in Chicago, and its name refers to the potbelly stove.

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