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Southern Food Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Manager

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Oversee guest services and resolve issues * Ensure a high quality of ingredients and food ... Strong attention to detail Company Description Southern Charm Bistro & Bakery is a scratch-made ...

Food Service Worker - Slim Chicken

Fort Polk, LA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

As a food service worker at Slim Chickens, you'll be responsible for creating a welcoming and ... If you have a passion for Southern food, made to order, this is the place for you! We offer ...

Restaurant Manager

Fort Myers, FL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Oversee guest services and resolve issues * Ensure a high quality of ingredients and food ... Strong attention to detail Company Description Southern Charm Bistro & Bakery is a scratch-made ...

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Description Southern Foodservice Management, a national contract food service company, is looking to hire a Food Service Worker for our Fort Leavenworth location in Leavenworth, KS. Duties and ...

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Southern Food Service information

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$9

$16

$21

How much do southern food service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for southern food service in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Southern Food Service vs Food Service Worker?

AspectSouthern Food ServiceFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services, often in Southern cuisine settingsRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food, general food service environments
Employer & Industry UsageSpecific to Southern cuisine establishments, catering, and hospitalityBroadly used across various food service establishments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specialized regional rolesGeneral food service roles

Southern Food Service typically refers to roles within establishments specializing in Southern cuisine, requiring specific regional knowledge. Food Service Worker is a broader term covering various general food service roles across different settings. While credentials and work environments overlap, Southern Food Service emphasizes regional expertise, whereas Food Service Worker is more general.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Southern Food Service professional, and why are they important?

To excel in Southern Food Service, you need a solid understanding of traditional Southern cuisine, food safety practices, and culinary techniques, often supported by experience or formal culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Exceptional teamwork, customer service skills, and adaptability are essential soft skills for creating a welcoming dining experience. These skills ensure the delivery of authentic, high-quality food and smooth kitchen operations in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Southern food service, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Southern food service often encounter challenges such as managing high-volume service during peak hours, maintaining consistency with traditional recipes, and accommodating diverse dietary preferences. Addressing these challenges involves strong communication with kitchen and front-of-house teams, ongoing training in food preparation and safety, and staying updated on menu adaptations for customer needs. Collaboration and flexibility are key, as is a deep respect for the regional culinary heritage that defines Southern cuisine.

What are Southern Food Service workers?

Southern Food Service workers are professionals who prepare, cook, and serve traditional Southern cuisine, often in restaurants, catering companies, or institutional settings like schools and hospitals located in the Southern United States. Their responsibilities can include menu planning, food preparation, cooking, ensuring food safety, and providing excellent customer service. Many Southern Food Service roles also involve knowledge of regional dishes such as fried chicken, barbecue, collard greens, and cornbread. These workers play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the culinary heritage of the American South while meeting the dining needs of various communities.
More about Southern Food Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Southern Food Service jobs? Cities with the most Southern Food Service job openings:
What states have the most Southern Food Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Southern Food Service jobs include:
Infographic showing various Southern Food Service job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,746 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Food Service Worker - Slim Chicken

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Army & Air Force Exchange Service rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

341st of 722 rated retailers


Job description

As a food service worker at Slim Chickens, you'll be responsible for creating a welcoming and friendly environment where our customers can relax and feel at home. Providing a genuine experience that leaves each customer feeling happy and appreciated is our goal. We handcraft each meal, using the freshest ingredients- so you can feel good about the food you serve. If you have a passion for Southern food, made to order, this is the place for you!
We offer flexible scheduling, comprehensive medical, dental, life and disability insurance, paid time off, shift differential/holiday pay, and a traditional pension and 401K plan to qualifying associates. You'll also have access to the base and its facilities, our Mass Transit program, and status as an employee of the DoD.
So what can you expect as a Food Service Worker- Slim Chickens at the Exchange?
  • Greet every customer with eye contact and smile in your authentic way
  • Acknowledge every waiting customer as soon as they arrive to the register to let them know you'll be right with them.
  • Listen to customer needs; ask appropriate follow-up questions to ensure you offer appropriate products that meet the specific need of the customer
  • Ensure customers have an extraordinary experience while shopping
  • Complete transactions accurately and efficiently while engaging customers in appropriate conversation
We know that you can work anywhere. However, working at the Exchange is the start of something great! While you make it easy for our customers, we focus on you and your development! Our people make us who we are. We want to see you grow, so we put growing together at the forefront of everything we do. It is our duty to provide you with the tools and resources that you need to succeed. Joining the Exchange means joining a team that is devoted to you!
Job Qualifications
  • Able to lift up to 45 pounds (occasional lifting over 50 pounds)
  • Able to learn and adapt to current technology needs
  • Able to think quickly on the spot to answer customer questions
  • Able to take initiative
  • Able to share brand knowledge
Additional Qualifications/Requirements
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Willing to cross-train and work in other areas of the store, as needed
  • Must possess a welcoming and helpful attitude toward customers and other team members
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Fast food experience preferred

What Army & Air Force Exchange Service employees say

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About Army and Air Force Exchange

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Army and Air Force Exchange is a unique entity within the retail industry, providing goods and services to military personnel. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company has been serving the U.S armed forces since 1895. The organization operates thousands of facilities worldwide, including department stores, convenience stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and an e-commerce site, shopmyexchange.com. Serving millions of active-duty military members, reservists, retired service members, and their family, the Exchange is committed to the core values of family serving family, respect everyone, courage to use good judgment, and passion for their customers.

Industry

Wholesale

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US