1.7 million teenagers are working as restaurant employees, according to the . As surprising as it may sound, this is certainly not a piece of new news anymore.
Often, individuals tend to work a job in their free time. And in the past few years, more and more students decided to follow suit. Maybe you know someone who works for a local fast-food chain, or you are a working student.
Although most of the statistics stated above refer to college students, many high schoolers are already working.
In an October 2019, high school and college students were asked whether they want to work at a local business. The results showed that 22.3 percent of high school students and 50.2 percent of college students want to be involved in the labor force. They want to be employed, either full-time or part-time, at restaurant jobs or other places that hire teenagers.
This is great news for youth is that more restaurants are willing to hire at 14 and 15.
But scouring the internet for “restaurants hiring near me with no experience” may cost you valuable time with outdated content.
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Our researched definitive guide of available part-time restaurants that hire young students will give you simple answers.
Restaurant in a Restaurant for the First Time
Here’s a short video on the basic tips of working in a restaurant.
Can Teens Work in the Fast Food Industry?
Yes, they can work in the fast-food industry. Restaurants and the local fast-food industry are the leading employers for teens looking for their first job in the labor force.
What Are the Top Jobs For Teens In the Restaurant Industry?
First-time jobs for teens at a local restaurant will be based on your skills and interests. If you’re an extrovert, apply to work the drive-thru or as a cashier. The worst jobs for an introvert would be a server vs. working food prep or dishwashing.
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Here’s a list of the top jobs for teenagers to apply for in the restaurant industry:
Cashiers or Counter Clerk
One of the most common types of teen jobs is to be a cashier. They welcome the arriving guests from behind the counter, take orders, make the payment, and fill drink orders. Sometimes, they can also be assigned to the drive-thru window to either process the order or complete it.
Dishwashers or Bussers
Being a dishwasher or a busser are not the most glamorous jobs at a restaurant. Bussers clean the table after a guest has finished eating, while a dishwasher’s primary duty is to clean the dirty dishes. Smaller restaurants employ one worker for both roles, while larger stores have different positions.
Servers
A server takes the guest’s orders, serves the food, and processes the payment. It also includes cleaning their respective workstation, relaying the menu to the guests, being organized, pleasant, and communicative; it’s not a good job for an introvert.
See my guide on “How to be the Best Restaurant Server” with proven tips and tricks.
Food Preparation Assistants
Although they are not the head chef, working teens can find a position as a food preparation assistant. They work under the head chef’s wing, and they generally prepare the ingredients for the menu. A food prep assistant will chop vegetables, slice meat or prepare coffee beans. They can also assist in maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen.
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Door Attendants
Some restaurants, like the Olive Garden, employ teenagers to be door attendants. They are in charge of opening and closing the door for arriving and leaving guests. Their tasks are to welcome and thank the guests for coming and answer basic queries such as the availability and wait times.
Among all of the industries that hire teenagers, the restaurant and fast food industry offer arguably the best first-time job for someone with no experience.
How many hours can a 14 and 15-year-old work legally?
Generally, the number of hours that a 14 and 15-year old can work will depend on the day or the type of week. For example, a student can legally work a maximum of 3 hours during a school day. They can work up to eight hours on a non-school day. Also, on a non-school week, such as vacations and holidays, teens can work no more than 40 hours.
What is Considered a Minor?
In almost all states, someone below 18 years old is considered a ‘minor.’ Minors should be under the care of their parents or guardians during their minor years unless they opt for emancipation. Being emancipated means that you and your parents waive their responsibility for you, and you will begin paying for all of your expenses and your taxes as an individual.
How old do you have to be to work at Fast Food Restaurants?
The Federal Laws have set age 14 as the minimum age to work. Therefore, a limited amount of restaurants will hire at 14 and no younger. However, they cannot employ you to work in precarious or hazardous positions.
Most restaurants have the first job for a teenager starting at 16 years old. The minimum age requirement will vary by location, state, and franchisee.
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What are the Pros and Cons of Working in Restaurants?
Working at restaurants have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Our list includes the most common and significant pros and cons of working in restaurants, from the salary and benefits to the problematic coworker.
What Are The Pros Of Working in Restaurants?
Here are the advantages of being employed in a restaurant:
Earn Lots of Fast Money
Some of the teenagers who work in upscale restaurants as servers may receive some amazing cash tips. Some of the best servers can earn upwards of $200 per night in free. This is a significant advantage of working in a busy restaurant, as you get rewarded not only by your minimum salary but also by the friendly and appreciative customers.
Free Food From the House
Most restaurants either give you an employee discount or free food for your shift. This is a token of appreciation from the management for your hard work. It’s a benefit for you if you’re working at your favorite pizza, burrito, or breakfast restaurant. Even if it’s not your favorite, who doesn’t love free food?
Lovable Coworkers
Have you ever heard of the saying “teamwork makes the dream work”?
In a restaurant, this principle applies to its strictest sense. From the manager to the door attendant, all workers must cooperate, so every working day or night is a success. This cooperation is the root of the friendships and healthy relationships that blossom in the workplace. It is easy to develop a friendship with your coworkers, and some may become lifelong friends.
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Learning Essential Work Ethics
If you are working while studying, you have to juggle your academic workloads and your job. If you are successful in doing this, you are developing crucial time management skills and discipline. You can also develop your ability to follow instructions and deliver against the daily rigors.
You Can Meet Many Wonderful People
Working as a ‘public figure’ will expose you to many new people. Meeting these people can lead to other opportunities in the future. While waiting tables, I received several job offers, a college grant, and a job interview for what became my professional career.
What Are The Cons of Working in Restaurants?
For every advantage, there are disadvantages to working in restaurants.
Less Guest Equals Low Earnings
Depending on the location and the type of restaurant, you may make a lot of money in tips, or it’s so slow that you make no money. For example, during COVID, some states and towns closed restaurants resulting in servers making no money in tips. Sometimes customers don’t leave their house due to snow, rain, or inclement weather.
Rude Guests and Coworkers
Unfortunately, some guests mistreat servers and expect them to grant their every wish at the snap of their fingers. In addition, sometimes you’ll get stuck working with unpleasant coworkers, and you’ll need to learn how to deal with them.
Overwork
Your teenage years let your body develop into an adult. This means that you are not yet biologically built to carry out large tasks. If you are working more than the legal limits, it can take a toll on your overall health and development.
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Restaurants That Hire Minors
Now, here is the part that you must be waiting for. The following part is the compilation of restaurant jobs for youth. Together with the restaurants’ names, we’ll provide you details on each job and why working in restaurants is the best job to get as a teenager.
In the US, about 30% of fast-food workers are teenagers 16 and older. You can get an entry-level job at any of the following food service restaurants.
1. Applebee’s
Applebee’s is known for its casual dining menu with mainstream American dishes such as burgers, chicken, salads, pasta, and many others. The company has over 1,600 restaurants across the US.
Depending on the location, the minimum age to work at Applebee’s is 16. A job for youth would include working as a host or curbside delivery.
Complete an Applebee’s job online for a location nearby.
2. Arby’s
Arby’s is a fast-food sandwich restaurant chain in the US It has over 3,300 restaurant locations that hire teens.
Arby’s employee perks include a training program with 50% meal discounts, competitive pay, and flexible hours for teenagers. Its training program makes it a great place to work with no experience.
Does Arby’s hire at 15?
You must be 15 years old to work at Arby’s. You’ll be taking customer orders, prepare food made to order, and clean the dining room and all areas behind the counter, among other jobs.
Complete the Arby’s application online .
3. A&W
A&W was America’s first restaurant chain to reach 100 years old. They have over 550 quick-serve restaurants in the US, with nearly 100 locations in a convenience store and gas station. It’s founded on A&W root beer, and it invented the original bacon cheeseburger in 1963.
Generally, A&W hires teens starting at 16. The responsibilities could include preparing food, serving guests, cleaning, and cashiering.
The A&W part-time employee perks include a 25% food discount, free root beer (of course), and flexible hours for students.
Download an A&W application and return to your local restaurant.
4. Baskin Robbins
Baskin-Robbins is a multinational chain of ice creams and cake decorating with over 2,500 locations in the US. They’ve created over 1,300 unique ice cream flavors in its 70+ year history.
Baskin Robbins is the best job to get as a 14-year-old teen with a work permit. It’s a friendly work environment to have scooping ice cream as your first experience. Perks include a free scoop of ice cream per day, a flexible schedule for students, and two weeks of employee training.
Find your Baskin Robbins locations near you .
5. Ben and Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s manufactures and sells ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt. It has over 615 locations in over 40 states across the US.
Ben & Jerry’s will hire teens starting at 16 years old with a valid driver’s license.
The employee perks include free ice cream, fun music, and a flexible work schedule for students.
Find a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop job .
6. Bruegger’s Bagels
Bruegger’s Bagels sells authentic New York-style bagels along with sandwiches, salads, soups, and catering. They have about 200 quick-serve locations in over 20 states.
You can work in any of the 300 stores located in 26…
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