Food Service Associate

Kelley Williamson Co.; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 24,796; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts on store products

Clean and modern work environment

Opportunities for advancement

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A local convenience store in Loves Park is seeking a Food Service Associate to provide excellent customer service and maintain a safe, clean food service environment. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to handle cash transactions. The position offers competitive pay ranging from $15 to $18 per hour and includes various benefits such as medical and dental coverage, flexible hours, and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age; hiring age may be 18+ in select markets.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail/food-service environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve fresh food while ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness of food service areas and equipment.
• Process transactions accurately and manage cash handling.

Skills

Customer service

Strong communication

Basic math skills

Ability to handle cash

Job description

Description

Company: Kelley's Market

Location: Applewood, Loves Park, Illinois 61111
Address: 5542 E Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, 61111

Position: Food Service Associate

Reports To: Station Manager

About Kelley's Market

Join a company with deep roots and big opportunities! Since 1926, Kelley's Market has been serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin as a family‑owned convenience store chain. As an ExxonMobil distributor, we're continuously growing and innovating to meet our customers' needs with new products, services, and technology. We pride ourselves on offering top‑quality products underscored with outstanding service—and that starts with our team.

What You'll Do

The Food Service Associate plays a key role in helping us deliver top‑quality food and an outstanding customer experience. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and well‑stocked food‑service environment while serving customers in a friendly and efficient manner. The Food Service Associate may receive guidance and direction from Lead team members and reports directly to the Assistant Manager(s) and Station Manager.

Deliver Outstanding Food & Service

• Prepare, assemble, and serve fresh food and beverages that meet brand and safety standards.
• Provide fast, friendly, and courteous service that creates positive guest experiences.
• Operate food prep equipment and POS systems accurately and safely.
• Stay current on menu offerings, pricing, and promotions to assist customers and support sales.

Keep Our Food Areas Clean & Safe

• Maintain cleanliness of all food service areas including prep stations, counters, equipment, dining areas, and restrooms.
• Restock and rotate food items, condiments, utensils, and beverages using FIFO practices.
• Follow all food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures in compliance with company and health department guidelines.
• Alert management to any food safety concerns, equipment issues, or supply shortages.

Support Smooth Operations

• Complete assigned tasks including temperature logs, equipment cleaning, and station checklists.
• Accurately process transactions at the register and maintain proper cash handling.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping and communicate shift updates or concerns to leadership.
• Take ownership of daily routines and contribute to a smooth‑running food service experience.

Work as Part of Our Team

• Collaborate effectively with team members and take direction from leadership.
• Uphold all safety and security procedures in food prep and customer interaction.
• Contribute to a positive team culture that values cleanliness, quality, and fast service.

What We Offer

Competitive Compensation

• The hiring range for this position is $15 to $18 per hour and may be based on education, work experience, knowledge, skills, and certifications.

Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical & Dental (BlueCross), Vision (EyeMed)
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D
• Voluntary Short‑Term Disability
• 401(k) Plan with Annual Matching

Time Off & Work‑Life Balance

• Vacation Time
• Personal Time
• Illinois Paid Leave
• Six Paid Holidays

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts on store products
• Clean, modern, and well‑maintained work environment
• Opportunities for advancement within our growing organization
• Benefit eligibility may vary based on position, hours worked, and length of employment. Select benefits may not be eligible until specific milestones have been met. Consult with your Hiring Manager for more information.

Ready to make a real difference with your leadership skills? Apply today to join the Kelley's Market team!

Requirements

What’s Required

• Must be at least 16 years of age. In select market(s), hiring age may be 18+.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service in a fast‑paced retail/food‑service environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic math skills and the ability to handle cash and operate a point‑of‑sale (POS) system accurately.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs frequently and up to 50 lbs occasionally, and to stand for extended periods.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience in a convenience store, gas station, or retail environment.
• Prior experience in a fast‑food or QSR environment.
• Experience handling cash and completing shift reports or basic bookkeeping tasks.