Restaurant Team Member

Panera Bread; Elmwood Park (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with tips

Free meals on shift

Flexible scheduling

Paid vacation/sick time (full-time)

Medical/dental/vision/Life insurance

401(k) with matching

Tuition discounts

Career advancement opportunities

Team member assistance program

Job summary

Panera Bread is hiring a Restaurant Team Member in Elmwood Park, IL. You will be the heart of hospitality, greeting guests, assembling fresh salads and sandwiches, and supporting teammates across various bakery-cafe duties. You’ll help ensure an inviting atmosphere and provide warm, joyful service.

Ideal candidates are at least 16 years old, able to lift 25 lbs, and comfortable in a fast-paced setting. Training and growth opportunities are available along with competitive pay and benefits for

Qualifications

• Minimum age 16+
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Able to clearly communicate in a loud environment.
• Experience with food service is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with warmth and enthusiasm.
• Assist in production, prep, service, cashier, expo, drive-thru, barista, guest experience, QC as needed.
• Assemble salads, soups, and sandwiches with care and efficiency.
• Maintain clean, safe, and inviting environment following food safety standards.
• Support team by completing cleaning and stocking duties and helping next shift setup.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Clear communication

Flexibility

Job description

Restaurant Team Member

At Panera Bread, we believe every guest deserves our best. As a Restaurant Team Member , you’ll be the heart of hospitality- bringing warmth, care, and joy to every interaction. Restaurant Team Members have the special opportunity to connect with our amazing guests, directly impact the bakery-cafe’s growing business, and most importantly serve local communities across the country. Support in bringing Panera warmth to life and help ensure every guest receives our best. By sharing a warm welcome, delivering food with gratitude, always looking for ways to help, building personal connections, and finding moments to surprise and delight, you help create meaningful experiences that keep guests coming back.

Responsibilities

As a Restaurant Team Member, you will be an ambassador for bringing Panera Warmth to life with each guest interaction, delivering excellent services in every circumstance. Your daily responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Restaurant Team Members will execute the duties for their specific areas within the bakery-cafe (e.g., Production, Prep, Service, Cashier, Expo, Drive-Thru, Barista, Guest Experience Champion, QC, etc.).
• Greet every guest with genuine warmth and enthusiasm.
• Assemble fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches with care, accuracy, and efficiency – no assembly lines, just real ingredients and great food.
• Stay on the move – assist guests at entry, cashier, and dining areas.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment by following food safety standards and cleaning protocols.
• Be informed about daily priorities and adapt to changes with a positive attitude – every guest gets our best.
• Support team success by completing cleaning and stocking duties and helping set up the next shift.

What’s In It for You

• Competitive pay & eligible for team tips
• Free on-shift meals & unlimited fountain beverages
• Flexible, reliable scheduling
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays (for full-time team members)
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance & 401(k) with match available
• Career advancement & leadership development opportunities
• Tuition discounts
• Perks & rewards for team members
• Team member assistance program

This Opportunity Is for You If

• You meet the minimum age requirement (16+) and can lift up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Must be able to clearly communicate and quickly understand guests, managers, and team members’ directions in a loud environment.
• You have strong interpersonal skills and love making people smile.
• You’re passionate about creating moments of comfort, connection, and joy for every guest.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment and can multitask with ease.
• You’re reliable, punctual, and flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Complete basic food safety understanding and practice training. (Food Handler’s Card, as required by law)
• You enjoy working with food. (Food service experience is preferred but not required.)

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans

Competitive pay: $15.40 - $18.00

The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and geographical location. Individual compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

600678 Elmwood Park, IL - West North Avenue