Restaurant Team Member

panerabread; Illinois; On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-shift meals

Flexible scheduling

Team tips eligible

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Job summary

Panera Bread is seeking a Restaurant Team Member in Des Plaines, IL. You will be the heart of hospitality, delivering warm, thoughtful service and high-quality food to guests in a fast-paced bakery-cafe environment.

Responsibilities include welcoming guests, preparing and serving salads, soups, and sandwiches, and maintaining a clean, safe space while supporting teammates across shifts. 16+ and food safety training required; evenings, weekends and holidays may be needed.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Clear communication in a loud environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for making guests smile.
• Enjoy fast-paced work and multitasking.
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Food Handler's Card as required by law; basic food safety training.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with warmth and enthusiasm.
• Assist across bakery-cafe areas (Production, Prep, Service, Cashier, Expo, Drive-Thru, Barista, Guest Experience, QC).
• Assemble salads, soups, and sandwiches with care and efficiency.
• Stay on the move to assist guests at entry, cashier, and dining areas.
• Maintain a clean, safe, inviting environment following food safety standards.
• Support team success by cleaning, stocking, and setting up next shift.

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 - $19.00

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 on the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

606013 Des Plaines, IL - W. Higgins Road