Restaurant Team Member

Panera Bread; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Free meals

Paid time off

Insurance benefits

401(k) with match

Team member assistance

Job summary

Panera Bread is seeking a Restaurant Team Member to be the heart of hospitality, delivering warmth and joy in every interaction. You will greet guests, help prepare fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches, and assist across entry, cashier, and dining areas, all while keeping a clean, safe workspace.

The role emphasizes strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced bakery-cafe setting, with opportunities to connect with local communities and support Panera warmth daily.

Qualifications

• Greet guests warmly and provide friendly service.
• Demonstrate clear communication with guests and team members.
• Maintain teamwork to support daily operations.
• Handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with warmth and enthusiasm.
• Assemble and prepare salads, soups, and sandwiches with care and accuracy.
• Assist guests at entry, cashier, and dining areas.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment following food safety standards.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Job description

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
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays (for full-time team members)
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pet insurance & 401(k) with match available
• 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