Restaurant Team Member

Panera LLC; Wheeling Township (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-shift meals

Flexible scheduling

Paid vacation and sick time

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with match

Tuition discounts

Job summary

Panera LLC is looking for a Restaurant Team Member in Wheeling Township, IL, to provide excellent service and create a warm atmosphere for guests. You will greet customers, prepare food, and maintain a clean environment while working as part of a dynamic team.

Ideal candidates should enjoy working with food and have strong interpersonal skills. The role offers competitive pay ranging from $15.00 to $18.00 per hour, along with benefits such as free meals, flexible scheduling, and career advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old and able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a loud environment.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests with warmth and enthusiasm.
• Assemble salads, soups, and sandwiches accurately.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the bakery-cafe.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Food service experience

Communication skills

Reliability

Ability to multitask

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. You 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.

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:

• Execute duties for your specific area 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.
• Assist guests at entry, cashier, and dining areas, staying on the move.
• 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.
• 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

• 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills and love making people smile.
• Passionate about creating moments of comfort, connection, and joy for every guest.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can multitask with ease.
• Reliable, punctual, flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Complete basic food safety understanding and practice training (Food Handler’s Card, as required by law).
• Enjoy working with food (food service experience is preferred but not required).

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disabled/Veterans

Competitive pay: $15.00 - $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.

Location: 601605 Mount Prospect, IL – Elmhurst Road