Food Service - Associate

SSA Group, LLC is a distinguished leader in cultural hospitality, partnering with iconic cultural attractions for over 50 years to create exceptional hospitality experiences. As a company dedicated to seamlessly integrating admissions, culinary, and retail with innovative strategies and human connection, SSA Group strives to provide a memorable guest journey that resonates deeply with visitors and clients alike. The company’s hallmark, known as 452 Hospitality, embodies a commitment to people, innovation, and operational intelligence, facilitating the creation of special moments that leave lasting impacts on both guests and partner communities. This approach highlights their dedication to quality service and community engagement, positioning them as a trusted leader in their service sector. SSA Group operates across a broad geographic footprint, including locations in major metropolitan areas such as Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Washington State, and Colorado, ensuring a wide and diverse impact within the hospitality industry.

The Food Service Associate plays a vital role within SSA Group’s hospitality team, acting as a front-line ambassador for 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences to every guest and client. Reporting directly to the Food Service Supervisor or Food Service Operations Manager, this role requires a dynamic individual capable of supporting both front-of-house operations and kitchen line preparations. This position is integral to daily food service operations, maintaining high standards of quick service, food quality, safety, merchandising, and guest service. The Food Service Associate is responsible for ensuring compliance with SSA Group’s safety protocols, including proper food handling, hygiene, sanitation, and uniform standards, which collectively uphold the company’s commitment to creating not just satisfying culinary experiences but also safe and clean environments.

In addition to operational duties, the Food Service Associate serves as a communicative link between guests, supervisors, and management to proactively address service concerns and feedback, ensuring the continuous improvement of the guest experience. The role promotes teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism in a fast-paced setting, requiring the ability to stand for extended periods and handle physical tasks such as lifting up to 35 pounds. Employees are expected to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, accommodating the operational needs of the hospitality environment.

SSA Group embraces diversity and inclusion underpinned by IDEA + Belonging initiatives that emphasize removing barriers, empowering growth, and leading sustainability efforts within their units. The company fosters community engagement and social responsibility through employee involvement and values creating an inclusive workplace culture that supports professional development.

This position is eligible for overtime pay and features an On-Demand Pay Program, providing employees early access to earned wages. Additional benefits include meal plans, employee discounts, a 401(k) program with a 15% company match for qualifying employees, tuition discounts through partnership colleges, bereavement leave, holiday pay at 1.5 times the regular rate on Christmas and Thanksgiving, and paid sick leave per state and local laws. The Food Service Associate role thus offers both meaningful work where employees impact guests’ experiences positively and a comprehensive benefits package that supports their well-being and growth within a reputable and inclusive organization.