Places That Hire at 14 in Grand Rapids, MI: Key Takeaways
- 14-year-olds in Grand Rapids can find jobs mainly in fast food and fast casual restaurant entry-level roles like cashiers, kitchen assistants, and dining attendants.
- Popular fast food chains hiring at 14 include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Subway offering crew member roles with responsibilities such as food prep and customer service.
- Michigan and federal law limit 14-year-old work hours to 3 hours on school days, 18 hours per school week, with extended hours and higher weekly limits during summer breaks.
Grand Rapids, MI offers work opportunities for young teens primarily in the food service industry, making it easier for 14-year-olds to start gaining job experience safely.
Employers looking to find qualified young staff can benefit from our guide to hiring high performers to streamline their recruitment.
This article covers typical entry-level restaurant jobs, leading employers, legal work hour restrictions, and resources to guide young job seekers in Grand Rapids.
What Types of Jobs Can a 14-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Grand Rapids, MI?
At 14, employment options commonly involve entry-level positions in restaurants where safety and basic customer service skills are paramount.
If you're an employer wondering how to hire a cashier effectively for these roles, check out our practical advice.
Typical roles include cashier, dining room attendant, and kitchen assistant. Cashiers handle transactions and greet customers, dining attendants maintain cleanliness and assist guests, while kitchen assistants help with food prep and kitchen upkeep.
Starting wages often align with the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, sometimes higher depending on the employer and job specifics, offering a valuable introduction to work.
Review details on the fast-food worker job description to understand expectations for crew members in fast-food settings.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 14 in Grand Rapids, MI
Fast-food chains are prevalent in Grand Rapids and commonly hire young teens as crew members to support day-to-day operations like serving customers and prepping food.
McDonald's
McDonald's often employs 14-year-olds in crew member roles, where they take orders, prepare food, and help maintain cleanliness in the restaurant.
Employers seeking to streamline hiring can utilize our restaurant staff hiring tips for better results.
Burger King
Burger King hires 14-year-olds as team members performing cashier duties, assembling orders, and providing customer service.
Wendy's
Wendy's offers crew member positions to 14-year-olds assisting with order taking, food preparation, and keeping the dining area clean.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen has openings for cashiers and kitchen staff age 14, focusing on customer service and helping prepare food items.
Culver's
Culver's hires 14-year-olds as team members responsible for taking orders, preparing food, and ensuring a tidy dining environment.
Arby's
Arby's employs 14-year-old crew members to operate registers, make sandwiches, and maintain restaurant cleanliness.
KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
KFC offers team member roles to 14-year-olds focusing on food prep, customer service, and restaurant upkeep.
Subway
Subway hires 14-year-olds as sandwich artists, preparing sandwiches, managing cash transactions, and keeping work areas clean.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 14 in Grand Rapids, MI
Fast casual restaurants in Grand Rapids also provide opportunities for young teenagers to learn food service skills and customer interaction.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread employs 14-year-olds as associates involved in cashier duties, food prep, and maintaining a clean dining space.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires 14-year-olds as team members who take orders, prepare meals, and ensure cleanliness in the dining area.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle offers crew member positions to 14-year-olds assisting in preparing fresh ingredients, serving customers, and cleaning.
For growing kitchens, learning how to hire reliable kitchen staff can be crucial to success.
How Many Hours Can a 14-Year-Old Work in Grand Rapids, MI?
Michigan’s child labor laws and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act restrict working hours for 14-year-olds to prioritize schooling and safety.
When school is in session, 14-year-olds may work no more than 3 hours per school day, totaling up to 18 hours per school week, between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
During times when school is not in session, they can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week, with allowable work hours extending to 9:00 PM from June 1 through Labor Day.
Additionally, a 30-minute break is required after working 5 consecutive hours to protect young workers’ well-being.
Employers must comply with both state and federal laws, following whichever is stricter where differences exist.
Employers can see detailed information on age requirements in job postings to ensure compliance.
Resources for 14-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI
- Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity: Youth Employment Standards
- U.S. Department of Labor: YouthRules!
- Michigan State University Extension: Teen’s Guide to Labor Laws
For young workers interested in entry-level roles, reviewing the fast-food worker job description is a good start.