Places That Hire at 16 in Columbus, GA: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Columbus, GA can find entry-level jobs in restaurants including cashier, crew member, host/hostess, and server roles.
- Fast food chains like McDonald’s offer wages up to $15/hour, while Chick-fil-A provides up to $12/hour for 16-year-old workers.
- There are no state or federal restrictions on work hours for 16-year-olds in Georgia, allowing flexible employment schedules.
Discover which restaurants in Columbus, GA hire 16-year-olds and what types of positions are available, along with guidelines on work hours.
This article highlights opportunities in fast food and fast casual dining for teen job seekers.
For employers looking to hire younger workers, our guide to hiring a cashier can provide helpful tips for recruiting and retaining teen employees.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Columbus, GA?
At age 16, there are several entry-level positions teens can pursue in the local restaurant industry.
Typical roles include:
- Cashier: Handling customer transactions and providing friendly service.
- Crew Member: Assisting with food prep, maintaining a clean workspace, and supporting overall customer satisfaction.
- Host/Hostess: Greeting guests, managing seating and reservations, and coordinating front-of-house operations.
- Server: Taking orders, delivering food and drinks, and attending to customer needs to enhance the dining experience.
Employers interested in improving hiring practices for entry-level roles can benefit from our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant which provides useful insights for boosting team performance.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Columbus, GA
Several fast-food chains in Columbus welcome 16-year-olds to their teams, offering flexible, entry-level jobs.
McDonald's
McDonald’s hires 16-year-olds as Crew Team Members responsible for food preparation, order fulfillment, and customer service. Pay can be as high as $15 per hour in Columbus, GA.
For those managing fast-food teams, see our career overview for fast food worker job descriptions that clarify role responsibilities.
Chick-fil-A
At Chick-fil-A, Team Members support customer service and food handling duties. Positions typically pay up to $12 per hour.
Zaxby's
Zaxby’s employs cashiers to take orders and ensure smooth front-of-house operations, suitable for 16-year-olds looking to gain experience.
Subway
Subway offers roles such as Sandwich Artist, involving food assembly and customer interaction, which are available to 16-year-old applicants.
KFC
KFC hires for positions including Shift Supervisor, although entry-level roles available to 16-year-olds focus on customer-facing and food prep tasks.
Employers focused on workforce retention might find our strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover helpful for maintaining a stable staff.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Columbus, GA
Besides fast food, fast-casual restaurants also offer part-time jobs for teenagers in Columbus, catering to various skill levels.
Applebee's
Applebee’s employs Carside To-Go Specialists to assist with order accuracy and delivery to customers.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Cashier and Greeter positions are available to teens, focusing on customer service and managing orders.
IHOP
IHOP hires 16-year-olds as Restaurant Servers, tasked with taking customer orders and delivering food efficiently.
Our comprehensive tips for hiring servers or waiters can guide restaurants in recruiting great service staff.
Chili's
Chili’s offers Host/Hostess roles for managing reservations and seating guests, a great starting point for teens.
To better understand front-of-house roles, explore the hostess job description and interview tips to find suitable hires.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Columbus, GA?
Georgia does not impose state or federal work hour restrictions for 16- and 17-year-olds. This means teens can work unlimited hours each day or week.
There are also no limits on the times of day 16-year-olds can be employed. However, employment must not interfere with mandatory school hours.
Employers and teens should ensure work schedules accommodate schooling to comply with child labor laws.
Employers may want to review best practices on employer branding in restaurant job postings to attract more qualified candidates.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Columbus
- Georgia Department of Labor: Child Labor Work Hour Restrictions
- Georgia Department of Labor: Child Labor Minimum Age Requirements
- Georgia Department of Labor: Child Labor Hazardous Occupations
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