Places That Hire at 16 in Elizabeth, NJ

Places That Hire at 16 in Elizabeth, NJ: Key Takeaways

Common jobs for 16-year-olds in Elizabeth include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and food runner.
Fast food and fast-casual restaurants widely hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles.
New Jersey labor laws permit 16-year-olds to work up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly with specific hour restrictions.

Finding a job at 16 in Elizabeth, NJ opens opportunities in restaurants and other entry-level positions offering valuable work experience and wages aligned with state standards.

This guide highlights the best places hiring 16-year-olds and explains relevant work hour regulations in Elizabeth, NJ.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Elizabeth, NJ?

In Elizabeth, NJ, 16-year-olds seeking employment typically start with roles such as cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and food runner in restaurants. These positions provide a great introduction to customer service and food handling with hourly wages ranging roughly from $15.13 to $17.00, matching New Jersey’s minimum wage.

These jobs help teens develop work skills like teamwork, communication, and time management, which are valuable for future employment. For employers, understanding how to hire these young workers effectively can improve retention and team dynamics. Read more on places that hire at 16.

Hostess job descriptions are a good resource for teens interested in front-of-house roles, along with server assistant or food runner position details available here.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Elizabeth, NJ

Many fast-food chains in Elizabeth welcome 16-year-olds for basic but essential roles. These positions often involve cashier duties, food preparation, and assisting customers to create a fast-paced learning environment.

Employers looking to improve their hiring process can refer to how to hire a fast-food worker for useful tips and best practices.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires crew members and cashiers aged 16 and above. These roles include taking orders, assembling food, and maintaining cleanliness.

Burger King

At Burger King, 16-year-olds can work as cashiers or food preparation staff, helping with cooking basics and customer service.

Wendy's

Wendy’s employs teens as crew members and cashiers, providing experience in both front- and back-of-house tasks.

To build comprehensive job descriptions for such roles, employers can check creating job descriptions tailored to fast food positions.

KFC

KFC hires team members who manage front-of-house duties such as order taking and customer interactions.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers service crew and cashier positions accessible to 16-year-olds, emphasizing quick service and teamwork.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employs 16-year-olds as front-of-house team members, fostering customer service skills in a busy environment.

Popeyes

Popeyes hires crew members and cashiers, ideal for teenagers learning multitasking and customer relations.

Subway

Subway offers 16-year-olds sandwich artist roles, focusing on food assembly and customer interaction.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Elizabeth, NJ

Fast-casual dining establishments also provide opportunities for 16-year-olds, often in roles that combine food prep and customer service with a more relaxed atmosphere than fast food.

For employers wanting to attract younger talent in such settings, see how to hire bartenders or similar entry-level positions, even if this extends to hiring for team members with customer interaction.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires 16-year-olds as crew members, involving food preparation and front-line customer engagement.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread employs 16-year-olds for cashier and food preparation roles, blending bakery and café style service.

Playa Bowls

Playa Bowls offers positions to teens where they assist with making and serving bowls and smoothies.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Elizabeth, NJ?

New Jersey’s child labor laws strictly regulate working hours for 16-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.

When school is in session, teenagers can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, restricted to hours between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

When school is not in session, these same hour limits and timeframes apply, allowing consistent work schedules year-round.

A mandatory 30-minute meal break is required after 5 consecutive hours of work to ensure adequate rest.

Employers should familiarize themselves with hiring and managing Gen Z hospitality workers to comply with regulations and foster positive work environments.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ

For teens interested in hospitality careers, learning about role expectations can help. Explore typical hostess interview questions or food runner interview preparation.

01. What jobs can a 16-year-old get in Elizabeth, NJ?

16-year-olds in Elizabeth often find jobs as cashiers, host/hostesses, server assistants, and food runners, especially in the restaurant industry.

02. Which fast-food places hire 16-year-olds in Elizabeth?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, KFC, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, and Subway frequently hire 16-year-olds for entry-level roles.

03. How many hours can a 16-year-old work in Elizabeth, NJ?

New Jersey laws allow 16-year-olds to work up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly, with work permitted from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., even when school is in session.

04. Do fast-casual restaurants hire 16-year-olds in Elizabeth?

Yes, places like Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, and Playa Bowls hire 16-year-olds for various roles involving food prep and customer service.

05. Where can 16-year-olds find job resources in Elizabeth, NJ?

Helpful resources include the New Jersey Department of Labor’s young workers division, child labor laws, and youth employment compliance pages.