Places That Hire at 16 in Grand Rapids, MI: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Grand Rapids can work in fast food and fast casual restaurants in roles such as crew member, cashier, and host/hostess.
- Hourly wages typically range from $11 to $16, with Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers offering starting pay of $16 per hour.
- Michigan law limits 16-year-olds to 24 hours per week during school and 48 hours per week during vacations or when not enrolled, with specific time-of-day restrictions.
If you're 16 years old and living in Grand Rapids, MI, numerous restaurants and eateries offer part-time work opportunities. These jobs provide valuable experience and flexible schedules while adhering to state regulations.
One of the best resources to understand the places that hire at 16 can help young job seekers and employers navigate the hiring process effectively.
Below is a useful guide outlining the types of available jobs, specific employers hiring teens, work hour restrictions, and resources for young job seekers in Grand Rapids, MI.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Grand Rapids, MI?
Sixteen-year-olds are commonly employed in entry-level front-of-house and kitchen roles. Typical positions include:
- Crew Member: Taking customer orders, preparing food items, cleaning, and sometimes restocking supplies.
- Cashier: Managing cash and card transactions, providing friendly customer service, and assisting in order accuracy.
- Host/Hostess: Greeting guests, managing seating arrangements, and sometimes answering phones or handling reservations.
Starting wages in these positions can vary widely depending on the employer, location, and employee experience. For instance, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers offers crew members a competitive starting wage of $16 per hour, while other employers may offer pay ranging from $11 to $15 per hour.
For employers looking to learn more about hiring young employees, this guide to hiring a cashier offers valuable tips and compliance advice.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Grand Rapids
The fast-food industry in Grand Rapids is a practical avenue for 16-year-olds to gain work experience. These establishments often have entry-level roles suited for teens.
Culver's
Culver's hires 16-year-olds as team members. These employees perform various roles, including order taking, food preparation, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness. Culver's provides flexible scheduling options and meal discounts.
Burger King
At Burger King, 16-year-olds can work as team members responsible for customer interactions and food preparation. The environment is fast-paced and ideal for building multitasking and customer service skills.
KFC
KFC employs 16-year-olds as team members who assist with food service and kitchen operations. This role provides foundational experience in a classic fast-food setting.
Employers hiring for fast-food positions might find insights in this how to hire fast food workers spotlight useful for attracting and retaining teen employees.
Jimmy John's
Jimmy John's offers crew member positions for teens, involving sandwich preparation, order processing, and ensuring customer satisfaction. It's an excellent choice for those interested in quick-service dining.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s is notable for offering crew members starting wages around $16 per hour. Teens employed here engage in food preparation, assembling orders, and maintaining cleanliness in a friendly team atmosphere.
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Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Grand Rapids
Fast-casual restaurants combine quick service with higher quality food. Several of these establishments welcome 16-year-olds for customer-facing roles.
Uccello's Hospitality Group (Herb and Fire)
Part of the Uccello's group, Herb and Fire hires 16-year-olds as team members responsible for food and beverage preparation adhering to specific quality standards.
Restaurant owners may want to explore advice in how to hire a restaurant consultant to optimize their hiring strategies for various roles, including helpful guidance when employing younger workers.
Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster's offers front desk and host positions to 16-year-olds. These roles focus on greeting guests, managing reservations, and providing excellent customer service in an entertainment-centric environment.
Red Robin
Red Robin hires 16-year-olds as hosts or hostesses, where responsibilities include welcoming guests and managing seating efficiently to ensure a smooth dining experience.
This role aligns well with hospitality career opportunities like the hostess job description which can provide detailed insights for job seekers and employers alike.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Grand Rapids?
The Michigan Youth Employment Standards Act regulates the working hours of 16-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.
Key rules include:
- Daily Limits: Up to 10 hours per day.
- Weekly Limits: A maximum of 48 hours per week during school vacations or when not enrolled; 24 hours per week when school is in session.
- School Week Averages: Working hours must average no more than 8 hours per day over a week.
- Permissible Work Times: On school days, work is allowed between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.; on Fridays, Saturdays, during school vacations, or when not enrolled, work is permitted until 11:30 p.m.
These regulations ensure a balance between employment and education, allowing teens to work without compromising their academic responsibilities.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Grand Rapids
- Michigan Legislature - Youth Employment Standards Act
- University of Michigan - Employment of Minors Policy
- Michigan State University Extension - Teen’s Guide to Labor Laws
Employers looking for further detailed job descriptions can find comprehensive resources such as the fast food worker job description handy for structuring roles for young employees effectively.
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