Places That Hire at 16 in Lakewood, CO: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Lakewood can work in entry-level positions such as cashier, server, and team member with hourly wages between $15 to $20.
- Fast food and fast casual restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Freddy's Frozen Custard, Smoothie King, Potbelly, and Noodles & Company hire 16-year-olds.
- Colorado law allows 16-year-olds to work up to 8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly without restrictions on working times.
Lakewood, CO offers many job opportunities for 16-year-olds in the restaurant sector. These roles provide a great starting point for young workers gaining experience.
Positions like cashier and server are common, with competitive pay based on the employer and job duties.
Employers looking to streamline their hiring process can explore restaurant staff hiring strategies tailored for hospitality businesses.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Lakewood, CO?
At 16, workers often secure roles that emphasize customer service and teamwork. Common positions include:
- Cashier
- Server
- Team member
These jobs involve taking orders, handling payments, food preparation assistance, and ensuring a positive guest experience. The experience gained here helps build skills valuable for future career growth.
For young individuals interested in restaurant careers, understanding how to become a server can be a valuable first step.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Lakewood, CO
Many fast-food chains in Lakewood actively recruit 16-year-olds due to the nature of their work and high staff turnover.
Chick-fil-A Belmar
Chick-fil-A Belmar offers team member roles to 16-year-olds, where they can assist with customer service, food prep, and maintaining store cleanliness.
Employers looking to hire fast-food staff may find helpful advice in the how to hire a fast-food worker guide.
Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
Freddy's hires 16-year-olds primarily as cashiers, responsible for order taking and basic customer interaction in a fast-paced environment.
Smoothie King Colorado
Smoothie King brings on team members aged 16 and above to prepare smoothies, handle transactions, and provide friendly service to customers.
Potbelly
Potbelly employs 16-year-olds as team members who support food assembly, cash register operations, and front-of-house duties.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Lakewood, CO
Fast-casual restaurants also welcome 16-year-old applicants, offering roles that blend fast-food speed with sit-down dining service.
Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company hires 16-year-olds for team member jobs, including cashiers and servers who manage orders and guest satisfaction.
To learn more about working as a food runner, which is a common entry role, see the food runner job description.
Chick-fil-A Denver West
Like its Belmar location, Chick-fil-A Denver West employs 16-year-olds as team members, providing opportunities in customer service and food handling.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Lakewood, CO?
Colorado labor laws allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work up to 8 hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week. There are no restrictions on the times of day they may work.
This flexibility helps young workers accommodate school schedules, extracurricular activities, and family commitments while gaining valuable work experience.
Employers interested in effective scheduling and hiring strategies can check out strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover for helpful insights.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Lakewood
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment: Youth Law
- Colorado Labor Laws: Minimum Wage, Overtime & More 2025
- Child Labor Laws in Colorado 2025 - Minimum-Wage.org
Younger applicants can also benefit from understanding the places that hire at 16 insights shared on OysterLink to find more opportunities.




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