Places That Hire at 16 in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Places That Hire at 16 in Lexington-Fayette, KY: Key Takeaways

Common entry-level restaurant jobs for 16-year-olds include cashier job description, host/hostess, server assistant, and kitchen staff.
Popular fast food and fast casual chains in Lexington-Fayette hire 16-year-olds for various roles such as crew member, cashier, and food preparation staff.
Kentucky law restricts working hours for 16-year-olds during school sessions but allows more flexibility during school breaks.

Finding a job at 16 in Lexington-Fayette, KY is possible mainly in the restaurant industry. This guide covers places that hire young workers and explains legal work hour limits.

From fast food chains to fast casual restaurants, many options are available for teens seeking employment.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Sixteen-year-olds often gain valuable work experience through entry-level positions in restaurants. Common roles include:

Cashier – handling orders and payments.
Host/Hostess – greeting guests and managing seating. Learn more about the hostess job description and interview questions for these roles.
Server Assistant – supporting servers by refilling drinks and clearing tables.
Kitchen Staff – basic food preparation and cleaning. See the prep cook job description to understand kitchen helper roles.

These jobs help young workers develop customer service and teamwork skills. Hourly pay typically ranges from $8 to $12, depending on the establishment and job duties.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Fast-food restaurants commonly hire 16-year-olds for crew and cashier roles, making them accessible employment options for teens. For insights on this role, check out the fast food worker job description.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires crew members and cashiers, offering flexible schedules for teens balancing school and work.

Burger King

Burger King employs team members in various roles, such as cashiering, food prep, and customer service.

Wendy's

Wendy's provides opportunities in front and back-of-house positions for young employees.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers jobs like service champion and food champion, ideal for 16-year-olds gaining experience.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employs team members focused on customer service and kitchen duties.

KFC

KFC hires crew members for various tasks including cooking and cashiering.

Arby's

Arby's offers positions such as crew member and cashier, suitable for younger workers.

Subway

Subway hires sandwich artists and cashiers, providing entry-level opportunities for teens.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Fast-casual restaurants also welcome 16-year-olds for customer service and kitchen roles, often with a slightly higher pay scale. For example, learning about the line cook job description can help those interested in food preparation roles.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires associates for both customer service and food preparation roles.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle offers crew member positions, where teens can develop multitasking and teamwork skills.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Qdoba employs team members for roles including food assembling and cashiering.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company hires team members in front and back-of-house tasks, suitable for young workers.

Five Guys

Five Guys provides opportunities as crew members and cashiers for teens aspiring to enter the foodservice industry.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Kentucky state law regulates work hours for 16- and 17-year-olds mainly during the school year to protect their education and well-being.

When school is in session:

Work up to 6 hours on a school day and 8 hours on a non-school day.
Maximum of 30 hours per week.
With parental consent and a satisfactory academic standing certificate, up to 40 hours per week is allowed.
Permitted working hours are between 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on days before school days, and 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on days before non-school days.

When school is not in session (summer breaks, holidays):

No restrictions on hours per day or week.
Allowed work hours extend from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Additionally, employers must provide a 30-minute lunch break after five continuous hours of work. Employers can learn useful hiring practices in the restaurant staff hiring guide.

Employers are also required to keep proof of age documents like a birth certificate, driver’s license, or school ID for their minor employees.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Here are a few valuable resources for teens seeking employment:

For employers looking to improve retention, check out effective restaurant employee turnover strategies.

01. What types of jobs are common for 16-year-olds in Lexington-Fayette?

Common jobs include cashier, host/hostess, server assistant, and kitchen staff in restaurants. Learn best hiring practices in the how to hire a cashier guide.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Chains like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell commonly hire 16-year-olds. Read about the how to hire a fast food worker tips.

03. What are the legal work hour limits for 16-year-olds in Kentucky?

Kentucky law restricts work hours during school sessions but offers more flexibility during breaks. Employers can find details on compliance in job posting compliance.

04. Are there benefits to working in fast-casual restaurants for teens?

Fast-casual restaurants often offer slightly higher pay and opportunities to develop customer service and kitchen skills. Explore the server career overview for similar roles.

05. What proof of age is required for employment for minors in Kentucky?

Employers require birth certificates, driver’s licenses, or school IDs as proof of age for minor employees. Learn about hiring reliable kitchen staff.