Places That Hire at 16 in Little Rock, AR

Places That Hire at 16 in Little Rock, AR: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Little Rock can work in fast food and fast casual restaurant roles such as crew member, cashier, and food prep staff
The Arkansas minimum wage is $11.00 per hour, with some employers offering higher pay based on experience
Arkansas law limits 16-year-olds to working no more than 10 hours per day and 54 hours weekly, with permissible work hours set around school schedules

Teens aged 16 in Little Rock, AR have access to a variety of entry-level restaurant jobs.

This article outlines which types of jobs are available, notable fast food and fast casual chains that hire 16-year-olds, work hour limits, and helpful employment resources.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Little Rock, AR?

Sixteen-year-olds commonly find work in positions that involve customer service and basic food handling.

Typical roles include:

Crew Members: Taking customer orders, assembling food, and keeping the dining area clean
Cashiers: Operating the cash register and assisting customers
Food Preparation Staff: Supporting kitchen operations with simple food prep and assembly tasks

These jobs help teens develop valuable skills such as responsibility, communication, and teamwork.

Arkansas maintains a minimum wage of $11.00 per hour, which is competitive compared to many states, providing 16-year-olds with decent pay for these entry-level roles. Some businesses may offer more depending on the job duties and experience.

For employers seeking to recruit effectively for these roles, our places that hire at 16 spotlight provides strategic insights to find and retain young talent.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Little Rock

Several prominent fast-food chains in Little Rock employ 16-year-olds, primarily for front-line customer interaction and food service roles.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds as crew members and cashiers. Positions focus on order taking, food preparation, and maintaining a clean environment.

See our detailed fast food worker job description for more details on responsibilities and hiring practices for these entry-level positions.

Burger King

Burger King employs 16-year-olds as team members and kitchen staff, where they help with cooking, prepping ingredients, and serving customers.

Wendy's

At Wendy's, teens can work as crew members focusing on customer service and food prep duties.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell offers roles for 16-year-olds as team members, taking orders, preparing food items, and maintaining cleanliness.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A recruits 16-year-olds as team members with an emphasis on customer service and operational support tasks.

KFC

KFC employs 16-year-olds primarily as cashiers and kitchen staff handling food prep and order fulfillment.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic hires 16-year-olds for roles as carhops and kitchen crew, serving customers and assisting with food assembly.

Arby's

Arby's provides opportunities for 16-year-olds as team members performing food prep and customer service functions.

To streamline your hiring process, check out this valuable resource on how to hire fast food staff for effective recruitment techniques.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Little Rock

In addition to fast food, some fast-casual restaurants also consider 16-year-olds for various entry-level roles.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires teens for associate and cashier positions that involve customer interaction and basic food handling.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs 16-year-olds as crew members responsible for food preparation and customer service.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company offers team member roles to 16-year-olds, focusing on food service and kitchen tasks.

Employers can refer to our guide on how to hire a cashier for tips on recruiting dependable front-of-house staff.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Little Rock?

Arkansas law regulates the working hours for 16-year-olds to ensure work does not interfere with education.

Key regulations include:

Maximum of 10 consecutive hours per workday
No more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period
Up to 54 hours per week
Allowed to work up to 6 days per week
Permitted work hours are from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. on nights before school days
Permitted until midnight on nights before non-school days

These restrictions help balance employment opportunities with academics and rest for young workers.

To better understand labor laws affecting youth employment, see our spotlight on how old to work at hotel front desk, which also covers related age and hour restrictions that employers need to be aware of.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Little Rock

Employers can explore effective strategies in our strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover spotlight, ideal for maintaining a steady workforce including younger employees.

Likewise, check out our restaurant staff hiring spotlight for comprehensive hiring advice useful for all hospitality roles including entry-level positions for teens.

01. What types of jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Little Rock restaurants?

Common roles include crew members, cashiers, and food preparation staff, focusing on customer service and kitchen assistance.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Little Rock?

Major chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, and KFC employ 16-year-olds in various entry-level roles.

03. How many hours can a 16-year-old legally work in Arkansas?

Arkansas law limits 16-year-olds to a maximum of 10 hours per day, 54 hours per week, and restricts work hours around school days.

04. Is the minimum wage for 16-year-olds competitive in Little Rock?

Yes, the minimum wage is $11.00 per hour, which is higher than many other states, providing good pay for entry-level positions.

05. Where can I find more information about child labor laws in Arkansas?

Useful resources include the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing website and detailed statutory codes on child labor and work hour restrictions.