Places That Hire at 16 in Memphis, TN

Places That Hire at 16 in Memphis, TN: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Memphis can work as cashiers, cooks, crew members, and similar roles in both fast food and fast casual restaurants.
Tennessee law restricts work hours for 16-year-olds, prohibiting work during school hours and limiting late-night shifts.
Common employers hiring at 16 include McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Five Guys.

Looking for a job at 16 in Memphis, TN? You’ll find plenty of options in the restaurant sector, from fast food to fast casual spots.

Explore places that hire at 16 to broaden your employment search across the hospitality industry.

This guide breaks down the types of jobs available and where to apply.

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

At age 16, many entry-level positions in Memphis restaurants are available, especially in fast food and fast casual dining.

A helpful resource to understand places that hire at 16 as cashier can provide insights into cashier roles for young workers.

Typical roles include:

Cashier – Handling customer orders and payments
Crew Member – Assisting with food preparation, customer service, and cleanliness
Cook – Preparing simple menu items under supervision
Kitchen Staff – Supporting food prep and maintaining kitchen organization

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Memphis

Many fast-food chains welcome 16-year-olds, providing hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.

Considering starting as a fast-food worker? Check the fast food worker job description to understand the role better.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires 16-year-olds for positions such as crew member and cashier, offering flexible hours and training on customer service.

Burger King

Burger King employs younger workers as team members and cooks, making it a good choice for first jobs.

Wendy's

Wendy's offers opportunities for crew members and cashiers, with a supportive environment for teens entering the workforce.

For teens interested in cooking roles, the guide to hiring a cook can provide employer-focused insights into expectations and training.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell hires 16-year-olds as team members and food service workers, focusing on food prep and customer interaction.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A employs 16-year-olds in roles like team member and kitchen staff, known for strong emphasis on customer service training.

KFC

KFC hires younger workers as team members and cooks, allowing teens to learn food prep and restaurant operations.

Subway

Subway offers positions such as sandwich artist and cashier for 16-year-olds, ideal for learning food assembly and customer service.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic hires 16-year-olds as carhops and cooks, providing a unique front-of-house experience along with food prep.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Memphis

Fast-casual eateries also offer positions appropriate for 16-year-olds, often emphasizing a higher-quality dining experience.

Check the how to become a cook career page for those interested in growing from entry-level cooking positions.

Panera Bread

Panera Bread hires associates and cashiers aged 16+, focusing on customer service and food prep in a baker-cafe setting.

For baking-related roles, see the baker job description to understand skills and responsibilities.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle employs 16-year-olds as crew members, training them on food safety, preparation, and team collaboration.

Five Guys

Five Guys hires crew members and cashiers starting at 16, focusing on customer service and fresh food preparation.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Qdoba offers roles such as team member and cook for 16-year-olds, with emphasis on fast service and food quality.

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

Tennessee child labor laws set clear limits on the working hours of 16 and 17-year-olds to protect their education and well-being.

The key restrictions include:

No working during school hours.
Prohibition on working from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, when school follows the workday.
With parental consent, work until midnight is allowed up to three nights per week, Sunday through Thursday.

These rules ensure that teens balance work and school commitments responsibly.

Employers looking to comply with labor laws may benefit from strategies outlined in steps in the hiring process.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Memphis

For hospitality employers, the restaurant staff hiring spotlight offers valuable insights on recruiting young workers effectively.

01. What jobs are available for 16-year-olds in Memphis restaurants?

16-year-olds in Memphis can apply for entry-level roles like cashiers, crew members, cooks, and kitchen staff in fast food and fast casual restaurants.

02. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Tennessee?

Tennessee law prohibits 16-year-olds from working during school hours and restricts work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on school nights, with some exceptions under parental consent.

03. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Memphis?

Popular fast-food chains hiring at 16 include McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, KFC, Subway, and Sonic Drive-In.

04. Can 16-year-olds work in fast-casual restaurants in Memphis?

Yes, fast-casual restaurants like Panera Bread, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Five Guys, and Qdoba Mexican Eats hire 16-year-olds for roles focusing on customer service and food preparation.

05. Where can I find legal information about child labor laws in Tennessee?

Legal information is available through the Tennessee Department of Labor, Tennessee Code Annotated, and the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service.