Places That Hire at 16 in Mesquite, TX

Places That Hire at 16 in Mesquite, TX: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Mesquite can find work in entry-level restaurant roles like crew member, cashier, server, and host/hostess.
Fast food and fast-casual restaurants such as Chipotle, BJ’s Restaurants, and Raising Cane’s offer positions hiring at 16 with pay ranging $10-$15 per hour.
Texas law does not limit working hours for 16-year-olds, but employment must not interfere with schooling or local curfew ordinances.

If you are 16 and looking to start working in Mesquite, TX, the restaurant industry offers many opportunities. This guide outlines common job types and key places hiring youth.

For employers seeking to attract young talent, check out places that hire at 16 to understand best practices and trends for hiring younger employees.

Learn about jobs available at fast-food and fast-casual spots around Mesquite, including wages, work hour laws, and helpful resources for teen job seekers.

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

At age 16, teens are generally eligible for several entry-level roles across the restaurant landscape. These jobs provide valuable experience working with customers and learning workplace skills.

Common positions include:

Crew Member: Duties often involve taking customer orders, preparing menu items, and cleaning work areas.
Cashier: Handling payment transactions and providing friendly service at the front counter.
Host/Hostess: Greeting guests as they arrive, managing seating arrangements, and sometimes answering phones.
Server: Taking dining orders and delivering food to customers, though some establishments may restrict serving duties by age.

Pay varies across employers and positions but tends to start at or above minimum wage, with some places offering up to $15 per hour for team members.

For young workers wanting to explore more about server roles, visit how to become a server for career insights and tips.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Mesquite, TX

Fast-food restaurants are popular entry points for young workers in Mesquite. These chains often allow 16-year-olds to gain hands-on experience and flexible hours.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires crew members aged 16 and older. Employees earn between $13.75 and $14.75 per hour, making it one of the higher-paying fast-food options locally.

Learn more about the expectations and responsibilities of a fast food worker job description to understand what employers look for.

Pizza Inn Mesquite

Pizza Inn welcomes 16-year-olds as servers. While specific wages aren’t publicly listed, this role provides customer service experience in a casual dining environment.

Waffle House, Inc.

Waffle House employs young workers at server and host/hostess positions. Although pay information isn’t detailed, the company is known for offering flexible scheduling.

Soulman's Bar-B-Que

Soulman’s Bar-B-Que hires part-time team members starting at $10 up to $15 per hour depending on experience and role, providing competitive pay for 16-year-olds.

For restaurant owners looking to improve their hiring process, how to hire restaurant staff fast offers effective strategies to attract the best candidates.

Casey's General Stores

Casey’s hires young team members in various capacities. Pay details are not specified, but opportunities include customer service and food prep.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Mesquite, TX

Fast-casual venues are another avenue for youth employment, featuring slightly higher wages and team-oriented environments.

BJ's Restaurants

BJ’s Restaurants in Mesquite offers take-out roles to 16-year-olds, with wages from $12 to $14 per hour. This position helps build skillsets in food service and customer interaction.

Raising Cane's (Garland)

Located near Mesquite in Garland, Raising Cane’s hires restaurant crew members aged 16 at a starting pay of $12 per hour, emphasizing team collaboration and quick service.

Employers seeking guidance on hiring management staff can explore how to hire a restaurant manager for valuable hiring advice.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Mesquite, TX?

Texas labor law does not restrict the hours or times during which 16- and 17-year-olds may work. Teens can work unlimited hours as long as employment does not disrupt their schooling.

Employers and youth workers should consider local ordinances such as curfew laws, but there are no specific state-hour limitations like those found in other states.

Understanding age requirements in job postings can help employers comply with regulations while attracting eligible candidates.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Mesquite

For teens considering restaurant host or hostess jobs, the hostess interview questions guide prepares candidates for common interview scenarios.

01. What types of jobs can 16-year-olds get in Mesquite’s restaurant industry?

Typical jobs include crew member, cashier, server, and host/hostess positions. These roles help teens gain valuable customer service and workplace skills.

02. Which fast-food places in Mesquite hire 16-year-olds?

Popular fast-food chains hiring teens include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Pizza Inn, Waffle House, Soulman's Bar-B-Que, and Casey's General Stores.

03. Are there work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Texas?

Texas labor law places no limits on working hours for 16- and 17-year-olds, but local curfew laws and school attendance must be considered.

04. What is the typical pay range for 16-year-olds in Mesquite restaurants?

Wages start at minimum wage and can go up to $15 per hour depending on the employer and role, with fast-casual spots often offering higher pay.

05. Where can teens find resources about child labor laws in Texas?

Helpful resources include the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Labor Code Chapter 51, and the U.S. Department of Labor's YouthRules! program.