10 min read

Places That Hire at 16 in Oklahoma City, OK

Discover where 16-year-olds can find restaurant jobs in Oklahoma City with flexible hours and valuable experience.

Teens working at restaurants in Oklahoma City

Places That Hire at 16 in Oklahoma City, OK: Key Takeaways

  • 16-year-olds in Oklahoma City can work in various restaurant roles including cashier, host/hostess, busser, food runner, and drive-thru operator.
  • Fast food and fast casual restaurants such as McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, and Chipotle hire workers aged 16.
  • Oklahoma state law places no specific hour restrictions for 16-year-olds, though work must not interfere with schooling.

Looking to work at 16 in Oklahoma City? Plenty of restaurants hire younger teens for entry-level positions with opportunities to learn and earn.

This guide highlights where 16-year-olds can work and what rules apply to their job hours in OKC.

What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Oklahoma City, OK?

Teenagers aged 16 can find various positions in restaurants that provide valuable skills and work experience. Common roles include:

  • Cashier: Handling customer transactions and operating cash registers.
  • Host/Hostess: Greeting guests, managing seating and reservations. Learn more about the hostess interview questions to prepare for this role.
  • Busser: Clearing and resetting tables, supporting servers. Check out the busser job description for details.
  • Food Runner: Delivering food orders from kitchen to tables efficiently. Understanding the food runner interview questions can help in job interviews.
  • Drive-Thru Operator: Taking orders and payments at drive-thru windows.

These roles often require good attitude, communication, and teamwork, making them ideal for young workers beginning their careers.

For employers, understanding these entry-level roles can be crucial. Check out restaurant staff hiring insights to optimize your recruitment.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Oklahoma City

Numerous fast-food chains in Oklahoma City hire 16-year-olds, providing opportunities for part-time or entry-level work.

McDonald's

McDonald's hires crew members, cashiers, and drive-thru operators aged 16, offering flexible hours and training. To attract top talent, consider promoting restaurant jobs efficiently.

Burger King

Burger King employs team members and cashiers starting at age 16, focusing on customer service and food prep.

Wendy's

At Wendy's, 16-year-olds can work as crew members or cashiers handling orders and customer interactions.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell has openings for team members and food service workers, welcoming young workers into a fast-paced environment.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A offers team member and drive-thru operator roles for teens 16 and up, with emphasis on friendly service. Employers may benefit from reading employer branding in restaurant job postings to attract the best candidates.

Sonic Drive-In

Sonic hires carhops and crew members starting at 16, ideal for those who enjoy customer interaction.

KFC

KFC employs team members and cashiers from age 16, often training employees in food safety and hospitality.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' hires team members aged 16, providing a fast-paced environment in beverage and food service.

Need to hire employees?
OR
Looking for top paid jobs?

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Oklahoma City

Besides fast food, fast-casual chains also offer entry-level jobs to teens looking to work at 16.

Zaxby's

Zaxby's hires cooks and cashiers who are at least 16 years old, blending fast food with casual dining duties. To improve hiring strategies, see how to hire a cook.

Panera Bread

At Panera Bread, associates and cashiers aged 16 can develop customer service and food prep skills.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle invites crew members aged 16 and over to join their teams in a fast casual Mexican dining setting.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

Qdoba hires team members and cashiers starting at 16, engaging workers in food assembly and customer service.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company recruits team members and cashiers from age 16, emphasizing teamwork and efficient service.

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

Oklahoma state law does not impose specific restrictions on the number of hours 16- and 17-year-olds can work.

This means teens can work during school hours or after, without daily or weekly hour limits, provided their employment does not interfere with schooling.

Employers must ensure work schedules respect the youth's educational commitments, promoting a healthy balance between school and work.

Restaurant owners can find helpful advice on managing young workers in strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Oklahoma City

Places That Hire at 16 in Oklahoma City, OK FAQs

Typical jobs include cashier, host/hostess, busser, food runner, and drive-thru operator roles. These provide valuable entry-level experience.

Popular chains hiring teens include McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Burger King, Sonic, and KFC.

Oklahoma state law does not limit hours for 16-year-olds, but work should not interfere with schooling.

Teens can build skills in customer service, teamwork, communication, and responsibility.

Check Oklahoma Department of Labor and State Department of Education websites for comprehensive work permit and child labor law details.