Places That Hire at 16 in Ontario, CA

Places That Hire at 16 in Ontario, CA: Key Takeaways

16-year-olds in Ontario, CA, can work in entry-level restaurant jobs such as cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food preparation assistant, earning around $15.50/hour minimum wage.
Fast food chains like Dunkin', McDonald's, Raising Cane’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s commonly hire 16-year-olds for crew and customer service roles.
Fast casual restaurants including Chipotle, Panda Express, Panera Bread, and Noodles & Company also employ 16-year-olds for food prep and service positions.

Ontario, CA offers many job opportunities to 16-year-olds, especially in the restaurant sector. Various restaurants hire teens for roles that provide valuable work experience and income.

This article explores the types of jobs available, popular hiring restaurants, work hour restrictions, and resources for young job seekers in Ontario.

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

At 16, teens are mostly eligible for entry-level positions that don’t require advanced training or certifications. Common restaurant roles include:

Cashier: Handling customer orders and payments.
Host/Hostess: Greeting customers and managing seating arrangements.
Busser: Assisting in clearing and setting tables for guests.
Food Preparation Assistant: Supporting kitchen staff with basic prep work.

These roles emphasize customer service, teamwork, and basic food handling tasks, making them well-suited for young employees starting out.

Employers looking to enhance their hiring process for such roles might find our restaurant staff hiring guide particularly useful.

Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Ontario, CA

Many fast-food chains in Ontario readily hire 16-year-olds, offering flexible hours and on-the-job training.

Dunkin'

Positions such as Crew Member involve preparing products and delivering friendly guest experiences per operational standards. Dunkin' welcomes young employees eager to work in team-oriented environments.

Raising Cane's

Raising Cane's hires Restaurant Crewmembers focusing on providing excellent customer service and preparing food, making it a great place for teens entering the workforce.

McDonald's

A popular employer of teens, McDonald's offers roles including cashier and kitchen staff. They provide flexible schedules suited for school commitments.

Burger King

This chain employs Team Members at 16 for customer service and food handling duties, allowing young workers to develop multitasking skills.

Wendy's

Wendy's provides Crew Member roles emphasizing customer interaction and food preparation, ideal for teens gaining work experience.

Understanding the pros and cons of working in fast food can help employers tailor job postings and retain staff effectively. Check out our insights on the pros and cons of being a fast-food worker.

Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Ontario, CA

Besides fast food, several fast casual restaurants also hire 16-year-olds for similar entry-level roles.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle hires Crew Members who assist with food preparation and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Panda Express

Positions such as Counter Help and Kitchen Staff are open to 16-year-olds, providing experience in food service and operations.

Panera Bread

Offers roles including Associate and Baker's Assistant to young workers, combining customer service with bakery tasks.

Noodles & Company

Employs Team Members who focus on food service and interacting with customers, fostering communication skills.

Employers seeking to hire and retain kitchen assistants can benefit from strategies outlined in our how to hire reliable kitchen staff guide.

How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Ontario, CA?

California has strict labor laws regulating the working hours of minors aged 16 and 17 to protect their education and well-being.

When school is in session, 16-year-olds can work:

Up to 4 hours on school days.
Up to 8 hours on non-school days or days before non-school days.
A maximum of 48 hours per week.
Between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on regular days.
Until 12:30 a.m. on evenings preceding non-school days.

When school is not in session, allowed work hours increase:

Up to 8 hours per day.
Up to 48 hours per week.
Between 7:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.

Additionally, minors who haven’t graduated high school but are regularly employed must attend continuation school for at least 4 hours per week.

Employers are required to obtain a valid Permit to Employ and Work issued by the minor’s school before beginning employment. This permit must be renewed annually to maintain compliance.

For employers, understanding labor law compliance is key. Read our detailed spotlight on California overtime law 2025 worker rights to stay informed.

Resources for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Jobs in Ontario, CA

01. What kinds of jobs can a 16-year-old get in Ontario, CA?

Typical jobs include cashier, host/hostess, busser, and food preparation assistant roles primarily in restaurants and fast-food chains.

02. Which fast-food chains hire 16-year-olds in Ontario, CA?

Popular chains include Dunkin', McDonald's, Raising Cane's, Burger King, and Wendy's, offering crew member and customer service positions.

03. What are the work hour restrictions for 16-year-olds in Ontario, CA?

Minors can work up to 4 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days, with limits on weekly hours and permissible work times.

04. Is a work permit required for minors in Ontario, CA?

Yes, minors need a valid Permit to Employ and Work issued by their school, renewed annually.

05. Are there opportunities beyond fast food for 16-year-olds?

Fast casual restaurants such as Chipotle, Panda Express, Panera Bread, and Noodles & Company also offer entry-level jobs suited for teens.