Places That Hire at 16 in Suffolk, VA: Key Takeaways
- 16-year-olds in Suffolk can work in restaurant roles such as cashier, host/hostess, and food prep with wages ranging from $8 to $14 per hour.
- Major fast food chains like Burger King, McDonald's, and Wendy's hire workers aged 16 and above.
- Virginia has no hour restrictions for 16-year-olds but mandates compliance with school attendance laws and curfews affecting work schedules.
Teenagers aged 16 in Suffolk, VA, have access to numerous job opportunities, especially in the restaurant industry. Employment options span fast food, fast casual, and support roles with competitive hourly wages.
Understanding local hiring practices and work hour restrictions can help young job seekers find suitable positions and manage their school and work balance effectively.
Employers interested in best practices for recruiting young talent can refer to places that hire at 16 for insights and strategies.
What Types of Jobs Can a 16-Year-Old Get in the Restaurant Industry in Suffolk, VA?
At age 16, individuals can fill various entry-level restaurant positions in Suffolk. Common roles include:
- Cashier: Handling payments and interacting with customers.
- Host/Hostess: Greeting and seating guests in dine-in establishments.
- Server Assistant: Supporting servers by clearing tables and refilling drinks.
- Food Preparation Staff: Assisting with making food items and maintaining kitchen cleanliness.
Wages for these jobs commonly range from $8 to $12 per hour with some establishments offering starting pay as high as $14. On-the-job training helps teens gain necessary skills to perform effectively in these roles.
Employers aiming to improve their recruitment of restaurant staff can benefit from the insights in our restaurant staff hiring spotlight.
Fast-Food Places That Hire at 16 in Suffolk
Many fast food chains hire 16-year-olds for team member or crew positions that involve customer service, food preparation, and restaurant upkeep. These roles typically provide foundational experience in the food service industry.
Burger King
Burger King hires team members aged 16 and above. Jobs include order taking, customer service, and restaurant cleanliness. These roles help teens develop customer interaction and multitasking skills.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's offers 16-year-old applicants positions such as cashier and cook. They provide on-the-job training, and starting wages can reach up to $14 per hour, making it a competitive option for teen workers.
Those interested in the cook role may find our guide on how to hire a cook helpful for understanding employer needs and recruitment tips.
McDonald's
McDonald's hires crew members who perform food handling, cashier duties, and customer service. Minimum hiring age is 16, and positions offer a fast-paced environment for gaining work experience.
Wendy's
At Wendy's, 16-year-olds can work as crew members focusing on food service and customer interaction. These roles support the daily operations of the restaurant and provide valuable teamwork experience.
Taco Bell
Team member roles for 16-year-olds at Taco Bell include food preparation and customer service. This position offers insight into quick-service food handling and customer satisfaction.
Fast-Casual Restaurants That Hire at 16 in Suffolk
Fast-casual dining establishments often offer positions suitable for 16-year-olds, although some roles may have a higher minimum age requirement.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread hires 16-year-olds for roles like salad and sandwich makers. These jobs provide hands-on experience in food prep in a fast-casual setting.
Applebee's
Applebee's employs individuals aged 16 and over as host/hostess positions, where the focus is on greeting guests and managing seating arrangements.
For insights on improving hostess recruitment, see our how to hire a restaurant manager guide which also includes tips useful for other front-of-house roles like hostess.
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday offers host and server assistant roles typically to applicants aged 17 and above, making it slightly less accessible for 16-year-olds.
How Many Hours Can a 16-Year-Old Work in Suffolk?
Virginia law places no specific restrictions on the number of hours that 16 and 17-year-olds may work during non-school days or vacations. However, teens must adhere to compulsory school attendance laws, which can limit working hours on school days.
Local curfew regulations may also affect permissible working hours for minors in Suffolk.
Young workers and their employers should be mindful of these rules to ensure compliance and a healthy balance between work and education.
Employers looking to improve scheduling and work hour compliance may find value in our resource on age requirements in job postings to ensure proper communication of legal work limits.
Resources for 16-Year-Olds looking for Jobs in Suffolk
- Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
- Virginia Rules on Teen Employment
- Code of Virginia - Child Labor Laws