Kitchen Associate

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Hourly Pay starting at $15.00! Base pay increases every 90 days during the first two years.

Weekly Pay | Flexible Hours | Promotions | Bonuses | Benefits

Apply today and join the Friend Ship Family!

Why Work at Friend Ship :

Our Friendship stores are part of a 100% employee-owned company that truly believes its people are the foundation of its success. Through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), employees build long-term ownership and share in the success they help create.

The work environment is collaborative, dependable, and grounded in shared values. Working at Friend Ship is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something meaningful, where your work matters, your voice is heard, and your future is connected to the success you help build.

The Role :

A Friend Ship Kitchen Associate is responsible for delivering amazing customer service, maintaining a clean and bright store, and preparing fresh, ready and delicious menu items. This role carries out daily store operations through customer engagement, accurate transactions, product stocking and merchandising, and pride in a clean, welcoming environment. Associates help ensure every guest receives friendly, reliable service and every team member experiences a professional, people-first workplace.

What We're Looking for :

• A customer first, safety minded approach focused on exceeding expectations.
• A prospective team member with a strong sense of responsibility and dependability.
• Proven ability to excel in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• A cooperative team player with clear and effective communication skills.
• Commitment to learning and maintaining company standards.

Key Responsibilities :

• Providing friendly and efficient customer service, answering questions, and resolving concerns in a professional manner
• Maintain product and food presentation that reflects our standards of quality, freshness, and pride
• Demonstrate reliability: arrive prepared, on time, and ready to serve guests
• Accurately complete all cashier functions including ringing sales, handling cash and card payments, balancing registers, and following established cash-handling procedures
• Stock, rotate, and maintain merchandise in coolers, freezers, shelves, and counter areas to ensure product freshness, proper labeling, and visual appeal
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate restocking needs to management to prevent shortages and overstock situations
• Execute store standards to maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety both inside and outside the store location
• Complete assigned shift paperwork and operational tasks, including gas price changes, safe counts, and cigarette counts
• Conduct routine cleaning tasks, including sanitizing high-touch areas, maintaining restrooms, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Assist with receiving deliveries, verifying shipments, and organizing backroom storage areas

Food Service (where applicable)

• Prepare, cook, and serve food items according to established recipes, portion controls, and presentation standards
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen and prep area in compliance with Company and regulatory guidelines
• Follow all Company, local, and state health, safety, and sanitation guidelines
• Monitor food temperatures, storage conditions, and expiration dates to maintain product integrity and minimize waste
• Support inventory management processes, including ordering, maintaining prep lists, par counts, and completing base sheets.
• Adhere to proper food handling, rotation (FIFO), and storage procedures

Skills & Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Required to complete Level 1 Serv Safe Certification after hire; company support provided.
• Experience working in a fast-paced retail or customer-facing environment while following established procedures.
• Availability to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on store needs.
• Professional, customer-focused communication style.
• Clear verbal communication skills for interacting with guests, teammates, and leadership.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused during busy or high-pressure situations.
• Basic math and reading proficiency with strong attention to detail
• Experience following processes, completing tasks accurately, and maintaining focus
• Experience prioritizing tasks and adapting to changing conditions during peak business periods

Preferred:

• Experience in retail, convenience, customer-facing roles, or quick-service restaurants
• Experience working in fast-paced, multitasking environments
• Familiarity with food preparation or food-safety procedures (for Kitchen stores)

Requirements

Physical Demands and Environmental Condition :

Frequent

• Walking, standing, bending, stooping, climbing, squatting
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Pushing/pulling
• Reaching, grasping, and using hands for extended periods
• Speaking with guests, vendors, and team members
• Exposure to hot and cold temperatures
• Exposure to outdoor weather (emptying trash,…