Restaurant Jobs in California
Restaurant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with demand concentrated in full-service dining, fast casual, hotel food and beverage, and corporate cafeteria operations at every level from line cook to general manager. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where established names like Darden Restaurants, Marriott International, and Compass Group maintain large California operations. The most in-demand roles right now lean toward kitchen leadership, front-of-house management, and banquet service. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 319+ Restaurant jobs
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SHIFT LEAD
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This is not just a title...
Managing a shift at Shootz means you are the standard on the floor. You set the tone the moment you walk in. You determine whether your team operates with energy or drags through the day. You decide whether guests leave talking about how great that experience was — or don't come back.
That's real responsibility. And if you're the kind of person who wants it, who leans into that pressure instead of away from it, then we want to talk.
We're growing fast and we need leaders who are ready to grow with us — people who want to be part of building something from the ground up and have a real shot at advancing into something bigger.
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WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE
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Own the Shift — You'll open or close the restaurant, manage the pace of service, and make real-time calls that keep the team focused and guests happy. Nothing gets done without you driving it.
Lead Your People — A great Shift Manager doesn't just delegate tasks — they develop people. You'll coach, correct, and encourage your team in ways that actually build them up and make the next shift better than the last.
Hold the Standard — Food quality, cleanliness, speed, and guest experience. Nothing slips on your watch. You'll make sure every crew member knows what's expected and has what they need to deliver it.
Stay Solutions-Focused — Things will go sideways. Equipment breaks, it gets slammed, someone calls out. You'll handle it with composure, communicate clearly, and keep the ship moving.
Support the Business — You'll assist with inventory counts, track waste, monitor food and labor efficiency, and ensure the shift operates responsibly and profitably.
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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- Manage all operations during assigned shifts, including open and close procedures
- Supervise, direct, and support crew members and certified trainers on shift
- Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation meet Shootz standards at all times
- Handle guest escalations with professionalism and a solutions mindset
- Monitor food safety, sanitation, and safety compliance throughout every shift
- Track waste, assist with inventory, and support cost-conscious operations
- Communicate shift performance, issues, and wins to the General Manager
- Assist in training and developing crew members alongside Certified Trainers
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QUALIFICATIONS
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- Prior experience in a fast-casual, QSR, or hospitality environment preferred
- A leader who earns respect through action, not authority
- Strong communication, delegation, and conflict resolution skills
- High personal accountability with a hunger to keep growing
- Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30.0 – 35.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Food provided
- Paid sick time
- Paid training
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- This role includes guest service, register, food prep, cleaning,
stocking, lifting/carrying, and a fast-paced environment. Can
you perform these essential functions with or without
reasonable accommodation?
License/Certification:
- Manager ServSafe (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Whittier, CA 90601 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
See All 319+ Restaurant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Restaurant JobsRestaurant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Restaurant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Mendocino Farms47
- Raising Cane's14
- Cafe Rio Mexican Grill9
- Urban Plates6
- Chuck E. Cheese6
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in restaurant jobs across California.
- California Food Handler Card or California Food Manager Certification required
- Prior experience in full-service, fast casual, or hotel food and beverage operations
- Demonstrated knowledge of California health and safety codes and sanitation standards
- Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Strong communication skills for coordinating kitchen, floor, and management teams
- Experience with point-of-sale systems and California tip and wage compliance practices
Restaurant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a restaurant in California?
Most restaurant roles in California require at minimum a valid California Food Handler Card, issued through a California Department of Public Health approved provider, completed within days of hire. Management and supervisory positions typically require a California Food Manager Certification from an accredited body such as ServSafe. Culinary or hospitality education strengthens applications for kitchen and operations roles, though many California employers also promote from within based on demonstrated performance.
Which companies hire restaurants in California?
Employers hiring restaurants in California right now include Mendocino Farms, Raising Cane's, and Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large hotel groups, entertainment venues, and corporate dining contractors are among the most consistent sources of full-time openings with benefits.
Which California cities have the most restaurant jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco lead California for restaurant job openings. Los Angeles drives volume through its dense mix of independent restaurants, hotel dining, and entertainment industry catering, while San Francisco and San Diego add steady demand from tourism, convention business, and large corporate campuses concentrated in those metros.
Are there remote restaurant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Restaurant work is overwhelmingly hands-on and on-site by nature. About 3% of restaurant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those postings are almost entirely concentrated in corporate roles such as regional operations management, menu development, or restaurant technology support rather than floor or kitchen positions.
How can I get hired as a restaurant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a host, busser, food runner, or dishwasher role at a California casual dining or hotel property, where most large operators train new hires on the job. Compass Group and Sodexo, both active in California's corporate and campus dining sector, regularly post associate-level food service positions that require no prior restaurant experience. Earning a California Food Handler Card before applying gives any entry-level candidate a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to restaurant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to restaurant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 319+ Restaurant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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