How Old Do You Have to be to Work at Cracker Barrel?
Inquiring about the age requirement for securing an entry-level position at Cracker Barrel? In general, candidates must be at least 16 years of age to apply for roles such as a host, cook, dishwasher, server, retail sales team member, or To-Go specialist.
Joining the Cracker Barrel family implies becoming a member of a team that prioritizes the well-being of their guests and colleagues. Embarking on a career at Cracker Barrel entails being challenged to enhance your skills and abilities. The company’s training programs are of exceptional quality, which is matched only by their commitment to foster a familial environment for their team members.
Teen Jobs at Cracker Barrel and Age Requirements
Host/Hostess (Hourly)
Cracker Barrel offers a variety of teen job opportunities, with age requirements specified for each role. As a host or hostess and a hospitality expert, your primary responsibility is to extend a warm welcome to guests upon their arrival at the store, greet them with a smile, and address them by their name when it is time to dine. As you represent the first point of contact for the guests, you must exude a positive and customer-centric attitude.
The nature of the job demands that you remain on your feet for the entirety of your shift and lift up to 40 pounds. To qualify for the role of a host or hostess at Cracker Barrel, you must be at least 16 years old. As a Host, you can enjoy the flexibility of full or part-time work schedules and avail opportunities for career advancement.
Cook (Hourly)
The role of a cook at Cracker Barrel demands a comprehensive understanding of the kitchen’s inner workings, with age requirements set for interested candidates. Depending on the position you’re assigned to, you may be flipping pancakes as a Grill Cook, prepping fresh salads and desserts as a Prep Cook, or hand-rolling buttermilk biscuits as a Backup Cook. Regardless of your designation, your ultimate objective is to ensure that every guest leaves the store feeling satisfied and content.
As a member of the kitchen team, you will be responsible for using Cracker Barrel’s recipes and food preparation techniques to prepare a full menu of Southern favorites. Your duties will include preparing menu items with precision, and ensuring that they meet the company’s established standards of quality, safety, cleanliness, and hospitality, to provide guests with the most satisfactory food possible.
The role of a Cook offers flexible hours in full or part-time capacities and opportunities for career advancement. However, to be eligible for employment as a Cook at Cracker Barrel, you must be at least 16 years old.
Dishwasher (Hourly)
At Cracker Barrel, the role of a Dishwasher demands a hardworking and dedicated individual, with a minimum age requirement of 16 years. As a member of the kitchen team, your primary responsibility will be to ensure that the kitchen remains fully stocked with essential tools and dishes necessary to prepare and serve the restaurant’s homemade favorites.
Collaborating closely with both the kitchen and dining room teams, you will ensure that every guest is seated at a clean table and served with spotless dishes, guaranteeing a pleasant and hygienic dining experience. In addition to the flexibility of full or part-time work hours, working as a Dishwasher at Cracker Barrel also presents opportunities for promotion and continued personal growth and development.
In summary, becoming a Dishwasher at Cracker Barrel demands an individual who is willing to put in the necessary effort and demonstrate a high level of professionalism, and at least 16 years old.
Server (Hourly + Tips)
To become a server at Cracker Barrel, you must be at least 16 years old and possess a friendly and guest-focused attitude. In this fast-paced, family-friendly environment, servers play a crucial role in delivering Southern goodness and serving up smiles while adhering to the company’s mission of Pleasing People.
As a server, you will need to be able to work in a variety of environments, stand for extended periods, and handle hot and cold food items. You will also be expected to lift, load, and carry up to 40 pounds and follow instructions effectively while working collaboratively with co-workers and managers to ensure customer satisfaction.
In addition to flexible work hours, servers have the opportunity to earn tips as part of their hourly compensation. With a focus on providing exceptional guest service, a career as a server at Cracker Barrel can lead to personal and professional growth within the company.
To-Go Specialist (Hourly)
Cracker Barrel’s To-Go Specialists play a vital role in supporting the catering and to-go operations by providing guests with the same hospitality they would receive while dining in, but in a fast-paced, on-the-go environment.
As a To-Go Specialist, you will be responsible for taking payment and quickly preparing guests’ orders to ensure they receive their hot, fresh food promptly. To be considered for this role, you must be at least 16 years old.
Joining the team as a To-Go Specialist offers flexible work hours and the opportunity for personal and professional growth within the company. By providing exceptional customer service and ensuring timely and accurate orders, you will be instrumental in ensuring guest satisfaction and contributing to the overall success of Cracker Barrel.
Retail Sales Team Member (Hourly)
If you have a passion for providing exceptional guest experiences and true hospitality, then the role of Retail Sales Team Member at Cracker Barrel may be the perfect fit for you. Whether you are assisting guests in finding the ideal birthday present or showcasing your favorite items from the latest collection, your goal is to make every guest feel at home.
As a Retail Sales Team Member, you will be responsible for managing the retail shop, from the cash stand to the product displays and everything in between. This includes keeping the shelves well-stocked while delivering world-class guest service.
To qualify for the position of Retail Sales Team Member at Cracker Barrel, you must be at least 16 years old.
Can a 15 Year Old Work at Cracker Barrel?
Unfortunately, the minimum age requirement to work at Cracker Barrel is 16 years old. However, if you are a 15-year-old looking for job opportunities, you may find our webpage dedicated to such age group helpful.
Can a 16 Year Old Work at Cracker Barrel?
It is possible for a 16-year-old to work at Cracker Barrel since the minimum age requirement is 16 years old. We invite interested 16-year-olds to visit our website’s dedicated page for more information on available job opportunities.
How Much Does Cracker Barrel Pay Part-Time Workers?
At Cracker Barrel, the hourly pay for part-time workers varies depending on the position and location due to state and city minimum wage laws. However, we can provide a general overview of the hourly pay for each position.
Host/Hostess (Hourly)
As a host/hostess at Cracker Barrel, you can expect to earn an hourly wage ranging from $8 to $14 depending on state and city minimum wage laws. If you are new to the role and lack prior experience, you can anticipate starting on the lower end of the range.
On average, a Cracker Barrel host/hostess earns an hourly rate of $12.50.
Cook (Hourly)
As a Cook at Cracker Barrel, you can expect to earn an hourly wage between $12 to $18, depending on your experience and qualifications. If you are new to the kitchen environment, it’s likely that you will begin at the lower end of the pay scale.
On average, a Cook at Cracker Barrel earns $15 per hour. At Cracker Barrel, we recognize the importance of valuing our employees and compensating them fairly for their hard work and dedication in preparing and cooking our guests’ meals to perfection.
Dishwasher (Hourly)
As a dishwasher at Cracker Barrel, you can expect to earn an hourly wage ranging from the minimum wage up to $14. The exact pay rate depends on factors such as your prior experience in the role. If you’re just starting out in your career, you’ll likely be at the lower end of the pay range.
On average, dishwashers at Cracker Barrel earn an hourly rate of $12.50.
Server (Hourly + Tips)
As a server at Cracker Barrel, your base pay ranges from $3 to $5 an hour. This is because your compensation primarily comes from tips, which you keep 100% of. Your earnings as a server will vary based on factors such as the duration and timing of your shift, as well as the section you are assigned to.
For instance, a Friday night shift in a busy section will likely yield more tips than a Tuesday lunch shift in a smaller section. The section you are assigned to is determined by a rotation, and you can earn anywhere from $30 to $100 (or even more) in a single shift.
On average, servers at Cracker Barrel make $15 to $20 an hour, factoring in tips.
To-Go Specialist (Hourly)
As a To-Go Specialist at Cracker Barrel, your hourly pay will fall within the range of minimum wage to $15 an hour, based on your prior experience. Those without any experience will typically be offered a starting wage at the lower end of the range.
On average, To-Go Specialists at Cracker Barrel earn an hourly rate of $12.50.
Retail Sales Team Member (Hourly)
As a retail sales team member at Cracker Barrel, the hourly pay ranges from the minimum wage up to $14 per hour. Typically, if you are new to the job market, your starting wage will be towards the lower end of the range, while those with prior experience can expect to receive a higher starting wage.
On average, retail sales team members at Cracker Barrel earn an hourly rate of $11.
How Much Experience Do You Need to Work at Cracker Barrel?
At Cracker Barrel, prior experience is not necessarily required to apply for a position. This company welcomes applicants at an entry-level, and relevant experience is always a plus. While it is possible to get hired without prior work experience, having some experience can increase your chances of being hired at a higher hourly pay rate and can also fast-track your promotion to supervisory or management positions.
What Should You Wear to a Job Interview at Cracker Barrel?
When attending a job interview at Cracker Barrel, it is important to make a good first impression by dressing appropriately. As a casual dining restaurant, business casual attire is recommended. A buttoned-down shirt paired with nice slacks and dress shoes would be a suitable choice. Avoid showing up too casually in a t-shirt and jeans, as this may not reflect well on your professionalism and commitment to the position.
Cracker Barrel Interview Questions
Interview questions can vary depending on the interviewer and the specific position you are applying for. However, there are some commonly asked questions that you may encounter during a job interview at Cracker Barrel. Typically, you will have the opportunity to speak with one or more managers, including those in front-of-house and back-of-house roles. Here are some examples of questions that have been known to be asked during Cracker Barrel interviews.
How do you handle stressful situations?
Why do they ask this question?
Cracker Barrel is a busy restaurant chain that can experience high volumes of customers during peak hours. As a result, working there can be fast-paced and stressful. This question is asked to gauge your ability to handle stress and ensure that you are a suitable fit for the team.
What is the ideal response?
The interviewer would like to hear that you work well under pressure. Explain how you have dealt with stressful situations in the past and that you can handle a busy dinner rush. However, it is important to be honest. If you are not comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, it may not be the best fit for you. Lying about your ability to handle the job’s demands could lead to significant problems in the future.
How would you handle a challenging customer?
Why is this question being asked?
At Cracker Barrel, it’s important for employees to maintain a positive customer experience. However, occasionally there may be a customer who is dissatisfied with their meal or service. The interviewer wants to gauge how you would handle a challenging customer and if your response aligns with the company’s values and policies.
What is the ideal response?
It’s important to convey that you would approach the situation with a calm and professional demeanor. You would actively listen to the customer’s concerns and attempt to find a solution to the issue. If it’s something beyond your authority, you would respectfully involve a manager to handle the situation. It’s essential to demonstrate your ability to handle challenging customer interactions while maintaining a positive attitude and representing the company well.
Can you pick out an item on the menu and sell it to me?
Why do they ask this question?
During a server job interview, managers may ask you to pick an item from the menu and sell it to them. This question is designed to assess your personality, communication skills, and familiarity with the menu and company culture. As an integral part of your role as a restaurant team member, you will be expected to upsell items on the menu to increase sales.
What’s the ideal response?
When answering this question, focus on your strengths. Choose an item on the menu that you are familiar with, and demonstrate your exceptional verbal communication skills, friendly and upbeat demeanor, and ability to sell items successfully. Your response should show that you are knowledgeable about the menu and capable of effectively promoting the product to customers.
Benefits of Working at Cracker Barrel
Advantages of Employment at Cracker Barrel
While all Cracker Barrel employees enjoy a 35 percent discount on restaurant and retail items, the company’s benefits are reserved for full-time staff members. These benefits are:
- Competitive pay based on experience, with opportunities for additional pay raises through the PAR Training program.
- Weekly paychecks.
- Flexible schedules.
- Health, vision, and dental benefits starting on the first day of employment.
- 401K plan with company matching available after 90 days.
- Vacation time.
- Employee stock purchasing program.
- PAR Training program: an hourly employee training initiative designed to support your growth and success. Earn stars and receive pay increases as a reward.
