Restaurants and grocery chains hire 14-year-olds for part-time roles based on state rules and company-specific hiring practices. This 2025 list outlines where young teens can work, what tasks they’re allowed to do, and key employment conditions.
By Brad Nakase, Attorney
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Teenagers who are fourteen years old are permitted to take jobs in restaurants in every one of the fifty states. Owing in part to the continuous labor shortage, eateries have been recruiting youngsters who are 15 or 14 years old more frequently in the past few years. This age bracket can be devoted part-time workers who can relieve stress during an eatery’s busiest shifts, but they cannot join a full-time crew.
Many families and teens alike begin their job hunt by asking: “What restaurants hire at 14?” The younger teens usually work at fast food companies but indeed, any restaurant can take tremendous advantage of the efforts of this age bracket. Before recruiting staff members between the ages of 14 & 15, you need to know the current federal and local legislation and regulations. As much as there are few limitations and extra paperwork, the benefits may outweigh the losses.
Employing these teenagers gives businesses the chance to teach the future cohort of restaurant employees, fill labor shortages, and expose young people to fulfilling professions in hospitality.
Parents and teens often ask: What restaurants hire at 14? This question is critical, as regulations vary widely as per the state, and not every dining establishment is equipped or authorized to employ teens at the age of 14.
What restaurants hire at 14? It’s a question that also applies to family-run eateries. Family-run eateries, take note: Parents can hire children of any age to work in their restaurants. Bring the kids into your family’s business without hesitation. Even young children can dust and fold napkins. The minimum age to hire is 14, and there will be limitations apart from the unique conditions of a mom-and-pop establishment.
Young teenagers can benefit greatly from getting a taste of the working world and practicing taking on duties outside their own homes. Since kids continue to participate in school at this age, nobody wants a child’s math homework to be hampered by their dishwashing responsibilities.
Teens’ working conditions and hours are therefore governed by regulations. State-by-state variations can be there but, in general, team members who are 14 or 15 years old may have restrictions on:
Children ages 14 and 15 are prohibited from working during classes for clear reasons. They are often only allowed to work three hours per day and eighteen hours per week on school days. They are typically also not allowed to work late at night or ahead of time in the morning. By state, this differs significantly. In certain locations, the deadline is as soon as 9:00 p.m. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., restaurants should think about scheduling young employees for the dinner surge.
Limitations vary by age group as well as by state. The most limitations are placed on the youngest teen workers, those who are 14 and 15 years old. Children who are sixteen or seventeen years old have less restrictions.
So if you’re asking yourself, “What restaurants hire at 14?” know that it often comes down to balancing educational priorities with entry-level employment.
Since federal child labor regulations do not apply to 18-year-olds, most limitations are removed at that age. While offering alcohol can begin at this age in the majority of states, in some regions it is prohibited until the ages of nineteen twenty, and even twenty-one.
Record keeping, overtime compensation, and the minimum wage are all covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act. It also contains what are often referred to as child labor rules, which are designed to shield children from hazardous jobs and other risks. It limits how many hours and what kinds of jobs teenagers are allowed to work. It shields individuals from dangerous scenarios and work environments.
In the majority of states, teenagers who are 14 or 15 years old must present a work certificate or permit as proof that they are of legal age. The process of filling out and filing an application usually calls for the assistance of a school counselor.
Although occasionally a letter from the potential employer is also required, the child bears most of the responsibility for filing these working documents.
The question “What restaurants hire at 14?” is as much about readiness to train as it is about meeting legal criteria.
One of the main worries regarding teenagers employed by restaurants is how they will manage the customer service position. Since no one has any prior customer service background, you will need to establish the groundwork before entrusting customers to their care.
Teens, even early teens, can be great hosts, but how well they do will depend on their personalities and how ready you are to train them. Starting teenagers as bussers and dishwashers can be a smart way of getting acquainted with them before they land a position that focuses on interacting with customers and guests.
The kinds of employment that teenagers can perform in restaurants are governed by both municipal & federal regulations. However, in general, they can probably handle the following tasks:
There are certain subtleties to both cleaning and cooking. The following items are forbidden:
If your dining establishment serves alcohol, you should be aware that state-by-state there are numerous municipal age requirements. Alcohol can be served by 18-year-olds in the majority of places, although 21-year-olds are required in others.
The industry’s future depends on young individuals who are interested in working in restaurants. Your finest employees are probably going to tell you about their high school jobs when they first developed a love for hospitality. This is your opportunity to shape the next generation’s passion for working in restaurants into a lifetime passion. “What restaurants hire at 14?” The answer includes many fast-food chains, local diners, cafes, and some family-friendly restaurant groups—provided they comply with the laws.
Does your fourteen-year-old want a job? Most young people are hungry to test their options in order to begin earning their profits and sometimes it is difficult to embark on a career so early in life. Let’s assist them in entering the workforce.
Teens between the ages of 14 and 15 are frequently hired by businesses, so you can start a side business or find employment anywhere you are.
Along with helping them build their resume, getting hired is a terrific way for them to meet new people, develop new skills, and get ready for life beyond school.
Let’s look at nearby companies and others that employ young people to help you land your first position:
14 is the minimum age to work in McDonald’s.
McDonald’s locations around the country are constantly searching for outstanding staff members!
If you are fourteen years old, visit your local McDonald’s and inquire about their necessary age restrictions and any job openings. McDonald’s employs young people.
So if your question is, “What restaurants hire at 14?” the top of the list is McDonald’s.
14 is the minimum age to work in Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a restaurant chain quite popular for its chicken sandwich. They employ teenagers who are 14 years old and have more than 2,000 sites around America!
Since Chick-fil-A doesn’t operate on Sundays, it is quite beneficial for employees.
Because every Chick-fil-A has its own ownership and operation, local locations may have different minimum ages and pay.
15 is the minimum age to work in Kroger.
You must consider any nearby grocery store if you are trying to find a place that will recruit 15-year-olds.
Kroger has over 2,700 stores in the U.S. which makes it the largest grocery retailer. Smith’s, King Soopers, and Fry’s are other stores that belong to Kroger. Since the age of working in a business varies depending on the state, you are advised to find out the age requirement of a store within your locality.
The job at Kroger has many benefits. They cover discounts, tuition help, and other things.
The minimum age requirement is fifteen.
Younger teenagers are employed by Wegmans in the supermarket, bakery, and floral divisions. Store roles require employees to be at least 15 years old.
Required use of machinery or labor regulations addressed during the interview may be the basis for extra criteria to hire individuals at a young age.
But in case you have given excellent customer service, then probably you can work here throughout high school, just like my friends!
14 is the minimum age to work in Starbucks (15 in some states)
They employ younger teenagers and offer a wide range of jobs at their more than 17000 locations in the USA.
A 14-year-old has a good chance of landing a job at Starbucks.
14 is the minimum age to work in Baskin-Robbins.
With almost 3,000 ice cream stores across America, Baskin Robbins offers an unlimited variety of ice cream types.
Younger workers are hired, and prospective employees are given the chance to work throughout the school week and earn cash as ice cream scoopers.
14 is the minimum age to work in Arby’s.
With more than 3400 outlets across America, it’s easy to understand why Arby’s roast beef sandwiches rank among our favorites!
Young teenagers work as tellers or food preppers at Arby’s restaurants in various states.
14 is the minimum age to work in Wendy’s.
Wendy’s is hiring 14-year-olds at some of its 6000-plus stores in the United States.
Being a franchise, the employment policy might vary between various Wendy’s restaurants. When your teenager goes to a local restaurant to apply they will have to ask what the minimum age is.
For parents asking: “What restaurants hire at 14?” Wendy’s can be a good option.
15 is the minimum age to work in Boston Market.
The Boston Market is famous with its delicious rotisserie chicken with side dishes.
Even though you can work there when you are as young as 15, servers and dishwashers are normally recruited within that age bracket.
14 is the minimum age to work in KFC.
With more than 4,000 locations in the United States and more than 22,000 sites worldwide, KFC constitutes one of the most well-known restaurant companies in the country.
Some places employ children as young as 14 and 15 to work as wait staff or cleanup crews at their eateries!
14 is the minimum age to work in Culver’s.
When in the mood for some light food, Culver is the best place.
They employ individuals aged 14 years and above in nearly 700 stores located in America.
14 is the minimum age to work in Taco Bell.
With 7600 stores across all US states, Taco Bell services 40 million consumers every week. They also have 14-year-olds on their team!
Location-specific requirements will apply. Employees receive discounts on purchasing food and flexible work schedules.
14 is the minimum age to work in Rita’s Italian Ice.
With 600 sites around the United States, there will undoubtedly be one close to you!
Children 14 years of age and up can assist adults in serving patrons their preferred flavors at Rita’s Italian Ice establishments.
Each restaurant has different job options for young teens.
15 is the minimum age to work in Pizza Hut.
Pizza Hut is a renowned chain of pizzeria restaurants, which started its operations in the year 1958 and has over 7,000 outlets within America.
You may work at a restaurant in your neighborhood if you are 15 years old with the authorization of your parents.
There are numerous jobs for cashiers and restaurant cleaners.
14 is the minimum age to work in Six Flags.
North America is home to 27 Six Flags amusement parks & water parks.
Because these employment are seasonal, there are differences in the kind of jobs available to 14-year-olds.
Get in touch with your neighborhood amusement park to find out more about the job openings they have!
14 is the minimum age to work in AMC Theaters.
For a long time, AMC Theaters has used movies to unite people. They employ young teenagers as early as 14 and run more than 375 locations!
You can work as an usher or at the concession stand, among other front-of-house & back-of-house jobs.
The majority of these jobs at your neighborhood AMC Theater don’t require any previous work experience.
14 is the minimum age to work in Palace Entertainment.
There are 21 Palace Entertainment establishments throughout the nation. For open positions, some places might hire people as young as fourteen.
14 is the minimum age to work in Fareway.
Fareway owns 120 grocery shops distributed in six states in the Midwest.
They hire children as young as 14 years old to work in their grocery stores, replenish stock, work in the bakery, and work in checkout lanes.
Among the tasks are stocking and bagging in their grocery area.
14 is the minimum age to work in Bruster’s.
Selling ice cream is a simple & enjoyable way to earn some pocket money. For your initial position, I think that sounds really amazing, especially if you receive free treats.
With more than 160 stores across 20 states, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream employs young teenagers.
14 is the minimum age to work in Publix.
The nearby Publix store is a good place for young kids to look for part-time employment.
Since several jobs in the Publix network recruit people as young as 14, there is a chance that you will be able to obtain employment there.
They provide jobs as a cashier, a service desk worker, a bagger, or a cart attendant.
This covers 1,305 sites across 4 states: Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
14 is the minimum age to work in Safeway.
Young individuals are needed to serve as baggers for Safeway, one of the biggest grocery companies in the US with more than 900 outlets in 18 states.
Candidates may be required to work just a few hours within the school week, while some employers have restrictions on working on school days.
14 is the minimum age to work in Winn-Dixie.
Young teenagers are employed at Winn-Dixie for a few positions. Jobs at your neighborhood Winn Dixie may include cashiers across the front of stores generally and baggers at over 1,400 locations!
The positions might pay the minimum wage set by the government and entail up to eight hours of work on days with no classes like Saturday & Sunday.
14 is the minimum age to work in Giant Foods.
Giant Foods is constantly seeking new hires for its 150 sites in Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
You cannot anticipate what they might need unless you try, so your 14-year-old might be what they are seeking.
People who are able to work some hours during the school period and more during the non-school weeks are typically needed at the store sites.
14 is the minimum age to work in Little Caesars.
If you’re interested in collaborating with people, Little Caesars offers a terrific place for starting your first employment.
While some establishments allow 15-year-olds who are allowed to work for a brief period on a school day, the majority of sites require staff to be no less than sixteen years old.
14 is the minimum age to work in Hy-Vee.
There are more than 240 Hy-Vee grocery stores spread in the Midwest region of the United States.
Due to their independent operations, Hy-Vee supermarket stores have different minimum hiring ages; nonetheless, some hire employees as young as 14.
16 is the minimum age to work in Dairy Queen.
Dairy Queen is one of the businesses where 16-year-old children get employed.
State labor regulations dictate the minimum age for employment at Dairy Queen, which has over 4,000 stores across the United States.
A position as a Dairy Queen staff member can be ideal for you if you are an energetic teenager who is capable of working for as long as three hours a day on the school day!
14 is the minimum age to work in Runza.
Runza is a unique fast-food restaurant in the Midwest that also hires young people as a part of the crew!
They also hire crew members aged 14 to 15 at most of their retail outlets.
Verify whether an employment permit is required for young workers and estimate your earnings.
14 is the minimum age to work in Giant Eagle.
The five US states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia are home to more than 400 Giant Eagle retail brands.
Younger people as early as 14 are employed there for a variety of grocery store jobs where they might gain useful professional skills.
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