The success of Steak 'n Shake comes from the hard work of associates employed throughout a chain of roughly 500 restaurants across 25 states. To maintain ongoing growth and success, the casual restaurant chain continues to hire new employees at each location. Job seekers may choose from a variety of employment opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to management careers.
Facts About Working at Steak 'n Shake
Hiring Age: 16 years old (How old do you have to be to work at Steak 'n Shake?)
Available Positions: Cashier, Server, Cook, Maintenance Worker, Hourly Shift Supervisor, Manager in Training, Assistant Manager, Internal Manager, Intern, Trainer, First Shift Server, Expeditor, Fry/Steamtable Associate, Drive-Thru Operator, Cash/Counter Server, Fountain Operator, Grill Associate, Breakfast Cook, Dishwasher, Busser, Front of House Team Member, Back of House Team Member, Host/Hostess, Fast-Track General Manager
Printable Application: No. Search Job Openings or visit official site.
Steak ‘n Shake Employee Interview Videos
Steak ‘n Shake Job Opportunities
Steak ‘n Shake hires entry-level associates to work in all areas of the restaurant. Potential work settings include the kitchen, dining area, check-out/pick-up counter, and drive-thru window. The duties of employees often overlap into multiple restaurant areas. Servers, for instance, may also perform cashier responsibilities at the check-out counter when necessary, while workers manning the drive-thru window may also handle orders for pick up. Applicants committed to providing excellent service and capable of dealing with the paces of fast-casual restaurant environments usually enjoy strong chances of gaining employment.
Candidates with outstanding leadership skills also regularly land Steak ‘n Shake jobs, as the restaurant chain needs to hire managers proficient at overseeing teams of associates. In addition to leading other workers, managers complete a number of daily tasks related to sales, finance, employee development, and other complex areas of restaurant operations. Prospective managers, therefore, must hold previous supervisory or management experience to ensure competence in fulfilling the varied responsibilities of the position. Featuring the job title of either restaurant manager or general manager, each managerial position offers various employment benefits and a salary based on experience.
Steak ‘n Shake Jobs and Salary Information
Managers usually work full-time at Steak ‘n Shake restaurants, while entry-level team members often enjoy the benefits of flexible part-time schedules. The restaurant chain maintains a minimum hiring age of 16 for most positions. Job seekers may apply online or in person for opportunities such as:
Production Associate
- Also known as a grill cook, the production associate prepares meals for customers and carries out standard kitchen duties.
- Production associates use equipment like grills and fryers to make steakburgers, French fries, and other menu items.
- The job also involves ensuring the quality of the food and the cleanliness of the kitchen.
- Although the position features little customer interaction, production associates must possess strong interpersonal skills in order to communicate with servers and managers effectively.
- The entry-level job title comes with an hourly pay rate ranging from minimum wage to $9.00.
Server
- Unlike production associates, servers stay in constant contact with customers.
- Server jobs entail greeting and seating arriving guests, obtaining food and drink orders from customers, bringing completed orders to patrons, and providing full table service throughout the course of the meal.
- Candidates applying to work as servers must prove capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously in addition to remaining calm and friendly at all times.
- Servers typically earn between $3.00 and $4.00 an hour, with opportunities for additional income via customer tips.
Management
- Managers execute numerous responsibilities to make sure the restaurant runs smoothly and profitably.
- Each restaurant employs a management team responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, customer service, food quality, and safety.
- Managers also adhere to company policies regarding financial targets, maintenance, and staffing.
- Careers in management entail hiring and developing employees, facilitating the achievement of sales goals, improving the performance of the restaurant, ensuring the availability of food and supplies, and promoting the mission of the company among restaurant staff.
- Restaurant manager positions demand at least a year of supervisory experience, while the job title of general manager requires a multiyear history of working in the industry.
- The annual salary for a manager generally ranges from $30,000 to $55,000 and depends primarily on job title and experience.
Tips For Applying
Job seekers interested in pursuing entry-level employment opportunities with Steak ‘n Shake must apply in person at a restaurant location. Candidates applying in person should wear slightly dressier clothing than everyday attire, ask to meet with a restaurant manager in order to make a direct impression on the person in charge of hiring, and keep schedule availability as flexible as possible on the application form, as most locations stay open around the clock and need to staff all work shifts. Unlike entry-level applicants, managerial candidates may apply online for jobs by sending resumes to the email address specified at the bottom of the listing. Resumes should feature information specifically tailored to the particular position and clearly show fulfillment of the qualifications cited in the job description. In addition to the resume, prospective managers should include a brief yet thoughtful cover letter detailing specific reasons for pursuing a career in restaurant management.
Application Status
While Steak ‘n Shake typically responds to qualified applicants in a timely manner, the length of the hiring process depends on the current staffing needs of each restaurant. Candidates still waiting to hear back about a submitted application should consider following up with the appropriate restaurant location a week or two after applying. Entry-level applicants should call or visit the restaurant manager, while managerial candidates should send a follow-up email to the address listed in the job posting. Whether calling, emailing, or visiting in person, job seekers choosing to follow up on an application should reiterate interest in and suitability for the position in addition to finding out when to expect contact about scheduling an interview.
Benefits of Working at Steak ‘n Shake
Employment benefits available to Steak ‘n Shake associates include flexible hours, a fun and casual work environment, ongoing training and development opportunities, and consistent feedback on job performance. Other job benefits extended to eligible workers range from:
- Paid vacation and 401(k) retirement plans to medical
- Dental
- Vision, and
- Life insurance packages.
The restaurant chain also maintains a quarterly incentive bonus program for qualifying managers and regularly rewards high performing workers with various forms of employee recognition.
Additional Information on Steak ‘n Shake
A successful American restaurant brand since 1934, Steak ‘n Shake operates as a subsidiary of parent company Biglari Holdings. The name of the restaurant chain refers to the primary menu items of premium steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Each location also offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light night meal items. In 2012, the restaurant chain launched a new prototype called Steak ‘n Shake Signature. Restaurants operating within the Signature concept feature a revamped interior design and a limited menu emphasizing steakburgers made from 100% USDA certified organic beef.
Jeffery Bruce says:
Worked for Steak and Shake starting when I was sixteen. I’ve worked for the company on and off since then. I was a cook, dishwasher and cashier.