The local food service landscape has a wide variety of open positions right now, ranging from independent local spots to large-scale operations. Whether you are looking for a fast-paced kitchen role, a customer-facing front-of-house position, or something with flexible hours, local employers are actively recruiting.

Here is a breakdown of prominent food service opportunities currently hiring in the area:
Local Cafes & Restaurants
- Black & Brew (Downtown / South Lakeland): Hiring Fresh Prep Team Members for their back-of-house operations. These full-time roles pay $16 to $17 an hour and include employee discounts. They are looking for team members focused on quality prep work and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
- Guest Services, Inc. (Florida Southern College): Urgently hiring Food Server/Prep staff for campus dining operations. These on-site roles combine light cooking functions, ingredient preparation, and guest service.
- Applebee’s / Local Grills: Multiple front-of-house Server positions are open for individuals with strong customer service skills.
Retail & High-Volume Food Service
- Sam’s Club (Lakeland): Hiring for multiple specialized food service associates, including Prepared Meals and Rotisserie Chicken Associates, Cafe Associates, and Baker/Packager Associates. These positions offer competitive starting pay between $17 and $25 an hour along with comprehensive benefits packages (401k, health insurance, and paid time off).
- McDonald’s: Several corporate and franchise locations across Lakeland (including positions on US Hwy 98 N and Bartow Rd) are hiring for Crew Members, Overnight Crew, and Guest Experience Leads. Hourly pay ranges from $14.25 to $16.20, with many locations offering flexible scheduling and tuition reimbursement.
Key Details at a Glance
| Employer | Open Roles | Estimated Pay | Highlights |
| Black & Brew | Fresh Prep Team Member | $16 – $17 / hr | Full-time, local business, employee discounts |
| Sam’s Club | Prepared Meals, Cafe, & Bakery | $17 – $25 / hr | Full benefits, structured environment |
| McDonald’s | Crew, Overnights, Guest Experience | $14.25 – $16.20 / hr | Flexible hours, tuition assistance options |
| Guest Services Inc. | Campus Food Server / Prep | Varies by shift | Stable campus schedule, mixed responsibilities |
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