Catering Associate

Catering Associate | Event & Hospitality Team

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time or Part-Time Position

Pay: $15.00 per hour plus tips

Bring the Old Carolina Experience to Life.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is looking for energetic, dependable team members who enjoy hospitality, working with people, and being part of memorable events.

As a Catering Associate, you’ll help deliver the food, service, and hospitality that make weddings, corporate events, graduation parties, festivals, and special celebrations successful. From preparing and loading equipment to serving guests and ensuring every detail is executed properly, you’ll play an important role in representing the Old Carolina Barbecue Company brand outside our restaurant walls.

If you enjoy variety, teamwork, and creating great experiences for guests, we’d love to meet you.

About Old Carolina Barbecue Company

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

Our catering team brings that same award-winning BBQ and hospitality experience directly to our clients at off-site events throughout the region.

Why Join Old Carolina Barbecue Company?

• Competitive hourly earnings that include tip income

• Flexible full-time and part-time opportunities

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible team members

• Paid vacation for eligible full-time team members

• Free meals during shifts

• Company-provided uniforms

• Paid training

• Opportunities for advancement and promotion from within

• Variety of work environments and event locations

• Supportive and team-oriented culture

The Opportunity

Every event is different.

One day you may be serving a corporate luncheon. The next may be a wedding reception, graduation party, fundraiser, community event, or large private gathering.

As a Catering Associate, you’ll gain experience in:

• Event hospitality

• Catering service

• Guest relations

• Food presentation

• Event setup and breakdown

• Teamwork and communication

• Customer service excellence

• Restaurant and catering operations

Many of our leaders began their careers in hourly positions and advanced through hard work, reliability, and a commitment to serving others.

Key Responsibilities

Event Preparation

• Assist with preparing catering orders and event materials

• Help prepare food items such as trays, salads, sides, and event packages

• Label and organize food products for transport and service

• Verify food temperatures and quality standards

• Review event details and special client requests

Event Setup & Execution

• Load catering vehicles with food, equipment, supplies, and service items

• Travel to event locations throughout the region

• Set up food service areas, buffet lines, serving stations, and equipment

• Ensure event areas are clean, organized, and presentation-ready

• Assist with event breakdown and cleanup

Guest Service & Hospitality

• Serve food and beverages in a professional and friendly manner

• Deliver exceptional hospitality throughout the event

• Respond to guest questions and requests

• Accommodate special requests whenever possible

• Represent Old Carolina Barbecue Company with professionalism and enthusiasm

Event Support & Operations

• Monitor food levels and replenish products as needed

• Ensure food is properly stored and maintained during service

• Report client feedback and event information to supervisors

• Maintain proper communication with catering leadership and event team members

• Assist with miscellaneous event tasks as needed

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous catering, restaurant, hospitality, banquet, event, or customer service experience preferred

• Friendly, outgoing, and guest-focused personality

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to remain calm and professional in fast-paced environments

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities

• Dependable attendance and punctuality

• Professional appearance and demeanor

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

• High school diploma or GED preferred

No experience? No problem. We are willing to train motivated individuals who are eager to learn and grow.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed

• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds

• Ability to load, unload, transport, and set up catering equipment and supplies

• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors as event conditions require

• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, clients, and team members

Work Schedule

This position may be offered as either full-time or part-time based on business needs and candidate availability.

Hours vary based on catering event schedules and client needs. Flexibility to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required. Many catering events occur during evenings and weekends.

Travel to off-site event locations is required.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.