K&W Cafeteria Careers

Welcome to the world of K&W Cafeteria, a beloved dining institution with a rich history and a strong presence in the Southeastern United States. K&W Cafeteria has been a staple in the community for decades, known for its delicious home-style cooking, friendly atmosphere, and exceptional customer service. With a deep-rooted commitment to community and a focus on providing a satisfying dining experience, K&W Cafeteria has become a household name, offering a unique and welcoming environment to its guests.

A Legacy of Hospitality and Homestyle Cooking

K&W Cafeteria’s story began in the heart of North Carolina in 1938 when Karl H. Wriston and William E. Keith opened the first K&W Restaurant in Elizabeth City. From the very beginning, the founders’ vision was to create a place where people could enjoy a hearty meal, much like a family gathering. Over the years, K&W Cafeteria has expanded its reach, now operating 23 locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, yet it has never lost its core values and commitment to quality and hospitality.

The menu at K&W Cafeteria is a celebration of traditional Southern cuisine, featuring a diverse spread of comfort foods that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From savory meats like BBQ, fried chicken, and meatloaf, to an array of fresh vegetables, sides, and salads, there's something for everyone. The bakery section is a sweet delight, offering an assortment of pies, cakes, and cookies that are made from scratch daily. This attention to detail and focus on quality ingredients has kept customers coming back for more, generation after generation.

Career Opportunities at K&W Cafeteria

K&W Cafeteria offers a wide range of career opportunities for individuals passionate about the food industry, customer service, and creating a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, K&W provides an inclusive and supportive work environment where you can grow and thrive.

1. Front-of-House Roles

K&W Cafeteria’s front-of-house team is the face of the company, ensuring each guest has an exceptional dining experience. Here are some key roles:

• Cafeteria Server: Servers are the friendly faces who greet customers, assist with food choices, and ensure a smooth and efficient dining experience. They must be outgoing, have excellent communication skills, and possess a genuine passion for customer service.
• Host/Hostess: Greeting guests with a warm welcome, managing waitlists, and ensuring a seamless seating process are the primary responsibilities of hosts and hostesses. They play a crucial role in creating a positive first impression.
• Dining Room Attendant: These team members are responsible for maintaining a clean and tidy dining area, ensuring the comfort of guests, and providing a pleasant environment. Attention to detail and a dedication to cleanliness are essential.
• Cashier: Cashiers handle customer transactions, providing accurate and friendly service. They must be detail-oriented, have excellent math skills, and be able to work efficiently under pressure.

2. Back-of-House Roles

The back-of-house team at K&W Cafeteria is responsible for preparing the delicious meals that customers enjoy. Here are some key roles in this department:

• Cook: K&W’s cooks are the masters behind the delicious meals. They must have a strong understanding of Southern cuisine, be able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and possess excellent culinary skills.
• Baker: Bakers are responsible for creating the mouth-watering desserts and baked goods that K&W is known for. They must have a passion for baking, be creative, and have a keen eye for detail.
• Kitchen Assistant: Kitchen assistants support the cooks and bakers, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly. They perform various tasks such as food preparation, cleaning, and organizing the kitchen area.
• Dishwasher: Dishwashers play a vital role in maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen. They must be able to work efficiently, have a strong work ethic, and be able to manage high volumes of dishes.

3. Management Opportunities

For those looking to advance their careers in the hospitality industry, K&W Cafeteria offers various management positions. Here are some of the key roles:

• General Manager: General Managers are responsible for the overall operations of the cafeteria. They oversee all aspects of the business, from staffing and training to financial management and customer satisfaction. Strong leadership skills, business acumen, and a customer-centric approach are essential.
• Assistant Manager: Assistant Managers support the General Manager, handling day-to-day operations, staff management, and ensuring smooth cafeteria operations. They must be organized, have excellent communication skills, and be able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Kitchen Manager: Kitchen Managers oversee the back-of-house operations, managing the kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety standards are met, and maintaining efficient kitchen processes.
• Front-of-House Manager: Front-of-House Managers focus on the customer-facing aspects of the business. They manage the servers, hosts, and cashiers, ensuring exceptional customer service and a positive dining experience. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and motivate a team are crucial.

Benefits and Growth Opportunities

K&W Cafeteria offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including competitive wages, health insurance options, and a 401(k) plan. The company believes in investing in its people and provides opportunities for growth and development through comprehensive training programs and mentorship initiatives. K&W encourages internal promotions, and many of its current managers started their careers in entry-level positions, showcasing the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Additionally, K&W Cafeteria values diversity and inclusivity, creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected. The company actively promotes from within, recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication. With a strong focus on employee satisfaction and a culture of continuous learning, K&W provides an ideal environment for career growth and development.

Join the K&W Family

If you’re passionate about food, customer service, and creating memorable dining experiences, K&W Cafeteria offers a unique opportunity to be part of a legacy brand. With a rich history and a bright future, K&W continues to thrive and grow, offering its employees a stable and rewarding career path. Whether you’re looking to start your career or take it to the next level, K&W Cafeteria provides an environment where you can thrive, learn, and make a difference.

So, if you're ready to join a company that values its people, embraces diversity, and is dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality, consider a career at K&W Cafeteria. Together, we can continue to write the next chapter in K&W's story, serving up delicious food and creating lasting memories for our guests.

Frequently Asked Questions