Last Updated: April 17, 2026

Updated: April 2025 | Hub: Casual Dining Jobs | Positions: Server, Host, Bartender, Line Cook, Manager | Min Age: 16–18 (varies by role)

BJ’s Restaurants Application Guide (2025): How to Apply for a Server or Kitchen Job Online

Quick Answer: BJ’s Restaurants is a casual dining brewpub chain with 215+ locations in 29 states, known for its award-winning craft beers and deep-dish pizzas. To apply, visit bjsrestaurants.com/restaurants/careers. Servers start at $3–$5/hr + tips (servers) (plus tips), with experienced servers and bartenders earning $20–$35/hr total tips included total compensation. BJ’s Restaurants employs approximately 22,000+ people at its 215+ locations.

BJ’s Restaurants at a Glance

Total Locations: 215+
Total Employees: 22,000+
Careers portal: bjsrestaurants.com/restaurants/careers
Starting pay: $3–$5/hr + tips (servers) servers/hosts (plus tips); $20–$35/hr total tips included experienced

How to Apply at BJ’s Restaurants

Step 1: Apply Online at bjsrestaurants.com/restaurants/careers

Visit the careers portal, search by your city or state, and select your desired position. Most BJ’s Restaurants locations use an ATS — create a profile and apply to your nearest location. Many restaurants also accept walk-in applications — visit during off-peak hours (2pm–4pm) and ask to speak with the manager on duty.

Step 2: In-Person or Phone Interview

Restaurant interviews for front-of-house roles focus on personality, customer service instincts, and availability. For kitchen positions, culinary experience and specific cooking techniques are assessed. Most restaurant interviews last 15–30 minutes and decisions are made quickly — offers within 24–72 hours of interview are common.

Step 3: Background Check and Orientation

Standard background check required. New servers complete a training period (typically 3–7 shifts shadowing an experienced server) before being assigned their own section. Kitchen hires train on specific stations relevant to their role.

BJ’s Restaurants Pay Rates (2025)

BJ’s Restaurants Pay Rates by Position (2025)
Position	Hourly Base	Total Compensation (inc. tips)	Type
Server	$3–$5/hr + tips	$18–$30/hr total	Full-time / Part-time
Bartender	$5/hr + tips	$22–$40/hr total	Full-time / Part-time
Host / Hostess	$13–$16/hr	$14–$18/hr	Part-time
Line Cook / Chef	$16–$20/hr	$20–$28/hr	Full-time
Shift Manager / Supervisor	$18–$24/hr	$22–$28/hr	Full-time
Restaurant Manager	$55,000–$70,000/yr	$70,000–$90,000/yr	Salaried

Note: BJ’s Brewhouse locations have higher average checks and more experienced dining demographics than most casual dining chains — server tip averages are notably above Applebee’s/Chili’s levels.

Requirements

Minimum age: 16 for host and some kitchen prep roles; 18 for serving alcohol and operating equipment; some states require 21 to serve liquor.
Experience: Not required for entry-level host and busser roles. Server experience preferred; kitchen experience required for line cook positions.
Food handler certification: Required in most states — often provided by the restaurant during onboarding.
Availability: Must be available for weekends, evenings, and holidays — peak restaurant hours. More flexible availability = faster hiring.

Benefits

Health insurance: Available for full-time employees (30+ hours) at most corporate-owned locations.
Employee meals: Free or discounted meals during shifts.
Flexible scheduling: Restaurant scheduling is typically set weekly — many servers choose shifts that work with school or other commitments.
Advancement: Server → Lead Server → Shift Manager → Restaurant Manager. Most restaurant managers promoted from within. GM roles at casual dining chains earn $55,000–$85,000/yr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know about craft beer to work at BJ’s?

Not for host or kitchen positions. But for bartender and server roles, knowledge of craft beer (ales, IPAs, stouts, lagers) and the BJ’s Brewhouse beer program is a significant asset. BJ’s brews its own beers at on-site breweries and through contract brewing — servers and bartenders are expected to guide guests through the beer menu and make pairing recommendations. Training covers the beer menu thoroughly during onboarding, so genuine interest in craft beer is more important than prior expertise at the time of hire.

Can I work at BJ’s Restaurants with no restaurant experience?

Yes for entry-level positions — host, busser, and food runner roles are the typical starting points for people new to restaurant work. These positions require no prior experience and teach the fundamentals of restaurant operations. Most BJ’s Restaurants locations promote internally, so starting as a host or busser and moving to server is a common progression. For kitchen positions (line cook, prep cook), prior food service experience is preferred but not always required for entry-level prep roles.