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)

Huddle House Application Guide (2025): How to Apply for a Server or Kitchen Job Online

Quick Answer: Huddle House is a Southern breakfast and comfort food chain with 300+ locations across 20+ states, concentrated in the rural Southeast. To apply, visit huddlehouse.com/careers. Servers start at $9–$13/hr base + tips (plus tips), with experienced servers and bartenders earning $12–$18/hr total with tips total compensation. Huddle House employs approximately 7,000+ people at its 300+ locations.

Huddle House at a Glance

Total Locations: 300+
Total Employees: 7,000+
Careers portal: huddlehouse.com/careers
Starting pay: $9–$13/hr base + tips servers/hosts (plus tips); $12–$18/hr total with tips experienced

How to Apply at Huddle House

Step 1: Apply Online at huddlehouse.com/careers

Visit the careers portal, search by your city or state, and select your desired position. Most Huddle House 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.

Huddle House Pay Rates (2025)

Huddle House Pay Rates by Position (2025)
Position	Hourly Base	Total Compensation (inc. tips)	Type
Server / Waitress	$3–$6/hr + tips	$12–$18/hr total	Part-time / Full-time
Line Cook / Grill Cook	$12–$15/hr	$14–$18/hr	Full-time
Shift Manager	$13–$17/hr	$16–$20/hr	Full-time
General Manager	$38,000–$52,000/yr	$52,000–$65,000/yr	Salaried

Note: Huddle House is open 24/7 and serves breakfast all day — cooks should be comfortable with egg preparation, short-order cooking, and managing morning rush periods.

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

Where is Huddle House located?

Huddle House operates primarily in small towns and rural areas across the Southeast and South — Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, and several other states. They intentionally target communities underserved by other chain restaurants. If you’re in a major metro area, Huddle House is unlikely to have a location near you. The chain is best known in rural communities where it’s often one of the few full-service restaurant options.

Can I work at Huddle House 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 Huddle House 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.