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)

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Application Guide (2025): How to Apply for a Server or Kitchen Job Online

Quick Answer: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is a Midwest and Upper Midwest family restaurant chain with 280+ locations, known for all-day breakfast and its in-restaurant bakeries. To apply, visit perkinsrestaurants.com/careers. Servers start at $4–$7/hr + tips (servers) (plus tips), with experienced servers and bartenders earning $12–$18/hr total with tips total compensation. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery employs approximately 15,000+ people at its 280+ locations.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery at a Glance

Total Locations: 280+
Total Employees: 15,000+
Careers portal: perkinsrestaurants.com/careers
Starting pay: $4–$7/hr + tips (servers) servers/hosts (plus tips); $12–$18/hr total with tips experienced

How to Apply at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Step 1: Apply Online at perkinsrestaurants.com/careers

Visit the careers portal, search by your city or state, and select your desired position. Most Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 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.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Pay Rates (2025)

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Pay Rates by Position (2025)
Position	Hourly Base	Total Compensation (inc. tips)	Type
Server / Waitress	$4–$7/hr + tips	$12–$18/hr total	Part-time / Full-time
Bakery Counter Associate	$12–$14/hr	$13–$16/hr	Part-time / Full-time
Line Cook / Grill Cook	$13–$16/hr	$15–$19/hr	Full-time
Restaurant Manager	$40,000–$55,000/yr	$55,000–$70,000/yr	Salaried

Note: Perkins specializes in all-day breakfast and its fresh-baked bakery items — kitchen staff should be comfortable with egg cooking, breakfast prep, and bakery product handling.

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 does Perkins operate?

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is primarily a Midwest chain — strongest presence in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, Florida, and several other states. It’s particularly dominant in the upper Midwest where it’s one of the most established family dining brands. In 2023, Perkins filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but continued operating under new ownership through the process. Confirm your local Perkins status before applying, as some locations closed during the restructuring.

Can I work at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 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 Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 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.