retail sales associate

grocery associate

stocking associate

packer

assistant store manager

CHEFSTORE

I recently had the opportunity to work in a job that involved a substantial amount of heavy lifting. While the experience was undoubtedly demanding, I must admit that it is not a job I would readily recommend to everyone. In this review, I will provide an honest account of the job's physical demands and highlight both the positive and negative aspects of working in such an environment.

Firstly, it is essential to acknowledge that this job requires a high level of physical fitness and strength. The nature of the work involves lifting and moving heavy objects regularly, which can take a toll on the body over time. For individuals who enjoy physical activity and thrive on challenging tasks, this aspect of the job may be seen as a positive attribute. It provides an opportunity to engage in constant physical exertion and stay active throughout the day.

On the flip side, the heavy lifting involved in this job can lead to increased strain on muscles and joints, potentially resulting in injuries if proper lifting techniques are not consistently followed. It is crucial for employers to prioritize employee safety by providing adequate training and equipment to minimize the risk of accidents or long-term health issues. Additionally, the physically demanding nature of the job can be mentally exhausting, as it requires sustained effort and concentration to perform tasks efficiently while maintaining a high level of physical endurance.

Moreover, the heavy lifting aspect of the job may limit its suitability for individuals with certain physical limitations or pre-existing health conditions. It is vital to assess one's own physical capabilities before considering such a role to avoid unnecessary strain or potential harm.

In conclusion, while this job presents a challenging physical environment that may appeal to individuals seeking an active and demanding work experience, it is not a role I would readily recommend to everyone. The heavy lifting involved can be physically demanding and may lead to increased risk of injuries if proper precautions are not taken. Prospective applicants should carefully consider their own physical capabilities and assess whether they are well-suited for this kind of work. Additionally, employers must prioritize safety measures and provide necessary training and equipment to ensure the well-being of their employees.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Getting to know customers as you will see the same ones almost daily

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Working for a company that says you matter but does everything opposite to show that.  Senior leadership is a joke and has absolutely no idea what they are doing.  They ran this company into the ground which is why the board is now forcing them to sell this part of the business.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Culture used to be good before US Foods took over.  Now the culture in every store is basically toxic because you have employees who have to look at core values everyday like you matter and the company doesn’t show that at all.  It’s just words to them to make corporate feel like they actually are doing something good for the employees.  What a joke.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
It’s a rat race.  They expect you to basically go at break neck speed for little pay.  When you cashier, you have to move every thing from a low flatbed to another with boxes that can weight up to 90lbs.  Injuries are high at this company across the board.  If you value you your back, don’t work here.

Working at Slippery Fish Catering and Events was a valuable experience that gave me the chance to learn many different skills. My role included a mix of event support, customer service, and hands-on problem solving. I often helped set up and break down events, coordinated with servers and staff, and communicated directly with clients to make sure everything ran smoothly. I also worked on logistics, such as moving equipment and organizing supplies, which taught me responsibility and time management.

Beyond catering, I got the opportunity to do handyman work for the company, which included repairs, building projects, and maintenance tasks. This helped me develop a strong work ethic and flexibility in adapting to different challenges. The job pushed me to improve my communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while also giving me pride in contributing to successful events.

⸻

Want me to make it sound more resume-style professional or more like a casual online review?

Stores are typically skeleton crews of 12-15 people. This means you are given a great deal of responsibility and can quickly move up to management in the company. If you are in a good store with good management with people who want to see continual improvement of the store then you will learn a great deal about business and the restaurant industry. If you end up in a good ole boys club, then beware... 
Thankfully in Portland you can transfer to other stores because of union.
Most of my coworkers have worked there 10+ years. I was there six. You will likely never get a weekend off for years to come. Some people have been working there for 10 years and still have to work Saturday and Sunday. The veterans live eat and breathe this place and expect you too. Not for the faint of heart.

There is always something to do at Chefstore. From stocking and facing the shelves, helping at the registers and cleaning.  I would regularly lift 20-50 pounds and walk an average of 2 to 7 miles while at work. 
 A typical day would be making sure all price/sale tags were out, a handful of hours at the cash register and the rest of the time stocking/facing or for me I was in charge of ordering a handful of aisles.  During the pandemic there were always somethings that were out for weeks or more. That meant a lot of patience were needed with customers who wanted their items immediately.
 
I learned how to use a electric pallet jack and to do invoices from vendors.   

Would come in early in the morning to prepare the store for business day.  High amount of cash handling everyday.  Management was great, although some issues with them favoring certain employees over others.  Difficult part of job was dealing with upset/incompetent customers who would never be satisfied.  
Also management would share information with certain employees and not others.  Enjoyed most working with the team and majority of the customers were very pleasant and a joy to serve.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Great vacation time, great pay, great benefits, union, paid time off, and holiday pay

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Sticking the shelf’s and accommodating customers at the same time

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The work environment can be hard at times, but with my team we succeed together.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
It is always very busy especially during the summer time.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The Teams are outstanding, awesome management 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Not receiving the truck on time to have shelves filled for opening

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
A very honest company, always available to you

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Breaking down perishable loads filling shelves and cashiering

I worked there for nearly a year. The pay is great compared to other jobs in the area. The management is very understanding and personable people. The whole team is funny and they’ll treat you like family. If I didn’t move across the country I would have stayed there for a long long time. It’s super easy to request time off and they’re immensely flexible with scheduling. Show motivation and teamwork and it’s easy to get lead positions. 

Never known anybody to work there more than five years. Everybody gets a write up at one point or another. Benefits are great because it is US foods however you have to be full-time. You’re only way to move up in the company is to be very close to management it has nothing to do with hard work

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Retail sales associate 4 salaries reported	$19.66 per hour
Grocery associate 29 salaries reported	$16.70 per hour
Stocking associate 11 salaries reported	$19.42 per hour
Packer 5 salaries reported	$22.00 per hour
Assistant store manager 3 salaries reported	$21.00 per hour

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