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Cafe Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is serving up fresh opportunities!We are looking for high energy assistant managers. Do you have a passion for cooking up great food? Do you want to be apart of a team that ...

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Cat Cafe Host

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.95/hr

... cafe, assisting guests, supporting adoptions, and helping drive sales of tickets, merchandise, and ... Welcome guests into the space and create a fun, friendly, and inviting atmosphere * Assist guests ...

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is serving up fresh opportunities!We are looking for high energy assistant managers. Do you have a passion for cooking up great food? Do you want to be apart of a team that ...

PT Cafe Shift Lead | DC | Chinatown

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

You will be trained in all areas, and the Shift Lead role isa great opportunityfor learning and development that may lead to other leadership positions within the company, such as Assistant Cafe ...

PT Cafe Shift Lead | DC | Chinatown

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

You will be trained in all areas, and the Shift Lead role is a great opportunity for learning and development that may lead to other leadership positions within the company, such as Assistant Café ...

PT Cafe Shift Lead | DC | Chinatown

Washington, DC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

You will be trained in all areas, and the Shift Lead role is a great opportunity for learning and development that may lead to other leadership positions within the company, such as Assistant Cafe ...

Cafe Ambassador - Anacostia

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Cafe Ambassador - Anacostia The Role Do you find your purpose in empowering others? As a Cafe ... assist other locations in the broader Region. * Available to work a flexible schedule, including ...

Café Ambassador - Anacostia

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Café Ambassador - Anacostia The Role Do you find your purpose in empowering others? As a Café ... assist other locations in the broader Region. * Available to work a flexible schedule, including ...

LifeCafe Assistant Lead

Fort Washington, MD · On-site

$42K - $53K/yr

Position Summary The Assistant Cafe Leader supports the Cafe Leader in delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading daily operations, and developing a high-performing team. This role combines ...

LifeCafe Assistant Lead

Fort Washington, MD · On-site

$42K - $53K/yr

Position Summary The Assistant Café Leader supports the Café Leader in delivering exceptional guest experiences, leading daily operations, and developing a high-performing team. This role combines ...

Cafe Rio is looking to hire energetic Team Members to join our #caferiofamily. We have various level positions available: line cook, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier, and Assistant Management positions ...

Cafe Rio is looking to hire energetic Team Members to join our #caferiofamily. We have various level positions available: line cook, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier, and Assistant Management positions ...

Cafe Rio is looking to hire energetic Team Members to join our #caferiofamily. We have various level positions available: line cook, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier, and Assistant Management positions ...

Cafe Rio is looking to hire energetic TeamMembers to join our #caferiofamily. We have various level positions available: line cook, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier, and Assistant Management positions ...

Restaurant Team Member

Olney, MD · On-site

$17.65 - $18.33/hr

Cafe Rio is looking to hire energetic TeamMembers to join our #caferiofamily. We have various level positions available: line cook, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier, and Assistant Management positions ...

Cafe Rio is looking to hire energetic Team Members to join our #caferiofamily. We have various level positions available: line cook, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier, and Assistant Management positions ...

Cafe Rio is looking to hire energetic Team Members to join our #caferiofamily. We have various level positions available: line cook, prep cook, dishwasher, cashier, and Assistant Management positions ...

Showing results 41-60

Cafe Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$11

$17

$20

How much do cafe assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe assistant in Washington is $17.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cafe assistant do?

A cafe assistant supports the daily operations of a cafe or coffee shop. As a cafe assistant, your job duties may include taking food and beverage orders, stocking pastry displays and other inventory, and cleaning the facility. You may also make simple drinks and be trained to use an espresso machine. Although there are minimal qualifications to become a cafe assistant, you need strong customer service, communication, and multi-tasking skills, as well as attention to detail. Employers typically provide on-the-job training in this entry-level role, which can help you gain valuable career experience in the service industry.

What does a cafe assistant do?

A Cafe Assistant is responsible for supporting the daily operations of a cafe, which includes tasks such as serving customers, preparing and serving food and drinks, handling payments, and maintaining cleanliness in the dining and kitchen areas. They often assist with restocking supplies, setting up tables, and ensuring that customers have a pleasant dining experience. Good communication and customer service skills are essential for this role, as Cafe Assistants frequently interact with customers and work as part of a team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafe Assistant, you generally need experience in food preparation, basic food hygiene knowledge, and strong customer service skills, often supported by a food safety certificate. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, coffee machines, and inventory management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering efficient service, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring a positive customer experience in a busy cafe environment.

What are some common challenges faced by cafe assistants and how can they be managed effectively?

Cafe Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling busy rush hours, maintaining excellent customer service under pressure, and balancing multiple tasks like operating the register, preparing drinks, and restocking supplies. Effective time management, strong communication skills, and teamwork are crucial in overcoming these challenges. Many cafes provide training and encourage a supportive environment, where staff members help each other during peak periods, making it easier to manage high workloads and provide a positive customer experience.

What is the difference between Cafe Assistant vs Barista?

AspectCafe AssistantBarista
CredentialsNone required, some experience helpfulFood safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentGeneral cafe duties, customer servicePreparing coffee, espresso, and beverages
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in cafes, restaurants, cateringPrimarily in coffee shops and specialty cafes
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for general cafe support rolesInterested in coffee preparation skills

While both roles work in cafes, a Cafe Assistant provides general support including customer service and cleaning, whereas a Barista specializes in coffee and beverage preparation. The roles often overlap, but Baristas typically require specific coffee-making skills and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on their skills and interests.

How to get a cafe assistant job with no experience?

To get a cafe assistant job with no experience, focus on demonstrating good communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. Highlight any customer service or teamwork experience on your resume, and consider volunteering or taking short training courses to build relevant skills. Employers often value reliability and enthusiasm, especially for entry-level positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cafe jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Cafe jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Cafe Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Cafe Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Cafe Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Cafe Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cafe Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,210 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Assistant Manager

Cafe Rio

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Cafe Rio rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 107 rated fast food restaurants


Job description

Start your path to Cafe Rio Stardom today!

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill is serving up fresh opportunities!We are looking for high energy assistant managers. Do you have a passion for cooking up great food? Do you want to be apart of a team that's creating opportunitiesand changing the lives of everyone we serve?

Then come join our team and see what it's like to run a real fresh, made from scratch, restaurant concept. Show us your culinary chops and restaurant management skills, and we'll show you a career paved in tomatillo gold! Your very tasty journey is waiting amigo, come grow with us...we dare you!

Wondering what's in it for you? How about:

  • 8 weeks of initial hands on training to set you up for a successful career at Cafe Rio
  • Learning how to run a multimillion-dollar restaurant
  • Competitive pay
  • Monthly bonuses
  • Paid time off
  • Free meals
  • Health care and retirement benefits

This is an opportunity you don't want to pass up!

Cooking from scratch is both an art and a science, and at Cafe Rio, we take it to the next level. We instill our passion and promise in everything we do, you'll learn from our food masters at the restaurant. You'll learn the ins and outs of running a restaurant, you'll become a food fanatic, taking pride in the layering of flavors to create the ultimate masterpiece for our customers. We'll teach you how to lead, develop and mentor those around you.

This is just the tip of the tortilla chip! This isn't just a job amigo, this is a career.

If you love the fast pace, adrenaline rush of a high energy environment, and the desire to move your career forward, then come see what we have to offer. Visit us atwww.caferio.com/careers

Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Proof of valid driver's license
  • Able to lift and carry at least 50 lbs. and stand for 8 plus hrs.
  • 2 or more years of management experience, preferably in the restaurant industry managing a team of 15 or more employees at a time, interacting frequently with customers, and coaching employees to assume increasingly challenging roles
  • Available to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends and/or holidays, as well as work weeks that may at times exceed 40 hours
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal communication skills; able to easily interact with diverse employees, bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

What Cafe Rio employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Cafe Rio logo

About Cafe Rio

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The year was 1997. The place, a little town in southern Utah called St. George. A lovely couple named Steve and Patricia Stanley started a restaurant called Cafe Rio Mexican Grill. Cafe Rio served authentic dishes derived from inspired recipes and traditional cooking of Northern Mexico’s Rio Grande region, Southern Texas, and New Mexico. Central to every bite was the belief that every ingredient must be fresh and made fresh to order. And you know what? People loved it. They couldn’t get enough of it. So much so, that one restaurant became six. In 2004, these six little restaurants caught the attention of a fine gentleman named Bob Nilsen. He purchased Cafe Rio from the Stanleys with the idea of spreading the love of making this fresh Mexican food to everyone in and around Utah and beyond. We’re realizing the dream of spreading the love of Cafe Rio Mexican Grill around Utah and beyond. Check out our locations page to find a Cafe Rio near you.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1997

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