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Entry Level Food Service Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Food Runner

Washington, DC · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual ... Perform serving, cleaning, or stocking duties in establishments, to facilitate customer service

Entry Level Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $22.50/hr

We're looking for entry-level leaders who are passionate and ready to collaborate, lead, and give ... Customer service experience, preferably in a food service, grocery or retail setting * Proven ...

About this role We are hiring entry-level Financial Sales Consultants to join our remote team. In ... Any customer-facing role -- retail, hospitality, food service, tutoring * Student athletes or ...

Kitchen Staff

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Be of service and accommodate special requests whenever possible, with management approval, to ... Always Adhere to Food Handlers Safety guidelines including by not limited to the following: Keep ...

About this role We're hiring entry-level Financial Sales Consultants for our remote team. You'll ... Any customer-facing role -- retail, hospitality, food service, tutoring * Student athletes or ...

Shift Leader

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$21.75 - $22.50/hr

We're looking for entry-level leaders who are passionate and ready to collaborate, lead, and give ... Customer service experience, preferably in a food service, grocery or retail setting * Proven ...

EARN A BONUS UP TO $1,500! We're looking for entry-level leaders who are passionate and ready to ... Customer service experience, preferably in a food service, grocery or retail setting * Proven ...

Food Service Delivery: Promptly deliver food from the kitchen to the correct tables and seat ... Prior experience in hospitality or a similar entry-level role is preferred but often not required ...

Food Service Delivery: Promptly deliver food from the kitchen to the correct tables and seat ... Prior experience in hospitality or a similar entry-level role is preferred but often not required ...

... food service meet operational standards Adheres to and monitors employee compliance of the drive-in ... year entry level retail management experience required Experience running shifts without ...

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Entry Level Food Service information

What are entry level food service jobs?

Entry level food service jobs are positions in the food industry that require little to no previous experience. These jobs often include roles such as cashier, server, dishwasher, host, or fast food worker. Employees in these positions are responsible for tasks like taking orders, preparing food, cleaning, and providing customer service. Entry level food service jobs are a great way to gain experience, learn important skills, and start a career in hospitality or the restaurant industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level food service worker?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Service worker, you typically need basic food safety knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications such as ServSafe are often required. Strong teamwork, communication, and customer service skills help you work efficiently and provide a positive dining experience. These skills are essential for maintaining food quality, ensuring customer satisfaction, and adhering to health and safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level food service workers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level food service workers often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and providing excellent customer service under pressure. To overcome these challenges, it's important to communicate clearly with your team, stay organized, and remain calm during busy periods. Many employers also provide training and mentoring to help new employees build confidence and learn best practices quickly.

How to start working in entry level food service?

To start working in entry level food service, you should look for job openings at local restaurants, cafes, or fast-food establishments and submit an application. Having a positive attitude, good communication skills, and basic food safety knowledge can improve your chances; some positions may require a food handler's permit or similar certification. Being flexible with shifts and willing to learn can also help you get started in this industry.

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

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Service jobs in Washington?

For Entry Level Food Service jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Service jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Service jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Food Service jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Food Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Service job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

$25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Please note that this salary range is accurate as of July 1st, 2024. It reflects our starting rate as well as the compensation for our most senior employees at this time. All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual increases based on performance assessments.
We are always looking for passionate, hospitality-driven, people-persons! Do you want to work in a diverse space, where you truly be yourself, that serves delicious food? As a food runner/expo, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment where we want to see you succeed and ultimately grow, both personally and professionally. If this sounds like the vibe you're looking for, we hope you will apply!
Pay: $10.00 an hour plus tip out from the servers/bar and To go/Online orders. You can make as much as $25 an hour with a guarantee that you will never make less than $17.50 per hour.
COMPANY BENEFITS
Busboys and Poets offers competitive pay and benefits including a wide choice of health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match of 100% of the first 4% and 50% of the next 2%, 1 week sick leave per year, paid parental leave, a company paid life insurance policy, pet insurance and so much more!

WHY WORK FOR US

Join a diverse space: 81% of our total workforce identifies as a person of color, 45% of our total workforce identifies as female and 5% of our workforce identifies as a person with disabilities. Our executive team also represents gender diversity, ethnic diversity, sexual orientation, and more. Men and women equally represented as well as various cultural and religious backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace where you can bring your authentic self to work.
Grow with us: Over 60% of our managers were promoted from within to their existing role from line staff or from Front-of-House manager to Assistant or General Manager. Our entire Executive Team consists of existing employees who showed promise and were promoted into leadership positions.
Work with latest technologies: Striving to be a leader in our industry, we utilize a broad spectrum of technologies including our tech forward training program, employee payroll system, a self-managed tip distribution system, an events and catering platform, inventory management system, our POS Toast and much more!
Happy staff: Busboys and Poets is always looking for the next best way to engage with our staff. This includes raffles, anniversary boxes, an employee dedicated web-based forum and information site, blog and podcast.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Effectively communicate customer needs to line cooks and/or servers

  • Expedite food and insure quality and standards are met in presentation of each food item

  • Carry food, dishes, trays, or silverware from expo line to customers

  • Serve food to customers and assist servers as needed

  • Locate items requested by customers

  • Clean up spilled food or drink or broken dishes and remove empty bottles and trash

  • Perform serving, cleaning, or stocking duties in establishments, to facilitate customer service

  • Maintain adequate supplies of items such silverware, carry out containers, carry out bags, etc

  • Stock cabinets or serving areas with condiments and refill condiment containers

  • Clean and polish counters, shelves, walls, furniture, or equipment in food service areas or other areas of restaurants and mop or vacuum floors

  • Serve ice water, coffee, or other beverages to patrons

  • Other duties as assigned by management


Qualifications:

  • Top tier communication and hospitality

  • Must have weekend availability and work a minimum of 3 shifts per week

  • Must be able to work with a team

  • Fluent (or semi-fluent) in Spanish is a plus!


Physical Requirements:

  • Spend time bending or twisting the body

  • Spend time lifting heavy weight

  • Spend time standing on feet for long hours

  • Spend time using hands to handle, control, or feel objects/tools


Busboys and Poets owns and operates 8 multi-concept restaurant, bar, event and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our locations include: 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington and Takoma with more on the horizon!