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Entry Level Food Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Busboys and Poets

Food Runner

Washington, DC · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual ... As a food runner/expo, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment ...

Brookland - Busboys and Poets

Food Runner

Washington, DC · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual ... As a food runner/expo, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment ...

Busboys and Poets

Food Runner

Washington, DC · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

All positions will initially be offered at the entry-level rate, with consideration for annual ... As a food runner/expo, you will work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, guest-centric environment ...

Nexera

Entry Level Remote Sales Role

Washington, DC · Remote

$1.5K - $5.3K/wk

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 ...

Wegmans

Entry Level Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$1.5K/day

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 ...

Nexera

Entry Level Remote Insurance Sales

Washington, DC · Remote

$1.5K - $3.2K/wk

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 ...

Uncle Julio's

Food Runner/Server Assistant

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$2.13 - $11.79/hr

... quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex ... this is the perfect entry-level role to start your hospitality career. What You'll Bring ...

Uncle Julio's

Food Runner/Server Assistant

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$2.13 - $11.79/hr

... quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex ... this is the perfect entry-level role to start your hospitality career. What You'll Bring ...

Uncle Julio's

Food Runner/Server Assistant

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$2.13 - $11.79/hr

... quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex ... this is the perfect entry-level role to start your hospitality career. What You'll Bring ...

Uncle Julio's

Food Runner/Server Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$2.13 - $11.79/hr

... quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex ... this is the perfect entry-level role to start your hospitality career. What You'll Bring ...

Uncle Julio's

Food Runner/Server Assistant

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$2.13 - $11.79/hr

... quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex ... this is the perfect entry-level role to start your hospitality career. What You'll Bring ...

Uncle Julio's

Food Runner/Server Assistant

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$2.13 - $11.79/hr

... quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex ... this is the perfect entry-level role to start your hospitality career. What You'll Bring ...

Uncle Julio's

Food Runner/Server Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

$2.13 - $11.79/hr

... quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex ... this is the perfect entry-level role to start your hospitality career. What You'll Bring ...

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All JobsFood JobsEntry Level Food JobsEntry Level Food Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Food information

What is an entry level food job?

Entry level food jobs are positions in the food industry that require little to no previous experience or specialized training. These roles often include tasks such as food preparation, serving, cashiering, dishwashing, and assisting cooks or chefs. People in these jobs typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets, or catering services, and they gain valuable experience that can help them advance to higher positions in the food service industry.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry level food service position?

A typical day in an entry-level food service role usually involves preparing basic food items, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen or dining area, and assisting with customer service tasks such as taking orders or serving food. Employees often work as part of a team, collaborating closely with cooks, servers, and managers to ensure smooth operations. Entry-level staff are also responsible for following food safety protocols and may perform routine tasks like restocking supplies or handling simple cash register transactions. This role offers valuable experience in time management, teamwork, and customer interaction, laying the groundwork for future advancement in the food service industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level food service position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an entry-level food service role, basic food preparation skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and an understanding of food safety standards are generally required. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen equipment, and food handling certifications like ServSafe are often expected. Strong teamwork, time management, and customer service skills help individuals excel in fast-paced environments. These skills ensure efficient service, maintain health standards, and contribute to positive customer experiences in the food industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food vs Food Service Worker?

AspectEntry Level FoodFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, catering servicesRestaurants, fast food outlets, cafeterias
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food production industriesWidely used in food service establishments and hospitality

Entry Level Food roles typically involve basic food preparation, cleaning, and customer service tasks. Food Service Worker positions are similar, focusing on serving customers, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting kitchen operations. Both roles require minimal experience and certifications, making them accessible entry points into the food industry. The main difference lies in specific job duties and work settings, but they often overlap in daily responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Food jobs in Washington are:

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

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

Entry Level Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Food job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Food Runner

Busboys and Poets

Washington, DC • On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 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!

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