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Food Service Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

IHOP

Service Assistant

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

SERVICE ASSISTANT IHOP Service Assistants will be responsible for courteously and cheerfully greeting/seating customers, answering the phone, taking/preparing To-Go orders, assist in delivering food ...

IHOP

Service Assistant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

SERVICE ASSISTANT IHOP Service Assistants will be responsible for courteously and cheerfully greeting/seating customers, answering the phone, taking/preparing To-Go orders, assist in delivering food ...

IHOP

Service Assistant

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

SERVICE ASSISTANT IHOP Service Assistants will be responsible for courteously and cheerfully greeting/seating customers, answering the phone, taking/preparing To-Go orders, assist in delivering food ...

IHOP

Service Assistant

Sterling, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

SERVICE ASSISTANT IHOP Service Assistants will be responsible for courteously and cheerfully greeting/seating customers, answering the phone, taking/preparing To-Go orders, assist in delivering food ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Food Service Worker

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items * Prepare, package and assemble meals * Build relationships with customers and provide incredible service by addressing their needs in a ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Food Service Worker

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $17/hr

Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items * Prepare, package and assemble meals * Build relationships with customers and provide incredible service by addressing their needs in a ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Food Service Worker

Leesburg, VA

$17/hr

Cut, prepare, and serve a variety of hot and cold food items * Prepare, package and assemble meals * Build relationships with customers and provide incredible service by addressing their needs in a ...

Cooper's Hawk

Service Assistant

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Service Assistants are the behind-the-scenes champions who keep the dining ... Communicate with servers , food runners and managers to keep service running seamlessly * Help with ...

Cooper's Hawk

Service Assistant

Rockville, MD · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

At Cooper's Hawk, our Service Assistants are the behind-the-scenes champions who keep the dining ... Communicate with servers , food runners and managers to keep service running seamlessly * Help with ...

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All JobsFood Service JobsFood Service Assistant JobsFood Service Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Food Service Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$17

$26

How much do food service assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for food service assistant in Reston, VA is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food service assistant?

A food service assistant helps with the planning, preparing, and serving of meals in a restaurant or other organization that serves food. They may work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Job duties may include planning meals, preparing food, delivering food to customers, managing stock, maintaining supplies, cleaning the kitchen and service areas, and running the cash register. There are no educational requirements to become a food service assistant, but many vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in the food service industry. Some state their food service careers in this entry-level position and seek promotions as they gain experience.

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

To thrive as a Food Service Assistant, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and food hygiene certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient operations, maintain food safety standards, and deliver a positive dining experience for customers.

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

Food Service Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where multitasking and time management are crucial. One common challenge is handling peak meal times while maintaining quality and safety standards. Effective communication with kitchen staff and servers helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized, adhering to hygiene protocols, and being adaptable to sudden changes—like menu adjustments or special dietary requests—are key to managing these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Food Service Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectFood Service AssistantKitchen Helper
CredentialsMay require food safety certificationOften no formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, dining areasKitchen, food prep areas
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, cafeterias, cateringRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Common Search IntentCustomer service, serving foodFood prep, cleaning

While both roles support food service operations, a Food Service Assistant primarily interacts with customers and serves food, often requiring food safety certifications. In contrast, a Kitchen Helper focuses on food prep and kitchen cleaning tasks without direct customer contact. Both roles are essential in food service environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What skills do you need to be a food service assistant?

A food service assistant needs strong communication and customer service skills to interact effectively with customers and team members. They should be able to follow safety and hygiene standards, work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and often require basic math skills for handling transactions and inventory. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are also important.
More about Food Service Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Service jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Food Service jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Food Service Assistant jobs in Reston, VA?

For Food Service Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Service Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Service Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Food Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Food Service Assistant job openings:

Food Service Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Service Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,201 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Food Service Assistant Manager - Sculpture Garden

Guestservices

Washington, DC • On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Compensation Amount:

60,000.00 USD Annual

Job Summary:

The Assistant Food Service Manager assists in all aspects of unit operations and floor management, including food, beverage, equipment, and company initiatives. The Assistant Food Service Manager creates a team environment that provides exceptional customer service while assisting the General Manager and ensuring all staff members perform at a consistently high level.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Receive direction from the Unit Manager and assist in the overall management of the unit's operations, including planning and developing daily operations; forecasting and analyzing sales, labor, and profit; and, ensuring compliance with established budget; and scheduling, supervising, and participating in the operational duties specific to the unit.
  • Assist in recruiting, supervising, training, scheduling, disciplining, reviewing, and directing the unit's staff.
  • Maintain accounting records, daily reporting requirement, and cash control. Assist in managing P&L statement.
  • Respond to customer inquiries and resolve customer complaints.
  • Maintain and ensure safe facility environment including standards for maintenance and upkeep of unit's equipment, food production and handling, cooking, housekeeping, sanitation, dress, cash control, and employee hygiene. Notify Unit Manager of all unusual events, circumstances, or other safety or quality control issues.
  • Represent the company in a professional and positive manner at all times. Maintain and enhance the company's image when interacting with clients, guests, associates, and vendors.
  • Perform unit opening and/or closing procedures.

SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred. Bachelor's or Business Degree preferred.
  • At least 1-2 years of experience in related management required.
  • Food Safety Certified a plus.
  • Demonstrated talent for interacting with a wide variety of people.
  • Ability to effectively organize and coordinate multiple priorities; ability to work well as a team leader; ability to problem solve.
  • Strong customer service abilities; actively looks for ways to assist customers and coworkers.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly frequent movements from place to place within the unit. Bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment.
  • Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 25 lbs. regularly, 30-35 lbs. frequently, and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
  • Ability to stand for the entire workday and to climb steps regularly.
  • Withstanding temperature extremes in freezer, refrigerator walk-in and grill areas.
  • Reading and writing work-related documents in English.
  • Speech recognition and clarity, including the ability to understand the speech of customers and co-workers and the ability to speak clearly so that you can be understood by customers and co-workers in English.
  • Constantly communicates and receives verbal communication with other employees in fast-paced environment.
  • Physical presence at the job site is essential to perform job duties.

EQUIPMENT USED

  • Standard commercial cooking machinery and utensils (pots and pans, fryers, stove, among others)
  • Cash registers/POS system
  • Typical office equipment (computer, fax, telephone, copier, scanner, among others).

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the richness it brings to our company. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, enabling them to provide the best level of service to our diverse customer base.

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