ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Restaurant Associate Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Associates

Chef de Cuisine

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine to join our culinary team in Seattle, WA. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate ...

Restaurant Associates

Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Restaurant Associates

BARISTA (FULL TIME)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$30.30/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Restaurant Associates

DISHWASHER (FULL TIME)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$29.30/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Restaurant Associates

DISHWASHER (PART TIME)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$33.70/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Restaurant Associates

COOK (PART TIME)

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$36/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Restaurant Associates

COOK (PART TIME)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$36/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Restaurant Associates

COOK (ON CALL)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$30/hr

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted ...

Compass Group

Chef de Cuisine

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine to join our culinary team in Seattle, WA. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate ...

Compass Group

Chef de Cuisine

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine to join our culinary team in Seattle, WA. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate ...

Compass Group

Chef de Cuisine

Seattle, WA

$95K - $102K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine to join our culinary team in Seattle, WA. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate ...

Dufry

Shift Manager I

Seattle, WA

$24.14 - $24.64/hr

Ability to work shifts during various operating days and hours each week; during opening, during busy day parts, and during closing to monitor restaurant associates' work activities during these ...

Potbelly

Restaurant Shift Leader

Redmond, WA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Lead Associates on shifts, including assigning tasks (cleaning, line duties, opening/closing duties ... Minimum of 1 year supervisory experience in a restaurant or retail environment. * Minimum ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRestaurant Associate JobsRestaurant Associate Jobs in Kent, WA

Restaurant Associate information

See Kent, WA salary details

$9

$17

$31

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Kent, WA is $17.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant associate?

Restaurant Associates are employees who support daily operations in a restaurant, including tasks like taking orders, serving food, preparing simple dishes, and ensuring customer satisfaction. They may also help with cleaning, stocking supplies, and assisting kitchen staff as needed. The role requires good communication skills, multitasking, and a friendly attitude to provide a positive dining experience for guests. Restaurant Associates are essential for maintaining a smooth and efficient service environment.

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

To thrive as a Restaurant Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic food safety knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food handling certifications, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and a smooth-running restaurant environment.

What are some typical challenges a restaurant associate might face during busy shifts, and how can they manage these effectively?

During peak hours, Restaurant Associates often encounter challenges such as handling multiple customer requests simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in orders, and ensuring quick service under pressure. Effective time management, clear communication with both kitchen staff and fellow associates, and staying organized are key strategies to manage these situations. Many restaurants provide training on multitasking and customer service to help associates excel during high-demand periods, and teamwork plays a crucial role in keeping operations smooth.

What is the difference between Restaurant Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectRestaurant AssociateFood Service Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often required
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafes, fast food outletsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industryWidely used in food service establishments and institutional settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, taking orders, maintaining cleanlinessPreparing food, serving customers, cleaning

Both roles involve customer service and food handling, but a Restaurant Associate typically focuses more on customer interaction and order management, while a Food Service Worker may have broader food preparation duties. The roles often overlap, but the title 'Restaurant Associate' is more common in retail and fast food chains, emphasizing customer service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs in Kent, WA?

The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Kent, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Kent, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Kent, WA are:

What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs?

Cities near Kent, WA with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:

Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Kent, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,633 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine

Restaurant Associates

Seattle, WA • On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Restaurant Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 237 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Position Title: Chef de Cuisine 

Salary: $95,000 - $102,000 / year

Schedule: Monday-Friday 5:30AM-4:30PM

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine to join our culinary team in Seattle, WA. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate about exceptional food, hospitality, and team development.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the CDC will lead the day-to-day culinary operation and ensure consistently high standards across food production, quality, presentation, sanitation, and service. This leader will play an important role in developing and mentoring the culinary team while supporting menu development, purchasing, inventory, food cost management, and special events.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative culinary professional who brings strong technical skills, operational discipline, and a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead daily culinary production and kitchen operations under the direction of the Executive Chef.
  • Serve as the culinary department head in the Executive Chef’s absence, providing leadership and direction to the culinary team.
  • Ensure all food production, preparation, and presentation meet established quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
  • Maintain compliance with HACCP guidelines and all applicable food safety requirements.
  • Assist with menu development, inventory management, ordering and purchasing, and food and labor cost controls.
  • Support the training, coaching, and development of culinary team members to build a high-performing team.
  • Assist with personnel management, including hiring, performance management, coaching, counseling, and other employee relations responsibilities.
  • Support catering and special events, including large-scale catering and banquet functions.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A.O.S. degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate preferred.
  • 3-5 years of progressive culinary experience, with 2-3 years of direct culinary or kitchen management experience in a high-volume environment.
  • Catering, banquet, and large-scale event experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience with high-volume and/or batch cooking and large-scale food production.
  • Strong knowledge of contemporary food and catering trends, culinary techniques, menu development, and presentation.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, and kitchen safety practices.
  • Experience with food cost controls, inventory, purchasing, production planning, and waste management.
  • Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a diverse culinary team.
  • Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to remain calm, composed, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced culinary environment.
  • ServSafe certification preferred or required based on account requirements.
  • Strong computer and administrative skills, including familiarity with inventory, purchasing, scheduling, and food cost systems.

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

  

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

Req ID:  1557653

Restaurant Associates 

Allison Murphy 

[[req_classification]] 

What Restaurant Associates employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Restaurant Associates logo

About Restaurant Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A chef-driven company with a mission to deliver hospitality excellence. Since the very beginning, we’ve delivered culinary quality and innovation coupled with unparalleled hospitality to some of the most recognizable companies, institutions, and brands in the world. At R/A, food is inspiration. Our reputation is built on our ability to continuously evolve and innovate. Our work goes beyond the excellence of our food and hospitality. It extends to industry-best wellness and sustainability practices and a commitment to integrating human-centered technology.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1953

View All Restaurant Associates Jobs