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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Associates

RUNNER (FULL TIME)

Washington, DC · On-site

$28/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 ...

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Restaurant Associates

CASHIER (SEASONAL)

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.55/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

PREP COOK (SEASONAL)

Washington, DC · On-site

$22.05/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

CASHIER (SEASONAL)

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.55/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

CASHIER (SEASONAL)

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.55/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 ...

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$8

$16

$29

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Reston, VA is $16.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Restaurant Associates?

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 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Associate jobs in Reston, VA? For Restaurant Associate jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Associate job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $33,314 per year, or $16 per hour.
RUNNER (FULL TIME)

RUNNER (FULL TIME)

Restaurant Associates

Washington, DC • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Restaurant Associates rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 64 rated caterers

Job description

  • We have an opening for a full time RUNNER position.
  • Location: JW Bar - 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20004. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time; Days and hours may vary. More details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: Two to four years of running experience is preferred. 
  • Pay Range: $26.00 per hour to $28.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1537288. 

The advertised program is a conversational recruiting assistant that helps you apply to jobs with Compass Group. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Terms and conditions: http://olivia.paradox.ai/moSkg

 

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

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


Summary: Delivers food to restaurant/dining room patrons in a timely, professional, and efficient manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Delivers food to restaurant/dining room patrons/customers.
  • Follows principles of sanitation and safety in handling food and equipment.
  • Interacts with customers in order to assure customer satisfaction.
  • Interacts with co-workers in order to assure compliance with company service standards.
  • Completes side work as assigned.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

Both full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Abides by all Company policies and procedures including but not limited to: 

  • The use of a medium weight cut gloves when handling or using knives, peelers, choppers, mandolins or cleaning a slicer. 
  • The use of oven mitts, fryer gloves or steamer gloves when handling hot pans from ovens, warmers or steamtables. 
  • The use of slip-resistant shoes and proper lifting techniques. 

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

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

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.

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

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

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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