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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Associates

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/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

Catering Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $850K/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

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 ...

Restaurant Associates

PREP COOK (SEASONAL)

Washington, DC · On-site

$23.05/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

BARISTA (FULL TIME)

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.80/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 (FULL TIME)

Poolesville, MD · On-site

$25/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 ...

New

Restaurant Associates

STEWARD (FULL TIME)

Washington, DC · On-site

$30.67/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 Associate information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$8

$16

$29

How much do restaurant associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Springfield, VA is $16.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is Restaurant Associates a good company to work for?

Restaurant Associates offers roles such as restaurant associates in food service environments, typically providing entry-level positions with opportunities for advancement. The company is known for a structured work environment, competitive pay, and benefits, though experiences can vary by location and role. Prospective employees should research specific locations and review employee feedback for a comprehensive understanding.

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 is an associate at a restaurant?

A restaurant associate is an employee who performs various tasks such as serving customers, taking orders, handling payments, and maintaining cleanliness. They often work in fast-paced environments and may need good communication skills and knowledge of POS systems. The role can include positions like server, cashier, or busser, depending on the restaurant's structure.

What do Restaurant Associates do?

Restaurant Associates employees typically work in food service roles such as servers, cooks, dishwashers, or hosts in dining establishments. They are responsible for preparing, serving, and maintaining food and customer service standards, often requiring knowledge of food safety and customer interaction skills.

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 is the 30/30/30 rule for restaurants?

The 30/30/30 rule in restaurants typically refers to a time management guideline where staff aim to greet customers within 30 seconds, take their order within 30 seconds of greeting, and serve the food within 30 minutes of ordering. It helps ensure efficient service and customer satisfaction. Restaurant associates should be familiar with such standards to maintain smooth operations.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Restaurant jobs in Springfield, VA? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Associate jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Associate jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
Restaurant Associate jobs near you
Catering Manager

Catering Manager

Restaurant Associates

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Restaurant Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 228 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 66 rated caterers

Job description

Position Title: Catering Manager 

Salary: $80,000 - $85,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

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 experienced, service-focused Catering Managers to support the World Bank Group’s Washington, D.C. campus. Reporting to the Director of Catering, this role partners closely with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus stakeholders to plan and execute meetings, conferences, executive functions, and high-profile events in a fast-paced, international setting.
 
This position offers a primarily Monday–Friday schedule with most holidays off, along with occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends based on event needs and major meeting periods.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage assigned events from initial planning through execution, including billing, documentation, and post-event follow-up to ensure accuracy and client satisfaction
  • Maintain detailed and accurate banquet event orders, including timelines, guest counts, menus, dietary needs, staffing plans, equipment, and service requirements
  • Serve as the on-site operational lead, coordinating event setup, culinary timing, service execution, breakdown, and real-time adjustments
  • Build and maintain responsive, professional communication with clients, meeting organizers, and internal partners throughout the event lifecycle
  • Partner with catering leadership, culinary teams, and campus service groups to ensure seamless coordination across multiple events and locations
  • Direct, brief, and coach regular, union, and temporary staff during events, ensuring clear expectations, service standards, and effective execution
  • Develop event-specific staffing plans that align labor with guest counts, service style, complexity, and financial goals
  • Monitor event costs, including labor, food, and equipment, while accurately capturing billable items and changes
  • Use EMS and related systems to support scheduling, planning, reporting, invoicing, and recordkeeping
  • Anticipate operational challenges, resolve routine service issues, and escalate more complex concerns related to client experience, safety, or execution
  • Uphold Restaurant Associates standards for hospitality, presentation, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety
  • Support large-scale meetings, tastings, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
What We’re Looking For
  • Experience in catering, banquets, conference services, or event operations within a hospitality or foodservice environment
  • Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines
  • Hands-on leadership experience directing event teams and managing live event execution
  • Working knowledge of event logistics, staffing, service flow, setup, breakdown, and billing processes
  • Strong client-service mindset with effective communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
  • Comfort using event management systems and Microsoft Office tools
  • Ability to stay composed, adaptable, and solution-oriented in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment
  • Flexibility to support early mornings, evenings, weekends, or extended hours when required
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in high-volume, corporate, or complex catering environments
  • Familiarity working with union teams or on-call/temporary staffing models
  • Experience supporting executive, VIP, diplomatic, or international events
  • Knowledge of EMS, Tripleseat, CaterTrax, Delphi, or similar systems
  • Relevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, responsible alcohol service) or willingness to obtain
  • Additional language skills or experience supporting a diverse client base
 

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:  1545494

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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What Restaurant Associates employees say

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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

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