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Restaurant Associate Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

General Manager II

Dulles, VA · On-site

$71.87K - $84.55K/yr

Ensures on-boarding and off-boarding of all restaurant associates, to include all activities related to compliance with proper badging requirements, orientation, OJT, and other company training ...

General Manager II

Dulles, VA · On-site

$71.87K - $84.55K/yr

Ensures on-boarding and off-boarding of all restaurant associates, to include all activities related to compliance with proper badging requirements, orientation, OJT, and other company training ...

General Manager II

Dulles, VA · On-site

$71.87K - $84.55K/yr

Ensures on-boarding and off-boarding of all restaurant associates, to include all activities related to compliance with proper badging requirements, orientation, OJT, and other company training ...

Executive Chef

Poolesville, MD · On-site

$93K - $110K/yr

Bonus Plan 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 ...

Bonus Plan 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 ...

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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 Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant associate in Springfield, VA is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.39 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 Springfield, VA? The most popular types of Restaurant jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Associate jobs in Springfield, VA? For Restaurant Associate jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Restaurant Associate jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Restaurant Associate job openings:
GRILL COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

GRILL COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Restaurant Associates

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


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 full time and part time GRILL COOK positions.
  • Location: National Air and Space Hazy - 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedules; days may vary, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Weekends required. More details upon interview.
  • Requirement: Prior grill cook experience is required.
  • Perks: Free parking, Fairfax Connector stop, shift meal, gift shop discount, no late night!
  • Pay Range: $17.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour.

We Make Applying Easy!  Want to apply to this job via text messaging?  Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1509624

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 AwardsBest Places to work This is R/A !

Job Summary


Summary: Prepares food and serves customers at the grill station in accordance with current applicable federal, state and corporate standards, guidelines and regulations to ensure high-quality food service is provided.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Takes orders from customer and prepares items requiring short preparation. Completes orders from steam tables and serves customers at multiple stations.
  • Serves customers in an efficient, friendly manner following established steps of service meeting outlined standards. Ensures food is at the correct temperature and is attractive and tasty. Tastes all prepared food items.
  • Uses established ticket-collection procedures during service. Responsible for records from area worked during service periods.
  • Uses approved recipes and production standards to ensure proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
  • Carries pans, kettles and trays of food to and from workstations, stove and refrigerator in accordance with established safety standards.
  • Stores foods in designated areas following standard wrapping, dating and food safety and rotation procedures.
  • Cleans, sanitizes and maintains all assigned work areas, equipment and utensils to ensure sanitation standards are met.
  • Resolves customer concerns and reports relevant information and concerns to supervisor.
  • Attends in-service and safety meetings.
  • Maintains good working relationships with coworkers, customers, administrators and managers.
  • Performs job safely while maintaining a clean, safe work environment.
  • 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. 

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