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Restaurant Kitchen Helper Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$54K - $69K/yr

New Restaurant Opening - Alexandria, VA Role: Kitchen Manager Pay Range: $58,000 $70,000 ... we could help people start their day with kindness, they would carry that kindness forward to ...

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Restaurant Kitchen Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of all back-of ...

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai . Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Restaurant Kitchen Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of all back-of ...

Text HELP for help or smshelp@paradox.ai. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Text STOP to ... As a Restaurant Kitchen Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of all back-of ...

Kitchen Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You love working with a team, and are able to roll your sleeves up and help anywhere needed Job Requirements: * Two-plus full-service restaurant kitchen management * Availability to work all shifts ...

Kitchen Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You love working with a team, and are able to roll your sleeves up and help anywhere needed Job Requirements: * Two-plus full-service restaurant kitchen management * Availability to work all shifts ...

Kitchen Team

College Park, MD · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Kitchen Team

Jessup, MD · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Kitchen Team

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

Kitchen Team

Upper Marlboro, MD · On-site

$17 - $23.80/hr

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

You'll get opportunities to gain skills that help you rise in your career, no matter where you go ... Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal ...

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Restaurant Kitchen Helper information

See Washington salary details

$10

$17

$21

How much do restaurant kitchen helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant kitchen helper in Washington is $17.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant kitchen helper?

Restaurant Kitchen Helpers are support staff who assist chefs and cooks in the kitchen. Their duties typically include preparing ingredients, cleaning and organizing work areas, washing dishes, and ensuring that kitchen equipment is properly maintained. They play a crucial role in keeping the kitchen running smoothly, allowing chefs to focus on cooking and food presentation. Kitchen Helpers often work in fast-paced environments and must be able to follow instructions and maintain high standards of hygiene. This entry-level position is a great way to gain experience in the food service industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a restaurant kitchen helper?

To thrive as a Restaurant Kitchen Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of safe food handling, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, dishwashing machines, and health and safety certifications like a Food Handler's Card are typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining a safe, clean, and smoothly operating kitchen that supports overall restaurant success.

What challenges do restaurant kitchen helpers face and how can they be managed?

Restaurant Kitchen Helpers often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, maintaining cleanliness during busy shifts, and efficiently managing multiple tasks at once. Staying organized, communicating clearly with kitchen staff, and prioritizing tasks can help manage these demands. Additionally, following proper safety and hygiene protocols is essential for maintaining a smooth workflow and ensuring food safety. Being adaptable and maintaining a positive attitude can also make it easier to handle the dynamic nature of kitchen work.

What is the difference between Restaurant Kitchen Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectRestaurant Kitchen HelperKitchen Assistant
CredentialsNone typically required, on-the-job trainingOften similar, may require basic food safety knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchen, fast-pacedCommercial kitchen, similar environment
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, hotelsUsed interchangeably with Kitchen Helper in many settings
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for entry-level rolesYes, similar job functions and search queries

Both roles involve assisting kitchen staff with basic tasks like cleaning, prep work, and support. The terms are often used interchangeably, with slight variations depending on the employer. Generally, both positions require minimal formal credentials and are suitable for entry-level workers seeking experience in the restaurant industry.

What does a restaurant kitchen helper do in a restaurant?

A restaurant kitchen helper assists with basic food preparation, cleaning, and organizing kitchen areas. They may handle tasks such as washing dishes, chopping ingredients, and supporting cooks to ensure smooth kitchen operations. This role often requires attention to hygiene and safety standards and may involve using kitchen tools and equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant Kitchen jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Restaurant Kitchen jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Kitchen Helper jobs in Washington?

For Restaurant Kitchen Helper jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Kitchen Helper jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Kitchen Helper jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Restaurant Kitchen Helper jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Restaurant Kitchen Helper job openings:

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Alexandria, VA


Thrive Restaurant Group
Restaurants • 5 - 10K employees

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Learn new skills


$54K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

HomeGrown: New Restaurant Opening - Alexandria, VA

Role: Kitchen Manager

Pay Range: $58,000 $70,000 + Potential Bonus $8,000 - $15,000 per year

Hours of Operation: 6:30am- 2:30pm

HomeGrown debuted in 2017 and was created on the belief that if we could help people start their day with kindness, they would carry that kindness forward to others they meet during the day. We don’t do this alone, we partner with many local producers who share their gifts and expertise to create community at every table.

Our guiding value is “Cultivating Kindness”.

Thrive Restaurant Group is a family-owned restaurant company that’s been in business for over 50 years, and we’re looking for the next member of our family. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve and the communities in which we live. If you want to work in a fun family atmosphere and are interested in learning business, leadership, and hospitality, this is the place for you.

Invitation to Join Us! 

To make a difference by loving people through the creation of a work environment that helps people become their natural best selves. As KM, you are responsible for selecting, developing, and leading a team of people that care for each other and who create an outstanding guest experience through the timely and safe delivery of quality food contributing to the financial and cultural health of the operation. (Leadership x People x Guest = Health)

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Lead and oversee all aspects of the kitchen operation
  • Recruit, select, train, and develop kitchen team (supervisors, trainers, team members)
  • Foster team cohesiveness and positive team working environment
  • Provide and ensure friendly and efficient guest service/teamwork with the hosp. team
  • Oversee opening and closing activities
  • Ensure cleanliness and sanitation, along with all health, safety, and hygiene standards and policies
  • Ensure compliance with all security procedures
  • Work closely with the Hospitality Manager and General Manager to ensure seamless guest service
  • Monitor and teach food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnishing and presentation of food to ensure that food is prepared and presented, in conformity to standard procedure
  • Coordinate assignments of kitchen personnel to ensure economical use of food, timely preparation, and performance of all kitchen activities
  • Manage food cost and variance
  • Manage food inventory, including record keeping and utilization
  • Manage cost of labor and productivity
  • Schedule staff hours
  • Resolve personnel problems including, but not limited to issues such as tardiness, cell phones, language, attitude, dress code
  • Evaluate employee performance
  • Oversee all site operations as needed
  • Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity
  • Perform some food preparation or service tasks, such as cooking, clearing tables, and serving food and drinks when necessary
  • Perform manual service or maintenance tasks
  • Explore opportunities to add value and make a difference through job accomplishments
  • Learn and train about restaurant management by updating job knowledge through participation in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
  • Direct facility maintenance or repair activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • High School Diploma
  • Previous kitchen management experience in a casual dining restaurant (preferred)
  • Minimum one (1) years of experience in a supervisory role
  • Able to make decisions, identify issues, and resolve problems
  • Able to guide, direct, and motivate staff
  • Able to plan and prioritize tasks
  • Able to teach and train staff
  • Able to monitor processes, materials, and resources
  • Able to perform administrative tasks
  • Knowledge of personnel practices and regulations
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices and regulations
  • Able to deal with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and good judgment

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

  • Able to work and verbally communicate effectively with other team members
  • Able to engage the public in a positive manner
  • Able and willing to work with others as a team
  • Able to reach and bend and frequently lift up to 50 pounds
  • Able to exert fast-paced mobility between the dining room and kitchen for periods of up to 12 hours in length
  • Able to work in a standing position for long periods of up to 12 hours in length
  • Able to perform repetitive tasks with little or no break
  • Able to perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
  • Must be able to work flexible schedules including evenings and weekends

Direct Reports: Supervisors, Trainers, Kitchen team members, All employees when the immediate supervisor is not on the premises

 Thrive Restaurant Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Background check required for this position. 


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