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Restaurants Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Director of Restaurants

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Director of Restaurants at JW Marriott DC serves as the primary operational leader responsible for the successful opening and ongoing operation of two new restaurant concepts. This ...

Compass Group

Director of Restaurants

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Director of Restaurants at JW Marriott DC serves as the primary operational leader responsible for the successful opening and ongoing operation of two new restaurant concepts. This ...

Union Square Events

Director of Restaurants

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Director of Restaurants at JW Marriott DC serves as the primary operational leader responsible for the successful opening and ongoing operation of two new restaurant concepts. This ...

Compass Group

Director of Restaurants

Washington, DC

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary The Director of Restaurants at JW Marriott DC serves as the primary operational leader responsible for the successful opening and ongoing operation of two new restaurant concepts. This ...

Oac Enterprises LLC

General Manager Restaurants

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Restaurant Manager, you will be responsible for the restaurant's operational performance and financial well-being. You will hire, train, and lead staff, ensuring they reflect the restaurant ...

Great American Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Great American Restaurants is growing. With more than 50 years of hospitality excellence, Great American Restaurants operates an award‑winning collection of 14 restaurants, 3 artisan bakeries, and ...

Chaac Restaurants

Restaurant General Manager

Clinton, MD

$53K - $74K/yr

It's the calling of our Restaurant General Managers to make them feel like family with smiles, teamwork and dedication. If you're an experienced restaurant or retail manager, think about a career ...

Chaac Restaurants

Restaurant General Manager

Lanham, MD

$53K - $74K/yr

It's the calling of our Restaurant General Managers to make them feel like family with smiles, teamwork and dedication. If you're an experienced restaurant or retail manager, think about a career ...

Chaac Restaurants

Restaurant General Manager

Bowie, MD

$52K - $71K/yr

It's the calling of our Restaurant General Managers to make them feel like family with smiles, teamwork and dedication. If you're an experienced restaurant or retail manager, think about a career ...

Chaac Restaurants

Restaurant General Manager

Rockville, MD

$55K - $75K/yr

It's the calling of our Restaurant General Managers to make them feel like family with smiles, teamwork and dedication. If you're an experienced restaurant or retail manager, think about a career ...

Chaac Restaurants

Restaurant General Manager

La Plata, MD

$54K - $74K/yr

It's the calling of our Restaurant General Managers to make them feel like family with smiles, teamwork and dedication. If you're an experienced restaurant or retail manager, think about a career ...

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Restaurants information

See Washington salary details

$21K

$62.4K

$98K

How much do restaurants jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurants in Washington is $62,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,200.00 and $78,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant?

Restaurants are establishments where food and beverages are prepared and served to customers. They come in various formats, ranging from fast food outlets to fine dining experiences, and may offer table service, counter service, or self-service. Restaurants can specialize in particular types of cuisine, such as Italian, Chinese, or Mexican, or provide a more general menu. Their primary purpose is to provide a place for people to eat, socialize, and enjoy a meal outside of their own home. Many restaurants also offer takeaway or delivery services.

What are some common challenges restaurant employees face during peak hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Restaurant employees often experience increased pressure during peak hours due to higher customer volume, tight timelines, and the need for seamless coordination among team members. To manage these challenges, staff must communicate clearly, stay organized, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Building strong teamwork and remaining adaptable can help employees handle unexpected situations, maintain service quality, and ensure a positive dining experience for guests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the restaurant industry, and why are they important?

To succeed in the restaurant industry, strong customer service abilities, attention to detail, and basic food safety knowledge are essential, often complemented by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, reservation software, and food handling certifications is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and stress management are standout soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient operations, satisfied customers, and a positive dining experience, all of which are critical for a restaurant's success.

What is the difference between Restaurants vs Chefs?

AspectRestaurantsChefs
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredCulinary degrees or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, dining areas, front-of-house and back-of-houseProfessional kitchens, culinary establishments, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants as businesses; employ chefs for food preparationChefs as culinary professionals; work within restaurants or other food services
Common Search & ComparisonPeople compare restaurant roles with chef roles to understand job functions and requirements

Restaurants refer to the entire food service establishment, including front-of-house and back-of-house staff, while chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing food. Understanding these differences helps clarify job roles within the food industry.

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

The most popular types of Restaurants jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Restaurants jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Restaurants job openings:

Restaurants jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurants job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,433 per year, or $30 per hour.

Director of Restaurants

Compass Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 492 rated business services

Job description

Position Title:

Salary: $120,000 to $140,000

Other Forms of Compensation: 

Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. We produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City and beyond.

 

Summary

The Director of Restaurants at JW Marriott DC serves as the primary operational leader responsible for the successful opening and ongoing operation of two new restaurant concepts. This position will be the on-site client representative for Union Square Events and will be responsible under the supervision of the Director of Food and Beverage for all facets of the restaurant business. This role will lead all aspects of operational readiness, staffing, training, service execution, and financial performance while delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining luxury hospitality standards. This leader is expected to be highly service-oriented, passionate about hospitality, and committed to creating exceptional guest experiences through elevated service standards, operational excellence and meticulous attention to detail. The Director of Restaurants leads the management team and line staff to ensure that the highest standards are upheld to ensure operational areas of their business are aligned with the core values of Union Square Events.

Job Summary

Top Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the successful launch and day-to-day operation of two restaurant concepts, ensuring operational excellence from opening through ongoing service.
  • Recruit, coach, mentor, and develop management and front-of-house teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and hospitality.
  • Deliver exceptional guest experiences by maintaining luxury service standards and creating memorable dining experiences.
  • Drive financial performance by managing labor, budgets, forecasting, P&L performance, and operational efficiencies.
  • Partner closely with culinary leadership, hotel executives, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless operations and alignment across departments.
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, operational readiness, and regulatory compliance while continuously improving service quality.

Top Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years of restaurant management experience in a casual fine dining environment.
  • Luxury hotel or upscale hospitality experience strongly preferred.
  • Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing restaurant teams.
  • Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, labor, forecasting, and P&L performance.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a hands-on leadership style.
  • Proficiency with restaurant POS systems and Microsoft Office; DC Food Handler Certification and CPR/First Aid certification are preferred.

If you're an inspiring hospitality leader who thrives in a fast-paced luxury environment and is excited to help launch two exceptional dining experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply to Union Square Events today!

Union Square Events 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 Union Square Events are offered many fantastic benefits.

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

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

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Union Square Events maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1557469

Union Square Events 

Gina Barbish 

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