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Side Chef Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Bethesda, MD

$71K - $97K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Arlington, VA

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Bethesda, MD

$70K - $75K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location. About Tacombi Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican ...

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

You will work side by side with the Executive Chef to oversee all aspects of the kitchen for our XXX location in XXX. The ideal person for this role is motivated to execute quality food & service and ...

Sous Chef - Downtown, DC

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

Our Sous Chefs work side by side with kitchen team members to deliver uncompromising quality and craftsmanship in every dish. Successful Sous Chefs are passionate about food made from scratch, lead ...

Sous Chef - Downtown, DC

Arlington, VA · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

Our Sous Chefs work side by side with kitchen team members to deliver uncompromising quality and craftsmanship in every dish. Successful Sous Chefs are passionate about food made from scratch, lead ...

Sous Chef - Downtown, DC

Reston, VA · On-site

$68K - $81K/yr

Our Sous Chefs work side by side with kitchen team members to deliver uncompromising quality and craftsmanship in every dish. Successful Sous Chefs are passionate about food made from scratch, lead ...

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Showing results 1-20

Side Chef information

See Reston, VA salary details

$10

$25

$46

How much do side chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for side chef in Reston, VA is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a side chef?

A side chef, often referred to as a sous chef, is the second-in-command in a professional kitchen. They assist the head chef in managing kitchen operations, supervising other staff, and ensuring that dishes are prepared to high standards. Side chefs are responsible for tasks like preparing ingredients, overseeing cooking stations, and helping with menu planning. Their role is essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency and food quality.

What are some common challenges a side chef faces when supporting the head chef in a busy kitchen?

As a Side Chef, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as prepping ingredients, ensuring food quality, and assisting with plating, all while maintaining clear communication with the Head Chef and other team members. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities or sudden high-volume orders. Additionally, Side Chefs are often responsible for stepping in during absences or rush periods, which demands flexibility and a strong understanding of kitchen operations. Developing efficient workflows and fostering positive teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a side chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Side Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through culinary school or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and safe food handling certifications is commonly required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Side Chefs excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, maintain high standards of quality and safety, and support overall kitchen success.

What is the difference between Side Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectSide ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, culinary training
Work EnvironmentAssists main kitchen staff, supports prep and platingPrepares dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Side Chef and a Line Cook is that a Side Chef typically supports the kitchen team by assisting with prep, plating, and other tasks, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service on the kitchen line. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Side Chef often has a broader support role, whereas the Line Cook is more directly involved in cooking during busy hours.

What are popular job titles related to Side Chef jobs in Reston, VA?

For Side Chef jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Side Chef jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Side Chef jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Side Chef jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Side Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Side Chef job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,292 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

$71K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Tacombi rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Master Taquero ensures the flawless execution of all menu items to meet Tacombi standards; They manage the day-to-day BOH operations working hard to meet Labor, COGS and Operations goals. A chef de cuisine works side by side with the GM to make their store a successful location.

About Tacombi

Founded in 2005 on the balmy beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi is a quickly growing Mexican taqueria and hospitality company based in New York City. We are always on the look out for awesome talent to join our team, especially as we continue to expand and to open taquerias in new locations. If you're looking join a company that prioritizes employee growth and teamwork, we would love for you to apply!

Menu Execution

o Execute the menu items as designed by executive chef and as shown in workshops

o Lead and monitor all food production to maintain quality and quantity goals

o Purchases accordingly to execute menu to its fullest

o Execute Menu by following recipes provided by Culinary director

Training, Development

o Manage the training and development of all BOH staff including Sous-chefs.

o Build a bench of exceptional BOH talent through personal development and cross-training o Train senior BOH team-members (receiver & sous) for ordering and COGS management best practices

o Manage the performance of each member of the BOH team

o Train BOH team to meet DOH standards and for DOH inspection readiness

o Trains FOH staff by explaining Menu items during huddle ups

Service & Operations

o Manage day-to-day kitchen operations; create and maintain systems and processes to increase knowledge, efficiency and productivity of BOH team

o Work on daily Order Guide, ensuring full optimization of the quantity of products being ordered o Build and manage a maintenance and repairs calendar

o Partner with GM to build strong relationships with service providers

o Ensure proper maintenance of equipment

Financial Management

o Working closely with GM, create and maintain systems and processes to ensure Labor and COGS targets are met and P&L’s are aligned.

o Works with GM and sous-chefs to ensure waste is very low.

o Build weekly BOH schedules to meet labor targets and confirms with KOM if any over time will hit o Manage daily forecast of products to be sold to optimize inventory usage

Qualifications:

o Able to work any shift and flexible schedule

o Able to work long hours

o Holder of a Food Handler certificate

o Clean and organized with excellent hygiene

o Physically fit and able to safely lift up to 50 pounds

o Detail-oriented and proactive

o Multi-tasks efficiently

o Positive attitude

o Willing to learn and take direction

o Knowledge of Mexican Cuisine

o Financial Knowledge

Works With: General Manager

About our Locations...

Tacombi operates nine taquerias across Manhattan and Brooklyn:

  • Nolita - 267 Elizabeth Street, Manhattan
  • West Village - 255 Bleecker Street, Manhattan
  • Flatiron - 30 West 24th Street, Manhattan
  • Empire State Building - 23 West 33rd Street, Manhattan
  • Fort Greene - 25 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn
  • Upper West Side - 202 East 70th Street, Manhattan
  • Financial District - 74 Broad Street, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side - 202 East 70th Street , Manhattan
  • Williamsburg - 242 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn
  • Long Island City - 27-10 43rd Ave, Queens
  • Forest Hills - 71-22 Austin St, Queens <--- COMING SOON!

What we offer...

  • Career growth: We have seen growth through learning, resourcefulness and persistence and can offer an aggressive career path to those that share these qualities.
  • Health: Our team is our most important asset. We offer 50% subsidy for our Management employees, with the option to add spouses and family under our plan at employee’s cost. Dental, and vision are also offered at employee’s cost.
  • Commute: Easing your daily commute with Alice Tax Saving benefits for mass-transit & parking.
  • Pre-Tax Health Care Expenses: increasing savings though Alice with Health Spending Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Dependent Care: as you take care of yours, Alice takes care of your pre-tax savings on dependent care expenses
  • Retirement savings: 401(k) plan to prepare you for the future.
  • Referral Bonus: We are committed to working with and sharing our taco adventure with the best and brightest. If you can help us find Tacombi talent, we’ll show our appreciation and reward you.
  • Growing set of benefits: Always looking to take care of our own the best way we can.

COVID-19 considerations:
Masks are required at all times, Covid-19 Vaccination Required and a health screening form should be completed before the start of each shift and temperature is checked.


What Tacombi employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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