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Somm Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef

Washington, DC

$92K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Somm Certification Reimbursements * WMATA SmartBenefits program * Most major holidays off * Access to our Vision benefit program * Unlimited high fives! Qualifications and skills: Our ideal candidate ...

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Somm Certification Reimbursements * WMATA SmartBenefits program * Most major holidays off * Access to our Vision benefit program * Unlimited high fives! Qualifications and skills: The Chef De Cuisine ...

Somm information

Do sommeliers make a lot of money?

Sommeliers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Entry-level sommeliers typically earn around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced professionals at high-end restaurants or hotels can make $70,000 or more, often supplemented by tips. Certifications like the Court of Master Sommeliers can also influence earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a somm?

To thrive as a Sommelier, you need in-depth wine knowledge, excellent palate, and formal certification such as the Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET. Familiarity with wine inventory management systems, point-of-sale software, and beverage costing tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, customer service, and the ability to educate and influence guests help a Sommelier stand out. These skills are crucial for curating memorable dining experiences, maximizing wine sales, and maintaining a competitive edge in hospitality.

What is the difference between Somm vs Barista?

AspectSommBarista
Required CertificationsSommelier certification, wine knowledgeNone required, coffee training often provided
Work EnvironmentUpscale restaurants, wine barsCoffee shops, cafes
Industry UsageHospitality, fine diningHospitality, casual dining
Job FocusWine selection, pairing, educationCoffee brewing, customer service

The main difference between a Somm and a Barista lies in their expertise and work environment. Sommeliers specialize in wine, often holding certifications and working in upscale dining settings, focusing on wine selection and pairing. Baristas primarily prepare coffee in cafes, with less formal certification, emphasizing coffee brewing and customer service. Both roles are vital in the hospitality industry but serve different customer experiences and skill sets.

What is a somm?

Sommeliers, often referred to as 'somm,' are trained wine professionals who specialize in all aspects of wine service, including wine and food pairing, storage, and presentation. They typically work in fine dining restaurants and help guests select wines that best complement their meals. Sommeliers are knowledgeable about various wine regions, grape varieties, and vintages, and often manage the restaurant's wine cellar. Their expertise enhances the dining experience and ensures that wine service is executed at the highest standard.

How does a somm collaborate with chefs and front-of-house staff to enhance the guest experience?

As a somm, close collaboration with chefs and front-of-house teams is essential to create memorable dining experiences. You will regularly taste new dishes with the chef to understand flavor profiles, enabling you to design thoughtful wine pairings. Additionally, you’ll educate servers about current wine selections so they can confidently answer guest questions and upsell pairings. Effective communication and teamwork ensure that wine service complements the menu and elevates the overall atmosphere for guests.

What are popular job titles related to Somm jobs in Washington?

For Somm jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Somm jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Somm jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Somm jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Somm job openings:

Infographic showing various Somm job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Head Chef

Rose's Luxury

Washington, DC

$92K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Rose’s Restaurant Group is seeking creative, passionate, and talented individuals to join our super awesome team. We are in the “making people happy” business, we just happen to serve great food and offer next-level hospitality. We work hard, make people happy, and have fun while we are doing it!

We are seeking a Head Chef to join our James Beard award winning team at one of our D.C Michelin starred restaurants: Rose’s Luxury, Little Pearl, and Pineapple and Pearls, and Extra Fancy, our international events company.

Some Things to Know About Us:

Our mission is “To make this the most enjoyable place to work in and the most enjoyable place to dine”. This is the reason we are here. This is why we do what we do.

We are big on communication and organization. We believe these are huge keys to success. The better we are able to communicate and organize ourselves, the more success we will have.

We are big on teaching and growth. We work hard to make sure everyone is constantly growing and learning. We want everyone who works with us to become a better cook, barista, chef, manager, guest liaison, and most importantly, leader.

We like having fun. While we take our jobs very seriously, we also do so lightheartedly. In other words, we love to hustle and get better everyday but we also love to do it while laughing and having fun at the same time. (And yes, that is possible).

We have awesome benefits for full-time employees

  • 100% Company-paid medical benefits
  • 100% Company-paid dental benefits
  • Average 45-50 hour work-week for salaried employees
  • Unlimited Paid Time-off Policy for salaried employees
  • Parental Leave Plan
  • 401K plan
  • Complimentary gym membership
  • Employee Assistance Program (covers mental health services, legal services, and additional support)
  • Life insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Personal Financial Advisor services
  • Somm Certification Reimbursements
  • WMATA SmartBenefits program
  • Most major holidays off
  • Access to our Vision benefit program
  • Unlimited high fives!

Qualifications and skills:

Our ideal candidate is someone who, most importantly, has a real passion for making other people happy. Significant management experience is required for this position.

The Head Chef is the cultural and business leader of the culinary operations and is responsible for managing the day-to-day while serving as an ambassador and liaison with the FOH, operations, and sales teams. They must demonstrate and ensure their team embodies the RRG values. Their responsibilities are centered around the lifecycle of the employee, culinary execution, and the financial success of the business.

They are expected to always act as an advocate for the guest experience and serve as the culinary leader of the back of house working closely with the General Manager as true partners speaking in an aligned voice on culture, accountability, and being the eyes and ears for each other. They will also model and uphold our highest standards of hospitality and company policies and culture, including leading the team in a humble, professional and responsible manner. They will be expected to use their passion and knowledge of food, to develop new menus by exuding principles of holistic menu writing and thinking.

Food safety and financial acumen with staffing, purchasing, inventory, and cost control are critical components of this role. To be successful in this position, the Head Chef must have excellent attention to detail, display a sense of urgency and demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills:

  • 2 Years as Exec Sous Chef or equivalent in a fine-dining operation
  • Highly effective communicator through email, phone, video, and in-person
  • Up to date and passionate about culinary trends in the United States and abroad
  • Exudes excellence in hospitality for internal and external guests
  • Possess excellent strategic planning skills, with an emphasis on delivering, executing, and assessing action plans
  • Excel in time management, organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to adapt and lead change
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
  • Self-driven, results-oriented, and possesses a solid track record of leading high-caliber, upscale restaurants at a multi-unit level.
More detail about Rose's Luxury part of Rose's Restaurant Group, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/7849-Rose%2527s-Luxury