Culinary Intern, Restaurant Associates / Washington, D.C.

Culinary Internship

Are you passionate about food and ready to take the next step toward a career in the culinary or hospitality industry? Join our Culinary Internship program and gain hands-on experience working alongside professional chefs and food service leaders in a fast-paced, real-world environment. As a Culinary Intern, you'll be immersed in the day-to-day operations of contract food service, developing practical skills and industry insight that will set the stage for your future success.

Restaurant Associates is a premier, chef-driven hospitality company dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary and guest experiences. For more than 75 years, we have partnered with business organizations, top higher education institutions, and preeminent museums, performing arts centers & attractions, all the while creating and operating notable, award-winning restaurants. Our reputation is built on culinary excellence, unmatched service, and a commitment to wellness, sustainability, and forward-thinking technology. At Restaurant Associates, we believe great food has the power to inspire, connect, and create meaningful experiences every day.

What You'll Learn & Do:

• Support daily culinary operations including food preparation, service, and kitchen organization
• Execute menu items following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and uniform standards
• Assist with receiving, storage, inventory, and purchasing
• Contribute to guest service excellence, innovation, and problem-solving
• Assist with catering and special events, from preparation and set up to execution.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
• Participate in associate learning and development activities
• Gain exposure to the business side of food service, including financials and quality assurance

Learning Objectives:

• Develop awareness, understanding, and practical skills to work effectively in diverse, inclusive hospitality environments
• Gain hands-on experience across a variety of functions within culinary arts and food service operations through observation, mentorship, and active participation

Internship candidates must meet the criteria below to be eligible for the Culinary Internship Experience Program:

1. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or professional culinary program
2. Meet university's GPA requirement for internship
3. Successful completion of sanitation standards training
4. Successful completion of relevant knife skills and/or Intro to Culinary coursework
5. Must be available to work 20 - 40 hours a week based on business needs & internship requirements
6. College credit is not required, but we will provide appropriate documentation if necessary.

Ideal Candidates Will Have an Interest in One or More of the Following:

• Culinary, Baking, or Pastry Arts
• Farm-to-Fork practices and sustainability in food service
• Reducing the carbon "foodprint"
• Food safety and quality assurance

This is more than an internship, it's an opportunity to launch your culinary career with real-world experience and meaningful mentorship.

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.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.