You must submit a complete application to be considered. Apply online at https://near.tl/sm/Rw70Ro27
We want to find the right person for this job. While a cover letter is not mandatory, we encourage you to submit one with your application to tell us why you are the right person for this job. It will be read and considered with your total qualifications.
Who We Are:
Food is the foundation of good health. Forty Acres Fresh Market (FAFM) is an independent, Black woman-owned grocery business offering high-quality, fresh food to people across Chicagoland. We are working to restore healthy food access so that people across Chicago neighborhoods can have a worthwhile grocery experience regardless of zip code.
Forty Acres Fresh Market is preparing to open its first brick and mortar store in Chicago's Austin neighborhood in 2025 and is currently building the opening team.
Who You Are:
Do you want to be part of building a business that is a catalyst for community change? Do you believe that everyone should be able to access affordable fresh food in their neighborhood? Are you interested in rebuilding neighborhoods that have endured years of divestment? If so then this is the company for you. We are seeking an enthusiastic, culinary loving Deli/Prepared Foods - Cook II who is eager to support the development and operations of the Deli/Prepared Foods department in a new store.
The Job:
Are you a dedicated food service professional looking to use your creative culinary skills to make your mark on Chicago's food scene? Forty Acres Fresh Market (FAFM) is hiring for the Cook II position in our Deli/Prepared Foods (Mabel's Meals) department. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a strong work ethic and a passion for making amazing meals, who is committed to customer service and food safety. This detail oriented person will join a dynamic team to help ensure the highest standards of product quality, while providing best in class customer service. The Cook’s responsibilities include preparing and cooking menu items according to the established recipes, ensuring proper food handling for safety regulations, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen area. Maintaining exceptional food quality and safety will be essential to ensure proper presentation of Mabel’s Meals, which will offer both hot and cold meal solutions for customers. This onsite position is an exciting opportunity within the grocery industry to be part of building a best in class Deli & Prepared Foods (Mabel’s Meals) department.As a FAFM team member, the Cook II will exemplify Forty Acres' values of Quality, Sustainability, Community Engagement, and Integrity.
Applicants must be 18 years of age, minimum.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Model and provide exceptional customer service by creating an environment that makes customers feel welcome, important, and appreciated.
Follow the leadership and direction of the department manager to perform assigned functions and activities of the Deli & Prepared Foods (Mabel’s Meals) Department.
Assist management in training team members and model dedicated adherence to Forty Acres Fresh Market standard operating procedures.
Daily production of the deli menu, including hot food, salads, sandwiches, soups, and cold packaged meals in accordance with approved recipes.
Prepare foods according to cooking instructions and keep food temperature logs.
Adhere to all quality control and food safety standards and ensure dated products are stocked and rotated properly. Make fine judgements about aroma, flavor, taste, texture, and color to inspect prepared foods for quality and freshness.
Properly use of a wide variety of kitchen equipment and appliances to include, but not limited to, mixer, slicers, ovens, sharp knives, fryers and smoker.
Contribute to department profitability by maintaining correct portion sizes to prevent shrink.
Regularly and effectively communicate department inventory and supply needs to department manager.
Assist with the receiving process as needed including: 1) checking the load for quality/shortage/overage and code dating the case and following F.I.F.O; 2) proper storage of product following food safety and inventory controls.
Assist in upholding all Health Department requirements, department cleanliness and sanitation including 1) preparing and logging all food temperatures in cases and during production 2) Maintaining a clean department and store 3) safe use of cleaning equipment and chemicals
Report all safety risks and reinforce safety programs by identifying and notifying department management of unsafe conditions, illegal activity which may include robbery, theft, or misuse of company property.
Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Other duties related to general store operations as assigned by management
Requirements
Must be at least 18 years of age
HS Diploma or equivalent
Minimum 2 years relevant back of house experience in food service, particularly in a deli, quick service, or restaurant environment
Must be capable of providing and modeling exceptional customer service
Proficiency in food preparation, sanitation, and food handling
City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate, or ability to acquire within 30 days of employment
Ability to manage a tight inventory of supplies, ingredients, prepared items, and department products
Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office or Google Productivity Suite, including email and Excel/Sheets
Knowledge of basic math, particularly fractions and measuring increments
Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with menu planning
Experienced in various POS and transaction devices such as kiosks, printers, tickets, and touch screens
Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks
Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently or in groups.
Essential knife skills and ability to use a slicer
Machines and Equipment Operated:
Sharp knives, slicers, hot ovens, wrappers, scales, compactors, garbage disposals, hand trucks, pallet jacks; etc.
Work Environment/ Physical Demands
Must have the physical ability to stand for extended periods of time, bend, climb, balance, stoop to grasp objects, kneel, crouch, crawl, frequently push/pull up to 100 lbs., frequently lift and/or move loads up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift 75 lbs.
Must work with sharp knives, hot ovens, slicers, and more.
Ability to enter the coolers and freezers thereby being subject to and withstanding frequent temperature changes for extended periods of time.
Occasional high stress when dealing with systems/customers/staff.
Able to work a flexible schedule with various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as determined by the store/business needs and as required to ensure adequate store staffing, and ability to be reached as needed after hours.
Must have a reliable source of transportation, as this role requires timeliness for opening shifts.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Job Type: Full-time
This position is Chicago-based
Compensation: $23.00/hour
Benefits:
Healthcare Reimbursement Plan
Up to 40 hours paid sick time annually
Up to 80 hours paid vacation time annually
Free monthly Forty Acres Fresh Market produce box subscription
Forty Acres Fresh Market is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
