Cafe Culinary Specialist / Line Cook – SoHo, NYC
Our client, a well-known consumer goods company, is expanding into the Food & Beverage industry and has recently opened a cafe in SoHo. They are seeking a Culinary Specialist/Line Cook to join their growing team. This role is ideal for an experienced and detail-oriented cook with a passion for high-quality food, consistency, and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen.
Schedule & Compensation:
Availability: Open to working weekdays and weekends
Shifts: AM and PM shifts between 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Full-time, Cafe hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Pay Rate: $19/hour (flex based on experience)
Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available)
Key Responsibilities:
Food Preparation & Cooking:
Prepare all food and beverage items prior to cafe opening, ensuring proper mise en place for the day’s service.
Execute hot and cold food prep, including salads, sandwiches, baked goods, and specialty bowls, according to standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
Partner with management to execute seasonal menu rollouts, ensuring all ingredients are prepped and stored correctly for efficient service.
Maintain accurate portioning and measuring techniques to ensure consistency and control food costs.
Quality & Safety Standards:
Ensure all food is prepared, stored, and served in compliance with Department of Health (DOH) and ServSafe standards.
Perform routine food inspections to guarantee freshness, correct storage, and adherence to food safety protocols.
Maintain a clean and organized kitchen station, including prep areas, ovens, shaping rooms, and walk-in coolers.
Properly operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment, including mixers, ovens, knives, blenders, and slicers.
Follow and maintain daily and weekly cleaning checklists, including sanitizing food prep areas, equipment, and tools.
Efficiency & Team Collaboration:
Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high food quality and consistency.
Communicate effectively with kitchen staff and management to coordinate food orders and prep schedules.
Adapt to high-volume periods with a calm, professional demeanor, ensuring food is prepared promptly and correctly.
Support the team with additional duties as needed, such as stocking, inventory management, and assisting in other kitchen stations.
Guest Experience & Engagement:
Engage with guests when needed, answering questions about menu items and ingredients.
Maintain a friendly, approachable attitude while upholding brand values and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Qualifications & Requirements:
Experience & Skills:
2-4 years of experience in a line cook or similar culinary role, preferably in a cafe or fast-casual setting.
Strong proficiency in hot and cold food preparation techniques.
Experience working in high-volume kitchens with a focus on speed, consistency, and food quality.
Strong knife skills and ability to execute precision cuts and portioning.
Ability to operate, clean, and maintain commercial-grade kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, mixers, slicers, blenders).
Food Safety & Compliance:
Valid New York State Food Handler’s License (Required).
Knowledge of DOH food safety regulations, including proper food storage, temperature controls, and sanitation procedures.
Work Ethic & Physical Requirements:
Ability to work various kitchen stations, adapting to different prep and service needs.
Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs and remain on your feet for extended periods.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
Team-oriented mindset, with a proactive and collaborative attitude.
Strong ability to multi-task and prioritize while meeting timing and quality standards.
Excellent verbal communication skills to coordinate with kitchen and front-of-house staff.
Why Join Us?
Be part of an exciting cafe concept backed by an established brand.
Work in a collaborative and energetic kitchen environment with opportunities for growth.
Enjoy competitive pay and a positive workplace culture that values teamwork and creativity.
If you are passionate about food preparation and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting, we encourage you to apply today!
