Lead Cook

Broetje Family Trust•Pasco, WA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Cook plays a key role in the daily cooking operations of the café, ensuring high-quality food preparation, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming environment for all guests. This position is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items, providing training for all café staff on menu items and production consistency, supporting catering services, and maintaining strict food safety and cleanliness standards. The Lead Cook oversees efficient kitchen workflows, support inventory and cost management, and collaborates closely with café staff to deliver a consistent and positive customer experience. This role requires strong multitasking ability, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining both operational excellence and the organization's mission and values. This individual will report to the Interim Café Manager and work collaboratively with other café staff.

Requirements

Must have, or be working towards obtaining, a valid Washington State Food Worker Card and a ServSafe Certification or equivalent credential.
Proven experience as a cook with knowledge of various cooking techniques, procedures and methods of cooking such as grilling, baking, stovetop, etc.
Experience using kitchen equipment safely (grills, gas ovens, cutting tools, cookware, bakeware, small appliances, etc.).
Must have at least 2 years of experience working high-volume hot lines, specifically operating stoves, flat-tops, and commercial ranges.
Proven experience working in small kitchens, cafés, or food trucks where multitasking and space optimization are required.
Knowledgeable in – or able to learn and be trained in – espresso fundamentals, milk steaming, barista tools, and equipment use.
Creative and detail-oriented approach to food preparation and menu execution.
Strong organizational skills to be able to prioritize tasks.
Reliable, self-motivated and able to solve problems and make decisions based on the Broetje Family Trust's mission and core values.
Bilingual (Spanish/English).

Responsibilities

Maintain a high standard of service with a positive, cheerful, and welcoming approach to ensure every customer enjoys their experience.
Execute daily opening procedures and open the café on time in accordance with established schedule.
Prepare and cook menu items consistently according to established recipes, ensuring quality, presentation, and portion standards are met.
Train café staff on preparation and execution of menu items to ensure consistency, accuracy and adherence to recipes.
Prepare ingredients while maintaining proper storage and handling of all food and supplies in compliance with food safety standards.
Oversee inventory management and track shrink to support more cost-effective operations.
Coordinate, prepare, and execute catering services and catered events to ensure high-quality food, timely service, and excellent customer service.
Respond to customer questions about menu items and available alternatives, and recommend favorites, specials, and add-ons.
Monitor and document critical food safety metrics, including conducting mandatory temperatures checks of food and food storage equipment, holding areas, heating and cooling units; closely monitor labeling and adhere to all health and food safety regulations.
Organize daily production with other café staff members based on required cooking, cooling, and marinating times to maximize station output and ensure that all workstations are fully stocked with daily ingredients and cooking equipment.
Organize prep coolers using strict First-In, First-Out, principles to ensure older batches are cooked first.
Prepare and serve a variety of beverages, espresso-based drinks, tea, smoothies, milkshakes and other specialty drinks.
Process customer payments using cash and Square, debit and credit card point of sale system.
Conduct daily inspections of cooking equipment to ensure proper operation, promptly reporting and addressing any malfunctions.
Maintain a clean, organized, and spill-free environment behind the counter, and ensure indoor and outdoor tables, chairs, and guest areas are consistently cleaned and fully stocked with necessary supplies, including napkin dispensers.
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism by maintaining a clean, well-presented appearance and always adhering to dress code and hygiene standards.
Perform café' closing duties as needed, depending on staffing levels and scheduled hours, including cleaning and sanitizing work areas, securing food and cash, and preparing spaces for the next business day.
Perform other duties as assigned.