Kitchen Shift Lead
Ecusta Market & Cafe is a neighborhood grocery and café located just outside downtown on the Ecusta Trail in Hendersonville, NC. We focus on high-quality, locally sourced goods and a casual but exceptional café experience. We operate a busy, high-volume, counter-service cafe, some days doing 400-500 covers over three services. Our kitchen team plays a key role in creating delicious food made with care — breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced, thoughtful shift leader for our BOH team. Ideal candidates are reliable, efficient, and motivated to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Previous kitchen experience is required. Nights and weekends (including Sundays) are required. Gratitude, teamwork, and attention to detail are at the heart of everything we do.
Responsibilities
- Oversee kitchen line flow and ensure all stations stay stocked and prepped
- Active presence cooking on line, especially in rushes
- Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
- Track ticket times and get food sent out in a timely manner
- Communicate clearly with FOH and MOD on 86s and any other notable service issues
- Assign tasks to cooks and dish team as needed throughout the shift
- Monitor food safety, sanitation, temps, and proper storage
- Lead opening or closing procedures depending on shift
- Handle minor customer issues relayed from FOH regarding food quality
- Track prep pars and communicate shortages or overproduction to Kitchen Manager
- Ensure cleanliness of kitchen, equipment, and walk-ins throughout the shift
- Support training of new cooks and ensure team follows recipe standards
- Communicate maintenance issues or equipment problems immediately
- Make prep lists and assist KM with kitchen ordering
- Uphold health codes and follow all safety procedures
- Set the pace and model professionalism, urgency, and teamwork
- Maintain a positive attitude, even during busy rushes, setting the tone for the rest of the team
Requirements
- Good attitude is important
- Prior kitchen experience required (line cook, prep cook, or similar)
- Ability to multitask and stay focused in a fast-paced environment
- Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs
- Always available for evenings and weekends. We close at 8:00 and kitchen is generally out by 9:30 latest
Benefits
- A fun, supportive, community-focused work environment
- Employee discounts on market and café goods
- Opportunities for growth within the café and market team
Pay
$20-$23/hr based on experience
Schedule
Full Time, Nights & Weekends Required, Sundays required