Pastry Cook

CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge, located within The Study at University City in Philadelphia, is seeking a detail-oriented and passionate Pastry Cook to join our culinary team. This hourly position focuses on the preparation and production of pastries, desserts, breads, and baked goods for the restaurant, with additional support for banquet and private event needs.

About the role

This is a hands-on culinary position ideal for a pastry professional who wants to develop their craft while contributing to the seasonal food program at CO-OP. The role requires managing multiple production priorities in a fast-paced restaurant kitchen, with a focus on precise and consistent execution, traditional techniques, and contemporary flavors and presentation.

About Us

The Study at University City is a 212-room hotel at the crossroads of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. The property blends thoughtful hospitality with contemporary guest rooms and welcoming public spaces. CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge is a lively 120-seat restaurant and lounge known for spirited hospitality and seasonal menus featuring Mid-Atlantic ingredients. The hotel also offers 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and produce pastries, desserts, breads, and baked goods for CO-OP Restaurant & Lounge according to established recipes and culinary standards.
• Complete daily pastry mise en place and production based on restaurant service needs.
• Assist with pastry and dessert production for banquet and private event functions as needed.
• Follow recipes, portion specifications, preparation methods, and presentation standards to ensure consistency and quality.
• Perform pastry techniques including mixing, baking, proofing, finishing, portioning, and plating.
• Support dessert plating and execution during restaurant service as needed.
• Maintain proper labeling, dating, storage, rotation, and handling of ingredients and finished products.
• Monitor product quality and communicate ingredient, production, or supply needs to culinary leadership.
• Minimize waste through proper preparation, portioning, storage, and product rotation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and safe pastry workstation and kitchen environment.
• Properly clean and maintain pastry equipment, tools, workstations, and storage areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, allergy, and kitchen safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the culinary team to meet restaurant service and production timelines.
• Assist with other culinary preparation and kitchen responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Previous professional pastry, baking, bread production, or culinary experience preferred.
• Experience in a restaurant, bakery, hotel, or other professional culinary environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of fundamental pastry and baking techniques.
• Interest in traditional pastry and baking techniques with an appreciation for contemporary flavors and presentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency, quality, and presentation.
• Ability to accurately follow recipes and work with weights, measurements, portions, and production quantities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple production priorities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative culinary team.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new techniques, recipes, and production methods.
• Culinary or pastry education preferred but not required with relevant professional experience.
• Food Handler certification preferred or ability to obtain as required.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule based on restaurant needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods in a professional kitchen environment.
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive food preparation tasks.
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.