Restaurant Cook - Dana Point

Key Responsibilities

• Create and execute scratch-made sauces, gravies, broths, and dressings to elevate hot bar offerings
• Follow recipes and production plans while maintaining consistent flavor, quality, and portioning
• Set up, maintain, and refresh hot bar items to ensure peak presentation and food safety
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards
• Manage prep lists, production schedules, and minimize food waste
• Absorb and assist with ordering, inventory, and proper product rotation as needed
• Promote Mother’s Market values, including wellness, sustainability, and community
• Work collaboratively with kitchen and store teams

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience as a line cook or chef in high-volume kitchen, hot bar, or catering/buffet environment
• Strong knowledge of sauce-making fundamentals (stocks, reductions, emulsions, gravies, plant-based sauces, etc.)
• Ability to execute batch cooking while maintaining high culinary standards
• Understanding of seasoning, flavor balance, and presentation
• Experience with scratch cooking and fresh ingredients preferred
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Desired Traits

• Speed with precision and consistency
• Strong palate and attention to flavor
• Organized and production-minded
• Team-oriented with positive attitude
• Passion for quality prepared foods and hospitality
• Creative but disciplined with recipes and systems
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Dependable and self-motivated
• Ability to maintain full, fresh visually appealing hot bar at all service times
• Ability to create signature sauces and dishes that drive repeat customers
• Ability to execute consistently and have minimal waste
• Ability to maintain clean organized kitchen and have strong food safety standards

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Employee discount on Mother’s Market products
• Flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, bending, and repetitive motions throughout the shift
• Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to heat, steam, and kitchen equipment