Cook

Major Purpose: 

The primary responsibility of a Cook is to quickly, safely and efficiently prepare food for the customers using First Watch recipes and guidelines for food preparation. This position will be responsible for food preparation in various stations, including Plate, Middle, and Egg and Salad Stations. The cook will accurately and efficiently cook eggs, meats, seafood, vegetables, soups and other hot and cold food products. She/he will also prepare and portion food products prior to cooking and perform other duties, including plating and garnishing of cooked items and preparing appropriate garnishes for all “finished” plates. The Cook assumes 100% responsibility for the quality and presentation of products served. The cook is also responsible for the cleanliness of their work station(s). 

Major Responsibilities: 

• Understand our “You First” mission; demonstrate a “You First” attitude with co-workers and management throughout shift 
• Work as part of a team and help fellow employees at every opportunity to ensure a memorable experience for our customers is consistently provided 
• Understand and follow food and safety practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and restaurant maintenance 
• Ensure that the daily prep list is complete at the start of each shift and that enough prep product is on hand to meet or exceed forecasted customer counts 
• Inform management immediately of any prep shortages 
• Use and follow standard recipes for preparing all products 
• Portion food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications 
• Stock and maintain sufficient levels of food products at line stations 
• Prepare items for broiling, grilling, sautéing or other cooking methods 
• Communicate with service staff in a positive, professional, effective and efficient manner 
• Use and understand POS ticket system 
• Understand and execute standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and any other kitchen rules, policies and procedures 
• Follow Company Allergen Workflow Process 
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area including cleaning tables, shelves, walls, grills, salamander, sauté burners, convection oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment 
• Wash dishes as necessary 
• Promptly report equipment and food quality problems to the General Manager 
• Follow proper plate portion, presentation and garnish set for all dishes 
• Handle, store and rotate all products properly 
• Close kitchen properly using the closing checklist for kitchen stations. Assist others in closing the kitchen as needed 
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management 
• Comply with all operational standards, company policies, and federal/state/local laws, and ordinances

Requirements: 

• Prior experience in kitchen preparation and cooking 
• Must be able to effectively communicate with customers, management and coworkers 
• Able to work positively in a fast-paced environment 
• Multi-task oriented – able to perform multiple job functions at one time 
• Punctual with regular and reliable attendance 
• Honesty and integrity 
• Must be at least 18 years of age 
• Basic math and reading and writing skills 
• Safety conscious – must understand and always follow the food safety program guidelines, including personal hygiene, sanitation, and proper safe food handling procedures and must complete company food handler training requirements. 
• Walk and stand throughout the entire shift 
• Continuously reach, bend, lift, carry, stoop, twist and turn 
• Regularly lift up to 50 pounds 
• Be able to work in hot, wet, humid and loud environment for long periods of time 
• Ability to be exposed to and work with cleaning chemicals 
• Understand basic food measurements 
• Must report to work in a neat, clean uniform and present a well-groomed, hygienic appearance 
• Must wear slip resistant shoes and apron at all times, as supplied by First Watch

Employees enjoy: 

• A daytime schedule with NO NIGHT SHIFTS — EVER! 
• Competitive pay (Commensurate with experience) 
• Excellent training

We try not to take ourselves too seriously, but there are a few things we look for in our employees: 

• Passion for fresh food and customer satisfaction 
• Unfailing work ethic and integrity 
• Positive attitude and team spirit – we know if you get our “You First” culture right, most of the other stuff will happen naturally on its own 
• Open to applicants who do not have a high school diploma/GED 
• A good fit for applicants with employment gaps or just entering or returning to the workforce with limited experience and education 

Equal Employment Opportunity – Employer All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications and abilities. We do not discriminate in our employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by the law. #Corporate