Line Cook Job Description
What Does a Line Cook Do?
A line cook is a type of chef responsible for preparing meals in a commercial kitchen. They are responsible for setting up cooking stations and prepping ingredients, as well as cooking and plating dishes according to the restaurant's recipes and standards.
Line Cook Job Description Example
Louisville Bites Cafe is opening a unique and tantalizing new restaurant. We are currently looking for enthusiastic and experienced line cooks to join our dynamic team and add delicious flavors to our restaurant.
Duties and Responsibilities:
As a line cook at Louisville Bites Cafe, some of your key duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Adhering to critical standards on food handling, preparation, and storage
- Executing recipes with precision and accuracy
- Maintaining a clean and sanitized workstation
- Assembling complete orders within designated time frames
- Monitoring quality and quantity of foods prepared
- Maintaining active communication and coordination with restaurant chef and line manager
Work Hours and Benefits:
The work hours are full-time, 35-40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays. Generous benefits include competitive pay, flexible scheduling, medical, dental and vision coverage, vacation and sick leave, 401(k) retirement plan, and more.
Qualifications:
We are looking for individuals with a passion for cooking and a commitment to excellence, and who meet the following qualifications:
- ServSafe or other food service certification
- 2 or more years of experience as a line cook in a busy restaurant
- Ability to follow recipes carefully
- Working knowledge of health and safety regulations
- Demonstrated knowledge of proper food handling and sanitation practices
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Training and Education:
Ideally, candidates should possess previous formal restaurant experience and/or a professional culinary degree. Ongoing technical training may be required depending on the position.
If you believe you have the necessary skill set and are excited by the opportunity to be a part of our dynamic team, please submit your resume and cover letter as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!
What to Include on a Line Cook Resume or Job Posting
Common line cook responsibilities
- Preparing ingredients for meals, such as chopping vegetables, marinating meats, and measuring out spices.
- Following recipes and instructions from the head chef.
- Operating kitchen equipment, such as grills, ovens, and deep fryers.
- Monitoring food quality and freshness.
- Ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are met.
- Stocking and organizing kitchen supplies.
- Plating and garnishing dishes.
- Working quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Cleaning and maintaining work areas.
- Assisting other cooks and kitchen staff as needed.
Qualities & traits
- Attention to Detail: Line cooks must be able to follow recipes and instructions accurately and precisely.
- Organization: Line cooks must be able to manage their time and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Communication Skills: Line cooks must be able to communicate effectively with other members of the kitchen staff.
- Teamwork: Line cooks must be able to work well with others in order to get the job done.
- Time Management: Line cooks must be able to work quickly and efficiently in order to keep up with the demands of a busy kitchen.
- Creativity: Line cooks must be able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems.
- Flexibility: Line cooks must be able to adapt to changing orders and requests from customers.
- Stamina: Line cooks must be able to stand for long periods of time and work in a fast-paced environment.
What a typical day looks like for a line cook
A Line Cook is a professional who is responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen’s food production. Typically, a line cook performs a variety of tasks, such as preparing ingredients, setting up of meal components and garnishing plates. Additionally, they often monitor temperatures of food items and ensure that items are stored properly ensuring food safety. Typical duties on a day-to-day basis for a line cook may include prepping ingredients for dishes, assembling dishes as instructed by the chef, maintaining clean and organized work stations, adhering to safety and sanitation policies and other kitchen duties as assigned.
Compatible jobs and work history
Taking on a line cook without prior experience may seem daunting, but there is an array of job titles and industries from which you can draw experience. Many of these roles involve working with food and honing the same basic skill sets involved in being a line cook, such as multitasking, organizing, knife work, and communicating with customers or colleagues. Examples of compatible job titles include:
- Prep Cook
- Sous Chef
- Catering Chef
- Commercial Kitchen Manager
- Food Preparer
- Kitchen Helper
- Bartender
- Waiter/Waitress
- Line Server
- Host/Hostess
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