AM Prep/Line Cook - Luna Red

Luna Red Restaurant; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Luna Red Restaurant in California is seeking an AM prep/line cook to join our team. You will be responsible for preparing menu items on your station, maintaining quality and safety, and collaborating with the kitchen team to ensure timely, high-quality service.

The role requires 2–3 years line cook experience in fine dining or upscale casual settings, weekend availability, and the ability to work 4-5 shifts per week. California Food Handlers card and CA certificates preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have 2–3 years of line cook experience in fine dining or upscale casual kitchens.
• Must hold a California Food Handlers card and be able to attain required CA certificates.
• Able to prep and execute station work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Prep and prepare menu items on designated stations for service.
• Monitor times and temperatures to ensure high quality and timely service.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work stations.
• Assist in training junior kitchen staff as needed.
• Collaborate with kitchen team to satisfy guest requests.

Skills

Clear communication

Teamwork

Cooking techniques knowledge

Initiative

Stamina in fast-paced kitchen

Education

California Food Handlers card

Sexual Harassment Prevention Certificate (CA)

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

Luna Red is looking for an AMprep/line cook to join our team. Must be able to work at least 4-5 shifts per week and have weekend availability.

Summary of Position:

Our cooks will show inspired quality & passion in all their work, and the commitment to serve the best every time. They will gladly honor guest special requests. Line cooks will also be cross trained on all stations in order to lend support to other stations if needed. Our line cooks are responsible for preparing food in a timely manner, maintaining our excellent food quality and presentation, minimizing unnecessary food waste, and maintaining high levels of food safety and preparation in accordance with company standards. This role requires a thorough understanding of all ingredients and preparation techniques used on the menu, adherence to portion sizes and cooking methods, and collaboration with the kitchen team to ensure timely and high-quality food service.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cares for the quality and consistency of the products served, and uses that care in their work
• Displays a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu
• Understands and complies with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, kitchen rules, policies, and procedures
• Sets up work station with required mise-en-place, tools, equipment and supplies
• Prep and prepare the menu items on their station for service in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff
• Monitor cooking times and temperatures to ensure that food is cooked and presented correctly, in high quality and in a timely fashion
• Assists in food prep assignments during off-peak periods as directed by kitchen management
• Stocks and maintains proper levels of food on line stations to ensure a smooth service
• Portion food products prior to cooking according to portion size standards and recipe specifications
• Maintains a clean and sanitary work station including knives, cutting surfaces, prep and line equipment
• Follows proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures to maintain hygiene and safety standards
• Follows proper plating and garnish presentations for all dishes
• Build a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork, mutual respect and exceptional morale
• Makes appropriate decisions, which are in the best interest of the guest, the employees and the company
• Assist in washing all silver, plate wares, pots and pans and cooking utensils for the restaurant when needed
• Assist in the training and mentoring of junior kitchen staff, as needed
• Handle, store and rotate all products properly
• Maintain awareness of customer flows and needs; collaborate with team members as necessary to satisfy and delight customers
• Transports supplies from the kitchen/walk-in and stock in designated areas, as needed
• Handles equipment with care having safety in mind
• Opens and/or closes stations properly following station checklists and procedures
• Performs other duties as required or assigned by kitchen management
• Refer to cleaning list when slow
• Always checks with the kitchen manager before leaving shift and clocking out

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to communicate clearly with managers, kitchen and service staff
• Must be able to comprehend, read and follow written and verbal direction
• Ability to work well as a team, willingly help with any task, and consistently maintain a positive, 'can-do' attitude
• Some knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and culinary terminology
• Must be comfortable with commercial kitchen equipment, cookware, and utensils
• Must have drive and take initiative
• Must have a high level of integrity
• Excellent emotional self-awareness under pressure
• Exhibits strong work ethic
• Must be punctual and timely
• Ability to prep and execute service on at least two stations with minimal to no management supervision

Education and Experience:

• At least 2-3 years of line cook experience in fine dining or upscale casual restaurant kitchens
• Must have or be able to attain a valid California Food Handlers card
• Valid California Sexual Harassment Prevention Certificate

Physical Requirements:

• High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time up to 8 hours)
• Must be able to occasionally lift, balance, and move food product and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to perform in a fast paced, busy environment with attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Flexible working hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays, when necessary
• Genuine joy for the hospitality/restaurant industry

Disclaimer:

This description includes essential functions. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. In accordance with California law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Luna Red Restaurant offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.