Cook

ALife Hospitality Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 22,041 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clear hourly pay

Strong fit for candidates with prior restaurant experience

Hands-on role in culinary environment

Job summary

A hospitality group in Houston is seeking an experienced Cook to join their fast-paced kitchen team. This role involves preparing and cooking food according to recipes and quality standards, monitoring food quality, and adhering to safety requirements. The ideal candidate has at least 1 year of kitchen experience, open availability, and a food handler certification. Join a team that values consistency and teamwork while enjoying a hands-on culinary experience with opportunities across various kitchen functions.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of recent cook or related kitchen experience.
• Ability to prepare food according to recipes and safety requirements.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the shift.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food according to recipes and quality standards.
• Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and correctly.

Skills

Prior restaurant experience

Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Food handler certification

Strong teamwork

Attention to quality

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Job Summary

ALIFE Hospitality Group is seeking an experienced Cook to prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food safety requirements. This role is responsible for ingredient prep, cooking hot and cold items, maintaining workstation readiness, monitoring food quality, and following sanitation, storage, FIFO, and HACCP procedures. The ideal candidate has prior restaurant experience, works well in a fast‑paced kitchen, and has open availability to support business needs.

Compensation

$16.00-$20.00 per hour

Why This Role Is Worth Considering

• Clear hourly pay
• Strong fit for candidates with prior restaurant kitchen experience
• Hands‑on role in a fast‑paced culinary environment
• Opportunity to work across prep, line, sanitation, and food quality functions
• Good fit for candidates who value consistency, teamwork, and kitchen execution

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients for cooking, including portioning, chopping, washing, peeling, and storing food items
• Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklists
• Prepare cold foods such as salads, sandwiches, condiments, and dressings
• Operate ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, and fryers safely and correctly
• Check food for proper temperature, doneness, quality, and presentation before service
• Monitor food quality throughout prep and service using established standards
• Set up and break down workstations with proper mise en place, tools, equipment, and supplies
• Follow HACCP, FIFO, labeling, storage, and cold‑chain procedures
• Help control food waste through proper portioning and production practices
• Wash and disinfect kitchen areas, tables, tools, knives, and equipment
• Monitor appliance and food temperatures and report maintenance concerns promptly
• Follow company safety, sanitation, appearance, and workplace conduct standards
• Support team operations and assist during busy periods as needed

Required Qualifications

Must-Haves

• Prior restaurant experience required
• At least 1 year of recent cook or related kitchen experience
• Ability to prepare food according to recipes, quality standards, and food safety requirements
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced kitchen environment
• Open availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during the shift
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, and lift/move up to 25 pounds without assistance
• Food handler certification required

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Experience in high‑volume restaurant, hospitality, hotel, or banquet operations
• Familiarity with HACCP, FIFO, food labeling, and temperature logs
• Experience preparing both hot and cold food items
• Strong teamwork, dependability, and attention to quality

Work Environment / Schedule

This is a fast‑paced commercial kitchen environment. The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and repetitive movement throughout the shift. Team members work around hot surfaces, sharp tools, kitchen equipment, and wet floors and must maintain safe food handling and sanitation standards at all times. Open availability is required and may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate has prior restaurant experience and is comfortable working in a high‑volume kitchen where consistency, urgency, and teamwork matter. This person follows recipes and food safety procedures closely, communicates well with chefs and coworkers, stays organized during busy periods, and takes pride in food quality, cleanliness, and reliable execution.