Cook

Good Foods Co-op; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 17,047 - 24,280; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Store discount

Paid vacation

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) match

Job summary

Good Foods Co-op in Lexington, KY is hiring a Prepared Foods Cook. You will prepare fresh menu items, maintain a clean, organized kitchen, and uphold food safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

We value teamwork, reliability, and a passion for natural, organic foods. Evening and weekend availability is required as part of a friendly, community-focused team.

Qualifications

• Experience in food service settings, preferably in a retail or deli environment.
• Proven ability to cook with quality ingredients and follow recipes.
• Able to work in a fast-paced kitchen and maintain standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh menu items according to recipes and production needs.
• Keep the kitchen well-stocked, organized, and efficient.
• Maintain clean, safe, and sanitary workspaces.
• Follow food safety and sanitation standards.
• Provide friendly, helpful service and create a welcoming customer experience.
• Assist with receiving and organizing products and ingredients.
• Support inventory and minimize waste.

Skills

Food service experience

Cooking

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Evenings/weekends

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Prepared Foods Cook

Good Foods Co-op is a community-owned natural foods grocery dedicated to providing high-quality, local, and sustainable products. As a cooperative, we are committed to supporting our community, local farmers, and producers while creating a welcoming and inclusive shopping experience.

We’re looking for a Cook who enjoys working with quality ingredients, takes pride in their craft, and wants to be part of a team that cares about the food we prepare and the people we serve.

What You’ll Do

• Preparing fresh menu items according to recipes and production needs
• Keeping the kitchen well-stocked, organized, and efficient
• Maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary workspaces
• Following food safety and sanitation standards
• Providing friendly, helpful service and creating a welcoming experience for customers
• Assisting with receiving and organizing products and ingredients
• Supporting inventory and minimizing waste

What We’re Looking For

We’re excited to meet someone who:

• Has previous food service experience (required)
• Enjoys cooking and working hands-on in a kitchen environment
• Brings a strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail
• Values teamwork and communicates clearly and respectfully
• Is comfortable in a fast-paced, physically active role
• Has an interest in natural, organic foods and local products
• Is available to work evenings and weekends

What It’s Like to Work Here

At Good Foods Co-op, you’re more than just an employee—you’re part of a community. We value collaboration, respect, and a shared commitment to doing meaningful work. Our team supports one another and takes pride in creating high-quality food for our customers.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting wage: $15.86/hour, with annual reviews and growth opportunities
• Full-time employees eligible for benefits after 90 days, including:
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with employer match after 1 year
• All employees receive:
• Store discount
• Paid vacation time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Good Foods Co-op does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class.

Availability

• Must be available to work as scheduled, shifts might include early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Education and/or Experience

1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Previous Grocery Deli or Food Service experience preferred.
3. High level of interest in natural and organic foods. High level of interest in the cooperative business structure and in the long-term sustainability of locally-owned, independent businesses preferred.
4. Very strong work ethic and demonstrable attention to detail. Must be a fast, focused, and hardworking person.
5. Experience working with the public. Experience with diverse cultures and backgrounds preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Fast paced work environment
• Business office with moderate to loud environment including but not limited to: Computers, printers, paging, telephones, human voices, equipment, and machinery
• Work near moving mechanical parts (i.e. store equipment, tools, etc.)
• Work in cold/hot climate areas (i.e. outdoors, walk in cooler, freezer)
• Ability to work in an environment with moderate to loud noises (i.e. equipment and machinery)
• Crowded work spaces. Equipment sharing required
• Work in high precarious places (i.e. ladders, ladder work)

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Standing for long periods of time
• Walking, bending, sitting, reaching for long periods of time
• Using hands or fingers to handle or feel
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to team lift up to and over 100 lbs.
• Ability to climb up and down step stools, ladders
• Ability to use feet and hands to operate machinery and equipment
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and wet climates
• High level of maneuverability
• Ability to communicate by talking and hearing