Cook

Houchens Food Group; Morgantown (KY); On-site; USD 12,398 - 16,531; Full time

Job summary

HOUCHENS FOOD GROUP operates Sonic Drive-In and is seeking a Crew Member to join the team. You will take orders, assist with carhop duties, prepare food and drinks, and ensure quick, friendly service.

The role covers multiple stations and requires staying on your feet, following safety rules, and maintaining a clean workspace. Weekend and evening hours are common, with the potential for full-time schedules depending on location.

Qualifications

• Effective communication and basic math/reading skills.
• Ability to follow directions and multitask.
• Must pass STAR certification and Sonic training programs.
• Willing to stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all Basic Stations to ensure quality and speed.
• Operate drive-thru, take orders, ring sales and handle transactions.
• Prepare and package food and drinks, maintain cleanliness.
• Report guest complaints and assist managers.

Skills

Effective communication

Basic math

Basic reading

Follow directions

Multi-tasking

STAR certification

Standing/physical

Restaurant knowledge

Job description

HOUCHENS FOOD GROUP

CREW MEMBER – SONIC DRIVE IN

General Purpose Of Position

Performs crew member duties as directed and assigned by the Manager On Duty. Duties include, but are not limited to, order taking, carhop, skating carhop, food and drink preparation, cooking, packaging food, serving food to guests, sales transactions, cleaning of equipment as well as cleaning all areas of building and grounds. The duties are to be performed in a safe, efficient, and professional manner so that guests will have an enjoyable experience at the Sonic Drive-In.

Essential Job Duties

Performs all duties in the Basic Stations (Fountain & Frozen, Dresser, Front Swamp, Back Swamp, Grill, Switchboard, Expeditor, Food Prep, Carhop, Skating Carhop and Drive‑Thru as needed, and depending on store volume, during a shift to ensure the preparation, portion control, temperature, packaging, appearance, presentation, taste, and service of all menu items meet operational standards. Gives team help and support to other crew and managers when assigned duties are caught up. Operates switchboard and records customer order, repeats order in a clear and understandable manner. Operates Drive‑Thru window and sales register and makes accurate change quickly and efficiently. Prepares fountain drinks and ice cream items. Prepares food by cutting and chopping food items and cooking on grill or in fryers. Prepares food orders efficiently within 3-4 minute time frame. Packages all menu items into bags or trays and places drink orders into drink carriers. Serves food to customers in an efficient manner in the Drive‑Thru and as necessary when working in other Basic Stations. Moves food product weighing up to 50 lbs into freezer and shelves stacked from floor to ceiling. Routinely disposes of trash by transporting bags outside and into dumpsters. Cleans all areas of drive‑in, including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, wiping counter‑tops, sanitizing, cleaning restrooms, policing patio and parking lot, emptying used grease. Performs frequent washing and sanitizing of food areas, food preparation tools, and hands.

Additional Duties

• Instructs crew members about the importance of placing guests’ needs first.
• Immediately responds to guest requests in a respectful manner. Reports guest complaints to an immediate supervisor and assists in resolving such complaints.
• Immediately reports all guest or employee accidents to a member of the drive‑in management team.
• Monitors the drive‑in working environment for potential employee issues and reports issues to a member of the management team.
• Wears required uniform and appropriate personal protective equipment as outlined in the Sonic Drive‑In operations manual.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Effective communication skills.
• Basic math and basic reading skills.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work irregular hours, nights, week‑end’s and holidays.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Complies with all Sonic Drive‑In Policies and Procedures, and all health and sanitation laws and regulations.
• Successfully completes and follows requirements of all STAR certification and other Sonic Drive‑In training programs.
• Continuous standing, bending, stooping, lifting, stretching and frequent over‑head lifting will be required when staging, preparing, or packaging menu items and/or cleaning.
• General knowledge and understanding of the restaurant industry or retail operations required, QSR preferred but not required.

Environment

Frequent exposure to heat and hot liquid shortening while cooking. Frequent exposure to freezer when stocking food items. Occasional exposure to extreme temperatures based on variable weather conditions.

SONIC MISSION STATEMENT

To become America’s most-loved restaurant brand.

SONIC CORE VALUES

• Respect for everyone touched by the Sonic brand.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and the power of the individual.
• Importance of relationships as a way of life.
• Doing different, special, and unique things to surprise and delight everyone touched by the Sonic brand.

ELIGIBILITY

• Must have proof of citizenship (or proof of eligibility to work in US).
• Must Be At Least 16 Years Of Age.

Work Hours Requirements And Limitations

If Full Time (Avg. 30 Hours Or More) You Must Be Able To Work 38-45 Hours Weekly. If Not Full Time, Then You Are Part Time And Can Only Work 29 Hours A Week (Or Less).

Employment discrimination statement

Houchens Food Group is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy. Applicants may request accommodations based on religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy. EOE. Subject to pre‑employment background and drug screening.