Cook

Takoma; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,485 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Paid parental leave

Company-paid life insurance

Pet insurance

Job summary

Takoma is seeking a dedicated kitchen staff member to join our team. This role offers pay ranging from $18.50 to $22 per hour, depending on experience. Responsibilities include food preparation according to recipes, assisting teammates in high-pressure situations, and ensuring clean and safe food-handling practices. Candidates should have more than 1 year of experience in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Join us in creating a vibrant community space where art, culture, and cuisine intersect.

Qualifications

• More than 1 year of experience in a fast-paced, full-service restaurant preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Available to work a minimum of 3 shifts per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
• Prepare food according to the provided recipes.
• Inspect and clean food preparation areas.

Skills

Team player

Ability to work in a fast-paced restaurant

Job description

Busboys and Poets is a restaurant/bar/bookstore/event space/community where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted and guests can pause to feed mind, body and soul. The space merges art, culture and politics to inspire social change.

Job Type: Variable • Pay: $18.50-$22 per hour.

Benefits

Competitive pay and benefits, including health, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match (100% of 4% and 50% of the next 2% of contributions), 1 week of sick leave per year, paid parental leave, company‑paid life insurance, pet insurance, and more.

Responsibilities

• Work well with a team, jumping in where needed, such as substituting for or assisting other cooks during emergencies or rush periods
• Prepare food according to the recipes provided
• Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking
• Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils
• Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes, using various kitchen utensils and equipment
• Portion, arrange, and garnish food
• Inspect and clean food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces or serving areas, to ensure safe and sanitary food‑handling practices
• Ensure food is stored and cooked at the correct temperature by regulating the temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters, and ensure freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of new and old items, and rotating stock

Physical Requirements

• Spend time bending or twisting the body
• Spend time lifting heavy weight
• Spend time standing on feet for long hours
• Spend time using hands to handle, control or feel objects/tools

Qualifications

• More than 1 year working in a fast‑paced, full‑service restaurant preferred
• Must be at least 18 years of age in order to work in the kitchen
• Must work a minimum of 3 shifts per week
• Must be a team player

Busboys and Poets owns and operates eight multi‑concept restaurant, bar, event, and bookstore spaces in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Current locations include 14th & V, 450K, Anacostia, Brookland, Columbia, Hyattsville, Shirlington, and Takoma, with more on the horizon.

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