Cooking Class Instructor Cincinnati, OH

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

Tablespoon Cooking Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio is looking for Chef Instructors to lead hands-on cooking classes and private events. The role involves engaging guests, teaching culinary techniques, and maintaining an energetic and inviting atmosphere.

Candidates should have prior culinary experience, love food, and be able to provide exceptional customer service while commanding the room. Flexibility for shifts, including weekends and evenings, is essential.

Qualifications

• Prior culinary experience and a love of food and cooking are required.
• Must be able to engage an audience and provide thorough instructions.

Responsibilities

• Lead guests in hands-on cooking classes.
• Execute all class aspects to Tablespoon's standards.
• Provide engaging and energetic demonstrations.

Skills

Culinary school degree

Cooking experience

Customer service

Effective communication

Engaging audience

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Google Drive

Slack

Job description

Join Tablespoon Cooking Co.'s Culinary Instructor Team!

Tablespoon Cooking Co. is located at Findlay Market in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tablespoon specializes in hands‑on cooking classes taught by professional chefs. We also offer private events and catering and provide entertaining corporate and social occasions. Our classes are fun and interactive, incorporate beer and wine, and play music, creating a party atmosphere.

What do Chef Instructors do at Tablespoon?

Chef Instructors lead guests through hands‑on cooking classes and private events. This customer‑facing role involves teaching guests during the class, ensuring dishes turn out great, engaging participants, and creating a welcoming environment. They must be comfortable wearing a microphone, speaking to an audience, and commanding the room.

On an average day, a Chef Instructor arrives before class to help set up. Once guests arrive, the instructor welcomes the group, gives a brief introduction, and, with Class Assistants, leads kitchen demonstrations and hands‑on practice. After cooking, guests dine together. Throughout the session, the instructor engages with guests to build personal connections. At the end, the team cleans, breaks down the kitchen, and does dishes.

Chef Instructors will receive standardized menus and recipes for core classes and may develop new classes, menus, and recipes.

Prior culinary experience and a love of food and cooking are required.

Responsibilities

• Execute all aspects of the class/event to Tablespoon's standards
• Set up for classes and events (equipment, ingredients, station setup)
• Assist guests during arrival
• Lead engaging and energetic hands‑on demonstrations for the three‑hour class
• Wear a microphone, speak in front of an audience, provide instructions, and command the room
• Share passion and knowledge of food with others
• Teach guests about classic cooking techniques, ingredients, and equipment selection
• Create a fun and inviting atmosphere where all guests feel welcome and are having fun
• Assist guests with anything they need during class (beverages, ingredients, cooking assistance, etc.)
• Interact with guests and create a personal connection with each
• Clean up, break down kitchen, and do dishes after the class or event

Job Requirements

• Culinary school degree and/or restaurant and cooking experience
• Drive to provide exceptional customer service
• Professionalism when speaking with guests and communicating information
• Ability to engage an audience so all guests feel comfortable cooking
• Provide thorough instructions and communicate effectively during class
• Comfortable using technology such as email, Google Drive, Slack, and other apps
• Think quickly, adapt to changing environments, and work with a team
• Stay up‑to‑date with food and beverage trends and best practices
• Spot and resolve problems efficiently
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• Arrive on time and ready for all shifts
• Basic food safety and sanitation procedures knowledge
• Guest‑oriented and service‑minded
• Excellent verbal and written communication

Personal Characteristics

• Love of food and cooking
• Passionate about great food and service
• Enthusiasm for teaching others
• Comfortable speaking and engaging in group environments
• Professional, punctual, and articulate
• Well organized and able to multitask
• Strong attention to detail
• High level of integrity and honesty
• Effective emotional management in the workplace
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• High energy and enthusiasm

Physical Requirements

• Bending, stooping, walking, and standing for long periods
• Lift and move up to 50 pounds safely
• Use stairs multiple times per day (storage is in the basement)

Availability Requirements

• 7–14 hours per week (1–2 shifts) with potential to expand into full‑time position
• Evenings from approximately 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm
• Weekends required