Hot/Cold Bar Prep

Mother's Market & Kitchen, Inc.; Dana Point (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

In-store discounts

Job summary

Mother’s Market is seeking a Restaurant Cook to craft high-quality hot bar dishes and signature sauces. You will produce visually appealing, nutritious meals, keeping batch-cooked flavors, freshness, and presentation at the forefront.

The role requires 2+ years in a fast-paced kitchen, expert sauce knowledge, and the ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and in-store discounts.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience as a line cook or chef in high-volume kitchen, hot bar, or catering/buffet environment.
• Strong knowledge of sauce-making fundamentals (stocks, reductions, emulsions, gravies, plant-based sauces).
• Ability to execute batch cooking while maintaining high culinary standards.
• Understanding of seasoning, flavor balance, and presentation.
• Experience with scratch cooking and fresh ingredients preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a variety of hot bar ready dishes including proteins, vegetables, grains, and composed entrées.
• Create and execute scratch-made sauces, gravies, broths, and dressings to elevate hot bar offerings.
• Follow recipes and production plans while maintaining consistent flavor, quality, and portioning.
• Set up, maintain, and refresh hot bar items to ensure peak presentation and food safety.
• Monitor food quality, temperature, and freshness throughout service.
• Collaborate with kitchen leadership on menu development, seasonal specials, and daily features.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
• Manage prep lists, production schedules, and minimize food waste.
• Assist with ordering, inventory, and proper product rotation as needed.
• Promote Mother’s Market values, including wellness, sustainability, and community.

Skills

2+ years experience

Sauce making

Batch cooking

Flavor balance

Fresh ingredients

Food safety

Job description

The Restaurant Cook at Mother’s Market has a passion for creating flavorful, scratch-made sauces and composed dishes for a high-quality hot bar program. This role is responsible for producing consistent, visually appealing, and delicious prepared foods that meet our standards for freshness, quality, and presentation. The ideal candidate understands batch cooking, speed, and consistency while maintaining chef-driven flavor and creativity. The Restaurant Cook helps deliver nutritious, flavorful meals that reflect Mother’s Market’s commitment to healthy living.

Wage Range: $22-$26/hour

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & in-store discounts

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare a variety of hot bar ready dishes including proteins, vegetables, grains, and composed entrées
• Create and execute scratch-made sauces, gravies, broths, and dressings to elevate hot bar offerings
• Follow recipes and production plans while maintaining consistent flavor, quality, and portioning
• Set up, maintain, and refresh hot bar items to ensure peak presentation and food safety
• Monitor food quality, temperature, and freshness throughout service
• Collaborate with kitchen leadership on menu development, seasonal specials, and daily features
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards
• Manage prep lists, production schedules, and minimize food waste
• Assist with ordering, inventory, and proper product rotation as needed
• Promote Mother’s Market values, including wellness, sustainability, and community

• Work collaboratively with kitchen and store teams

Qualifications

• 2+ year’s experience as a line cook or chef in high-volume kitchen, hot bar, or catering/buffet environment
• Strong knowledge of sauce-making fundamentals (stocks, reductions, emulsions, gravies, plant-based sauces, etc.)
• Ability to execute batch cooking while maintaining high culinary standards
• Understanding of seasoning, flavor balance, and presentation
• Experience with scratch cooking and fresh ingredients preferred
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Desired Traits

• Speed with precision and consistency
• Strong palate and attention to flavor
• Organized and production-minded
• Team-oriented with positive attitude
• Passion for quality prepared foods and hospitality
• Creative but disciplined with recipes and systems
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Dependable and self-motivated
• Ability to maintain full, fresh visually appealing hot bar at all service times
• Ability to create signature sauces and dishes that drive repeat customers
• Ability to execute consistently and have minimal waste
• Ability to maintain clean organized kitchen and have strong food safety standards

Benefits (may vary by position)

• Competitive pay
• Employee discount on Mother’s Market products
• Flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, bending, and repetitive motions throughout the shift
• Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to heat, steam, and kitchen equipment

Why Work at Mother’s Market?

• Mission-driven company focused on health, wellness, and sustainability
• Supportive, team-oriented culture
• Opportunities for growth and career development
• Employee discounts on organic food and wellness products

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mother’s Market is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.