Kitchen Lead

Hometown-Coffee-; Winnetka (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Food & beverage discounts

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Kitchen Lead at Hometown Coffee & Juice in Winnetka leads back-of-house operations, ensuring quality prep, timely service, and a positive team environment. You’ll set an example, mentor teammates, and uphold the standards that make our cafe a community favorite.

Responsibilities include guiding prep and service, managing ticket flow, training new staff, enforcing food safety, and collaborating with front-of-house to deliver consistently great dishes and a welcoming guest experience.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of kitchen leadership experience.
• ServSafe certification preferred.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations during prep and service.
• Manage ticket flow and station organization.
• Train and mentor new team members.
• Maintain food safety and quality standards.
• Support front-of-house with timely food delivery.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Team mentoring

Communication

Education

ServSafe certification (preferred)

Job description

Description

Location: Winnetka

Reports to: General Manager

Position Summary

As Kitchen Lead, you’ll be the heartbeat of our back-of-house team, ensuring smooth daily operations, high-quality food preparation, and a positive team environment. You’ll lead by example, support your teammates, and help maintain the standards that make Hometown Coffee & Juice a beloved community spot.

Key Responsibilities

Execution & Ownership

• Lead kitchen operations during prep and service, ensuring food is prepared to recipe standards and served promptly.
• Manage ticket flow and station organization to maintain efficiency and consistency.
• Take initiative to solve problems and support the team during peak hours.

Teamwork & Professional Conduct

• Foster a collaborative and respectful kitchen culture.
• Train and mentor new team members, helping them understand our values and standards.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with all team members.

Food Preparation & Safety

• Ensure all food is prepared and presented according to Hometown’s quality standards.
• Follow food safety and sanitation protocols, including FIFO practices and allergen awareness.
• Monitor and maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization.

Customer Focus

• Support the front-of-house team by ensuring timely and consistent food delivery.
• Maintain high standards that contribute to a positive customer experience.

Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with the prep and smoothie teams to coordinate ingredient needs and service flow.
• Communicate stock levels, special requests, and operational issues to management.

Compliance & Cost Control

• Monitor inventory and assist with ordering and receiving supplies.
• Follow portion control guidelines to reduce waste and manage food costs.
• Ensure proper storage and rotation of ingredients.

Culture

• Learn: Understand and embody Hometown’s culture, values, and customer experience standards.
• Teach: Help onboard and train new team members, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Live: Demonstrate teamwork, quality, and customer focus in every shift.

What You Need

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a high-heat environment.
• Comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Strong knife skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a kitchen leadership role (or equivalent experience).
• ServSafe certification preferred (can be obtained upon hiring).
• Ability to multitask and lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Why You'll Love This Job

• Be part of a supportive, high-energy team.
• Grow your skills and take on leadership opportunities.
• Work in a vibrant café environment where your contributions matter.
• Enjoy perks like food and beverage discounts and opportunities for advancement.

Pay & Benefits

Compensation - $22 -$25 per hour

Hours - 40-48 hours per week

FT or PT - FT

EEO Statement

Uptown and Hometown Coffee & Juice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic orientation, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

-------------------------------------------------

Spanish

Ubicación: Winnetka

Reporta a: Gerente General

Resumen del Puesto

Como Líder de Cocina, serás el motor de nuestro equipo de cocina, asegurando operaciones diarias fluidas, preparación de alimentos de alta calidad y un ambiente de equipo positivo. Liderarás con el ejemplo, apoyarás a tus compañeros y ayudarás a mantener los estándares que hacen de Hometown Coffee & Juice un lugar querido por la comunidad.

Responsabilidades Clave

Ejecución y Responsabilidad

• Liderar las operaciones de cocina durante la preparación y el servicio, asegurando que los alimentos se preparen según los estándares de recetas y se sirvan puntualmente.
• Gestionar el flujo de pedidos y la organización de estaciones para mantener la eficiencia y la consistencia.
• Tomar la iniciativa para resolver problemas y apoyar al equipo durante las horas pico.

Trabajo en Equipo yConducta Profesional

• Fomentar una cultura de cocina colaborativa y respetuosa.
• Capacitar y orientar a nuevos miembros del equipo, ayudándoles a comprender nuestros valores y estándares.
• Comunicarte de manera clara y profesional con todos los miembros del equipo.

Preparación de Alimentos y Seguridad

• Asegurar que todos los alimentos se preparen y presenten según los estándares de calidad de Hometown.
• Seguir los protocolos de seguridad alimentaria y saneamiento, incluyendo prácticas FIFO y conciencia sobre alérgenos.
• Supervisar y mantener la limpieza y organización de la cocina.

Enfoque en el Cliente

• Apoyar al equipo de atención al cliente asegurando una entrega de alimentos oportuna y consistente.
• Mantener altos estándares que contribuyan a una experiencia positiva para el cliente.

Comunicación y Colaboración

• Trabajar estrechamente con los equipos de preparación y batidos para coordinar necesidades de ingredientes y flujo de servicio.
• Comunicar niveles de inventario, solicitudes especiales y problemas operativos a la gerencia.

Cumplimiento y Control de Costos

• Supervisar el inventario y ayudar con pedidos y recepción de suministros.
• Seguir las pautas de control de porciones para reducir el desperdicio y gestionar los costos de alimentos.