Kitchen Team Member

T&J Travel Centers; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Stable hours

Recognition for excellence

Job summary

T&J Travel Centers in Odessa, Texas, is looking for motivated kitchen staff to join our team. In this role, you'll be pivotal in cooking made-to-order meals, prepping ingredients, and ensuring kitchen cleanliness. We pride ourselves on a family-style culture built on respect and teamwork.

The ideal candidate is passionate about food, reliable, and possesses a team-first attitude. Join us to make every stop memorable with great food and friendly faces!

Qualifications

• You take pride in every plate that leaves the window.
• You show up and give your best, even when it’s hot and busy.
• You can move fast and still do it right.
• You stay calm, focused, and positive during the hardest rushes.
• You communicate well and help others.
• You take feedback well and want to get better every shift.

Responsibilities

• Cook made-to-order meals and prep ingredients.
• Assemble grab-and-go items and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Follow food safety protocols and communicate with teammates.

Skills

Passion for food and cooking

Strong work ethic

Speed without shortcuts

Composure under pressure

Team-first attitude

Coachable and eager to improve

Job description

Overview

Tarzan & Jane Travel Centers (T&J) believe hospitality should feel like home — warm, fast, and consistent. Our locations combine great food, clean facilities, and friendly faces that make every stop memorable. Tarzan Grill is the heart of every T&J location — a scratch-quality kitchen turning out craveable food that keeps people coming back.

If you love cooking, stay cool in the heat, and take pride in putting out great food every single time, you’ll fit right in here.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be the engine behind Tarzan Grill — cooking made-to-order meals, prepping ingredients, assembling grab-and-go items, and keeping the kitchen clean, organized, and running at full speed. Whether you’re working the line or handling prep, your work directly shapes the guest experience.

Your Success Will Be Measured By How Well You

• Prepare food to Tarzan Grill standards — consistent quality, proper portions, correct presentation on every order
• Execute during rushes with speed and accuracy, keeping ticket times fast without cutting corners
• Complete daily prep lists on time and to spec so the line is set up for success every shift
• Assemble grab-and-go items with care and consistency, maintaining freshness and presentation standards
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen throughout the shift — not just at close
• Follow all food safety protocols: proper temperatures, dating, labeling, handwashing, and storage
• Communicate clearly with your kitchen teammates and the front of house to keep orders moving
• Treat every team member with respect and work together as one team

Key Performance Indicators

We don’t just say “do a great job” — we define it. A-Players at T&J consistently achieve:

• Ticket times within target during peak and off-peak service
• Kitchen cleanliness and sanitation scores on audits (95%+)
• Compliance with food safety protocols (100%)
• Attendance and reliability (95%+)
• Consistent food quality — correct portions, proper temps, and presentation on every plate
• Prep lists completed on time and to spec before service
• Positive peer and manager feedback on attitude and teamwork
• Consistent demonstration of our values — humble, hungry, and smart

What You Bring

• A passion for food and cooking — you take pride in every plate that leaves the window
• Strong work ethic and reliability — you show up and give your best, even when it’s hot and busy
• Speed without shortcuts — you can move fast and still do it right
• Composure under pressure — you stay calm, focused, and positive during the hardest rushes
• Team-first attitude — you communicate well, help others, and keep the kitchen moving as one unit
• Coachable and hungry to improve — you take feedback well and want to get better every shift
• Values-aligned (Humble, Hungry, Smart) — you model integrity, hard work, and emotional intelligence

What You Can Expect

• A family-style culture built on respect, teamwork, and humility
• Clear standards, training, and opportunities to grow into kitchen leadership
• Competitive pay, stable hours, and recognition for excellence
• A clean, well-equipped, and high-energy kitchen environment

Our Values

• Humble: We serve with gratitude and respect.
• Hungry: We work hard, stay curious, and keep improving.
• Smart: We treat people well and make thoughtful decisions.