Kitchen Team Member

T&J Travel Centers; Tarzan (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Stable hours

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

T&J Travel Centers in Tarzan, Texas is looking for a passionate cook for Tarzan Grill. Responsibilities include preparing made-to-order meals, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and executing orders efficiently. The ideal candidate should have a strong work ethic, excellent teamwork skills, and a commitment to food safety. T&J fosters a family-style culture that values respect and continuous improvement. Opportunities for growth and competitive pay are offered.

Qualifications

• Passion for food and cooking, taking pride in every plate.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to work under pressure.
• Coachable and motivated to improve cooking skills.

Responsibilities

• Cook made-to-order meals and prep ingredients efficiently.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen.
• Execute orders with speed and accuracy during peak hours.

Skills

Food preparation

Speed without shortcuts

Teamwork

Communication

Food safety knowledge

Job description

About Tarzan & Jane Travel Centers

At T&J, we 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 temps, 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
• 95%+ kitchen cleanliness and sanitation scores on audits
• 100% compliance with food safety protocols
• 95%+ attendance and reliability
• 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.