Lead Line Cook

Le Tesserae; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Aperitivo in Houston is seeking an experienced Lead Line Cook to drive daily kitchen operations and support culinary leadership.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will train staff, ensure recipes and presentation standards, manage prep and inventory, and contribute to private events and high-profile functions. This on-site role offers competitive pay and opportunities to grow into Sous Chef and future leadership positions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of line cook experience in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, catering, or hospitality environment.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned stations during service while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Assist with training and mentoring line cooks and prep cooks.
• Ensure recipes, portioning, and presentation standards are followed.
• Support daily food preparation and production.
• Assist with inventory management, receiving, and product rotation.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout the kitchen.
• Communicate effectively with culinary leadership and front-of-house teams.
• Assist with private events, catering functions, and special culinary programs.
• Help create a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Serve as a role model for kitchen standards, work ethic, and professionalism.

Skills

Line cook experience

Leadership

Teamwork

Food safety

Communication

Job description

APERITIVO | Houston, Texas

Pay Range: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour (based on experience)

Aperitivo is seeking an experienced Lead Line Cook to help drive daily kitchen operations, support culinary leadership, and deliver exceptional food and hospitality in one of Houston’s premier rooftop dining and event destinations.

About Aperitivo

Aperitivo is a sophisticated rooftop café featuring a 5,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor patio overlooking Buffalo Bayou and the Houston skyline. Designed to blend modern elegance with a welcoming atmosphere, Aperitivo offers a unique destination for happy hours, cocktail receptions, after-parties, corporate gatherings, and private events.

With breathtaking views, exceptional hospitality, and thoughtfully curated food and beverage experiences, Aperitivo provides guests with an elevated yet approachable setting that is both memorable and versatile. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a large social event, Aperitivo delivers a distinctive experience in one of Houston’s most scenic rooftop venues.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Lead Line Cook serves as a key member of the culinary team, ensuring consistency, quality, and execution during daily service and private events. This role is ideal for an experienced cook who is ready to take on additional leadership responsibilities while continuing to work hands‑on in the kitchen.

The Lead Line Cook will help train team members, maintain culinary standards, and support the successful execution of restaurant and event operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned stations during service while maintaining quality and consistency
• Assist with training and mentoring line cooks and prep cooks
• Ensure recipes, portioning, and presentation standards are followed
• Support daily food preparation and production
• Assist with inventory management, receiving, and product rotation
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout the kitchen
• Communicate effectively with culinary leadership and front-of-house teams
• Assist with private events, catering functions, and special culinary programs
• Help create a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen culture
• Serve as a role model for kitchen standards, work ethic, and professionalism

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of line cook experience in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, catering, or hospitality environment
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations
• Ability to multitask and perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• ServSafe Certification preferred
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Why Join Aperitivo?

• Work in one of Houston’s most unique rooftop hospitality venues
• Opportunity to grow into Sous Chef and future culinary leadership positions
• Exposure to restaurant service, private events, and high-profile functions
• Work alongside experienced hospitality and culinary professionals
• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Career growth opportunities within a growing hospitality organization

Aperitivo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.