Line Cook

Union Square Hospitality Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Digital Wallet

Health coverage

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Employee relief fund

Dining discount

Commuter benefits

Learning & mentorship

Job summary

Union Square Cafe, the flagship restaurant of Union Square Hospitality Group in New York, draws inspiration from Italian, French, and Northern California kitchens. We are seeking a Line Cook with a strong passion for food, technique, and learning to join our team.

You will maintain station mise en place, support a professional service, and contribute to a culture of Enlightened Hospitality. 1+ year of line cook experience at a full‑service restaurant is required.

Qualifications

• 1+ years in a Line Cook position at a full-service restaurant, or similar experience.
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time.
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality.
• Display a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu.
• Consistently ensure that station mise en place is prepped, seasoned, and stocked throughout service and overall station remains clean and organized.
• Effectively participates in a professionally run service period, ensuring excellence in cooking, timing, plate assembly, and communication.
• Maintain a calm mental athleticism while managing picks and simultaneously taking direction from expediters and culinary leaders.
• Promote teamwork and excellence amongst the kitchen team.
• Demonstrate an eagerness to refine techniques and a desire to continually learn and grow.

Job description

*Union Square Cafe’s seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy, France, and Northern California. Union Square Cafe—the flagship business that launched Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group—has been one of the country’s most beloved restaurants for over 40 years. In our second home on 19th Street, Union Square Cafe embodies the heartfelt passion and generosity that has been the restaurant’s calling card since we opened in 1985. Designed by Rockwell Group, our new home preserves the restaurant’s signature charm, intimacy, and familiarity in a fresh, contemporary dining environment. Union Square Cafe has won five James Beard Awards and earned Zagat Survey’s #1 ranking as New York’s Most Popular Restaurant an unprecedented nine times* .

Who you are:

As a Line Cook, you have a strong passion for food, technique, and an eagerness to learn more, which comes with the opportunity to build on your skills and grow as a leader in the kitchen. The ideal candidate is friendly, curious, and devoted to becoming an integral member of a team that values hard work and attention to every detail.

What you’ll do:

• Consistently support a culture of Enlightened Hospitality.
• Display a working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu.
• Consistently ensure that station mise en place is prepped, seasoned, and stocked throughout service and overall station remains clean and organized.
• Effectively participates in a professionally run service period, ensuring excellence in cooking, timing, plate assembly, and communication.
• Maintain a calm mental athleticism while managing picks and simultaneously taking direction from expediters and culinary leaders.
• Promote teamwork and excellence amongst the kitchen team.
• Demonstrate an eagerness to refine techniques and a desire to continually learn and grow.

What we need from you:

• 1+ years in a Line Cook position at a full-service restaurant, or similar experience.
• Ability to walk or stand for long periods of time.
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required.

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Line Cook, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay: Hourly rate of $20 - $25/hour.
• Quick access to earnings: Eligibility for the USHG Digital Wallet, where you'll have next-day access to earnings and flexible saving options.
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care.
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work.
• Invest in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings.
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship.
• Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones.
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking.
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger. Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong.
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots to build uplifting experiences and relationships.
• Center the salt shaker with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most.
• Write a great next chapter. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled.
• Bring a charitable assumption and err on the side of generosity.
• Leave our campsite better than we found it; always responsible for the impact of our wake.

The above represents the expected hourly range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

Experience

Experience: Required
Employment: Full-time
Salary: $20 – $25 hourly
Starting time: Immediate start!

About Union Square Hospitality Group:

Union Square Cafe’s seasonal cuisine draws inspiration from the kitchens and tables of Italy, France, and Northern California. Union Square Cafe—the flagship business that launched Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group—has been one o