Line Cook

Cowboy San Juan (SJC); San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Nick's in San Juan Capistrano seeks a Line Cook to prepare, cook, and plate dishes with care, consistency, and pride in a fast-paced kitchen where quality and teamwork come first.

You'll follow recipes and plating standards, prep ingredients, and maintain safety and cleanliness throughout shifts. California Food Handler Card is preferred and may be provided if hired.

Qualifications

• Prior restaurant or kitchen experience (preferred).
• Strong cooking skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• California Food Handler Card (provided if hired).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and plate menu items, including meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and sauces, following Nick's recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Prep and portion ingredients before service to keep your station ready and running smoothly.
• Use grills, fryers, and other kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
• Make sure every dish goes out on time, at the right temperature, and to Nick's quality standards.
• Follow food safety practices, including proper food temperatures, labeling, rotation, and storage.
• Keep your station clean, organized, and sanitary throughout your shift.
• Complete all side work before the end of your shift.
• Let the Culinary Management team know right away about equipment issues, food quality concerns, or product shortages.
• Communicate with your team and ask for help when tickets or tasks fall behind.
• Be a great teammate by helping Prep Cooks, Servers, Hosts, Server Assistants, and Managers whenever needed.
• Take direction from management and expediters.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and uniform standards.
• Show up on time and ready for every shift with a positive attitude, proper uniform, thermometer, and cut glove.
• Stay flexible when schedules change based on the restaurant's needs.

Skills

Cooking skills

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Fast-paced work

Tools

Grills & fryers

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Line Cook

Reports To: Management Team

Pay Range: $23.00–$27.00 / hr. Based on experience

About the Role:

At Nick's, great food is at the heart of every guest experience. As a Line Cook, you'll prepare and plate our dishes with care, consistency, and pride, working in a fast-paced kitchen where quality and teamwork come first.

What You'll Do:

• Prepare, cook, and plate menu items, including meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, and sauces, following Nick's recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Prep and portion ingredients before service to keep your station ready and running smoothly.
• Use grills, fryers, and other kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
• Make sure every dish goes out on time, at the right temperature, and to Nick's quality standards.
• Follow food safety practices, including proper food temperatures, labeling, rotation, and storage.
• Keep your station clean, organized, and sanitary throughout your shift.
• Complete all side work before the end of your shift.
• Let the Culinary Management team know right away about equipment issues, food quality concerns, or product shortages.
• Communicate with your team and ask for help when tickets or tasks fall behind.
• Be a great teammate by helping Prep Cooks, Servers, Hosts, Server Assistants, and Managers whenever needed.
• Take direction from management and expediters.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and uniform standards.
• Show up on time and ready for every shift with a positive attitude, proper uniform, thermometer, and cut glove.
• Stay flexible when schedules change based on the restaurant's needs.

Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Prior restaurant or kitchen experience (preferred)
• Strong cooking skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• California Food Handler Card (provided if hired)

Location: Varies

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; walk, stand, bend, and reach for extended periods; occasionally twist; grasp and handle items with hands; work in a hot kitchen environment; and work shifts of up to 8–10 hours.