Line Cook

Yardbird Group; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Yardbird in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Line Cook to join our Southern-inspired kitchen. You will prepare and plate dishes while maintaining quality, speed, and presentation in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires 2+ years in high-volume or upscale kitchens, a culinary degree, and strong communication along with solid decision-making under pressure. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in high volume or upscale kitchens.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items per Yardbird’s recipes, standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation during service.
• Ensure all food is fresh, properly stored, and prepared safely.
• Collaborate with team for smooth kitchen operations and timely service.
• Follow portion controls and minimize waste to support food costs.
• Assist in daily prep tasks: chopping, marinating, assembling ingredients.
• Communicate with kitchen and management to address challenges.
• Maintain professional, team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Work under pressure to meet production timelines for guests.

Skills

High-volume kitchens

Upscale dining

Verbal & written comms

Critical thinking

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Deeplyrooted in Southern hospitality, Yardbirdstands as an iconicestablishment celebrated by both James Beard and Bon Appétit. Cherished familyrecipes and genuine warmth are infused into every bite. From its inception inthe vibrant heart of Miami Beach, Yardbird has captivated guests with its unapologeticallyindulgent cuisine and award-winning bourbon selections. Join our team and bepart of a legacy that combines culinary excellence with heartfelt hospitality.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Line Cooks to join our team. As a Line Cook, you will play a vital role in delivering our renowned Southern-inspired dishes, ensuring every plate reflects our commitment to quality, flavor, and presentation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Prepare and cook menu items according to Yardbird’s recipes, standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation during service.
• Ensure all food is fresh, properly stored, and prepared in compliance with food safety standards.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely service.
• Follow portion controls and minimize waste to support food cost management.
• Assist in daily prep tasks, including chopping, marinating, and assembling ingredients.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen team and management to address any challenges.
• Uphold a positive attitude and contribute to a professional, team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Able to work well under pressure of meeting production schedules and timelines for guests' food orders
• Must be able to maintain tact and be cool under pressure
• Able to work flexible hours necessary including off hours, weekends and holidays.
• Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment; use equipment and tools only as intended, properly and safely.
• Assist in monitoring inventory of prepared food items to keep waste down while managing 86’s.
• Minimize waste and maintain controls to attain forecasted food cost.
• Meet with Chefs to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other information pertinent to job performance.

Preferred:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in high volume or upscale kitchens.
• Culinary degree from accredited school or university.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills

EOE

We run background checks on all new hires in this position.