Line Cook - ALMA Neighborhood Cafe

Alma; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Alma in San Luis Obispo is seeking a Line Cook to join a small, close kitchen team. You will prepare daily menus using seasonal produce from local farms, and takeout or catering orders as needed. You will help with prep, cooking to Alma's recipes, and maintain a clean, safe workstation while supporting the pastry team when required.

This role rewards consistency, teamwork, and hospitality. Ideal candidates have 1–2 years line cook experience, strong knife skills, and a passion for local sourcing

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of line cook experience in cafe, brunch, or fast-paced kitchen.
• Solid knife skills and a working knowledge of basic cooking techniques.
• A genuine passion for great food, seasonal produce, and local sourcing.
• California Food Handler Card (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to Alma's recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Set up your station with mise en place, tools, equipment, and supplies before service.
• Support prep, cleaning, and the pastry team when needed.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized station and follow all food safety procedures.
• Contribute to a positive kitchen culture and teamwork.

Skills

Line cook experience

Knife skills

Food safety

Seasonal produce

Communication

Calm under pressure

Education

California Food Handler Card

Job description

About Us:

ALMA ("soul" in Spanish and Portuguese) is a neighborhood coffeehouse built around the heart and community of a farmers market - rooted in community, seasonal produce from local farms and makers, and genuine hospitality. With an excellent coffee program, baked goods, savory menus, takeout, and a small beer and wine list, we aim to be a warm and welcoming spot for both locals and tourists in San Luis Obispo.

The Role:

As a Line Cook at Alma, you'll prepare and cook our daily menus with care, whether a plate is going to a table, into a takeout bag, or out on a catering order. Our menu follows the seasons and the farmers market, so you'll work with great local produce and see the menu evolve throughout the year. This is a small, close team where everyone pitches in, so you'll also support prep, cleaning, and our pastry team when needed. It's a great fit for a cook who loves the craft, takes pride in consistency, and enjoys working in a kitchen where they have a big impact on the guest experience and a diversity of tasks.

Our three core values shape everything we do: Authenticity, Respect, & Enthusiasm.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Prep

• Set up your station with the required mise en place, tools, equipment, and supplies before service
• Complete prep assignments from the daily prep list, following recipes and portion standards
• Wash, cut, and prepare seasonal produce and proteins with care and minimal waste
• Label, date, rotate, and store all products properly using FIFO

Service

• Prepare and cook menu items to Alma's recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards
• Monitor cooking times and temperatures so every dish is correct, high quality, and timely
• Treat dine in, takeout, and catering orders with the same level of care
• Keep your station stocked throughout service and communicate early when something is running low
• Know every ingredient and preparation on the menu, including allergens, so you can answer questions and prevent cross contact

Cleaning and Safety

• Keep your station, knives, cutting boards, and equipment clean and sanitized throughout the shift
• Follow all food safety, storage, and sanitation procedures
• Handle equipment with care and with safety in mind
• Open and close your station using station checklists
• Help with dishes, deep cleaning, and the cleaning list during slower periods

Teamwork

• Take pride in the quality and consistency of every dish that leaves the kitchen
• Stay aware of guest flow and work with FOH to keep service smooth and guests happy
• Help put away deliveries and restock from the walk-in and dry storage
• Support the pastry team and cross train on other stations as needed
• Help train newer kitchen team members when asked
• Contribute to a positive kitchen culture built on teamwork, respect, and good energy
• Perform other duties as assigned by kitchen leadership

Required Skills and Abilities:

• 1 to 2 years of line cook experience, ideally in a cafe, brunch, or fast paced kitchen
• Solid knife skills and a working knowledge of basic cooking techniques
• A genuine passion for great food, seasonal produce, specialty coffee, and local sourcing
• Able to stay calm, organized, and focused during busy rushes
• Takes direction well and communicates clearly with the team
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation
• California Food Handler Card (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Reliable and punctual, with a team and guest-first attitude
• Flexible availability, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements:

• High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing, upright position for long periods of time up to 8 hours
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, and transport furniture, equipment, and deliveries up to 50 pounds