Line Cook - Cook II

POTOMAC HOSPITALITY GROUP; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Job summary

Ruby's Southern Comfort Kitchen in Bowie, Maryland is seeking Line Cooks for a fast-paced, high-energy kitchen. You will work fry, sauté, grill, and prep, keeping tickets moving with speed, accuracy, and pride in every dish.

This role offers an entry point into leadership as Ruby's promotes from within, with potential to become Sous Chef or Production Manager. We value hospitality, clear communication, and a rigorous focus on food safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume kitchen
• Ability to work across fry, sauté, grill, and prep stations
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Commitment to food safety and quality

Responsibilities

• Operate fry, sauté, grill, and prep stations efficiently
• Maintain mise en place and station cleanliness throughout shift
• Ensure food is cooked to recipe specifications and temperatures
• Communicate orders, tickets, and 86s clearly to team
• Produce finished dishes that meet quality standards and presentation
• Assist with end-of-shift cleaning and organization

Skills

Fry station proficiency

Sauté cooking

Grill mastery

Prep work

Communication

Job description

Who We Are

At Ruby's Southern Comfort Kitchen, hospitality is our legacy — and it starts long before a plate ever hits the pass. Named in honor of the late Ruby Crews, whose love for feeding family and community runs through everything we do, Ruby's is Bowie, Maryland's premier fast-casual southern comfort destination. We're a family-driven restaurant and catering powerhouse, proudly serving our community and growing fast.

From our handmade sweet potato pie and signature fried chicken to our coveted Bayou shrimp pasta, every dish we send to our guests carries the weight of a tradition and the standard of excellence. We are looking for Line Cooks who cook with pride, move with purpose, and understand that every ticket matters.

The Role

We need Line Cooks who can hold it down on the fry station, fire flawlessly on sauté, work the grill with confidence, and jump into prep without missing a beat. You are part of a high-volume, high-energy kitchen that takes comfort food seriously. You must be able to work clean, move fast, and communicate clearly — all while keeping Ruby's soulful standard in every single dish.

This is not just a job — it's an entry point. Ruby's promotes from within, and we are actively building the next generation of culinary leaders. The cook who brings the right attitude and work ethic today is the Sous Chef or Production Manager of tomorrow.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Station Operations

• Execute high-volume production across fry, sauté, grill, and prep stations with speed, consistency, and composure during peak service
• Maintain mise en place at each station — everything in its place before the first ticket drops
• Cook to temperature and recipe spec every time: no shortcuts, no exceptions
• Rotate between stations as directed by the Sous Chef or Executive Chef, demonstrating flexibility across the line
• Read and call out tickets clearly; communicate picks, fires, and 86s to the team with accuracy
• Deliver finished plates that meet Ruby's visual and quality standards before they reach the pass

Food Safety, Sanitation & Organization

• Adhere to all ServSafe and Maryland Department of Health food safety and sanitation standards at all times
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling (date, item, prep date), and FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation on all coolers and dry storage
• Keep all stations clean throughout the shift — wipe as you go, sanitize surfaces between tasks, and maintain an organized station at all times
• Monitor internal temperatures using thermometers and ensure all proteins are cooked to proper safe harbor temps
• Report any food safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, or sanitation issues to management immediately
• Complete thorough end-of-shift cleaning duties as assigned, including degreasing, wiping down equipment, and sweeping/mopping station areas

Teamwork & Culture

• Show up as a team player — the line wins together or not at all
• Support prep cooks and fellow line cooks during rushes and transitions
• Embrace feedback from leadership with professionalism and use it to grow
• Uphold Ruby's brand values: hospitality, warmth, precision, and pride in the work
• Perform additional duties as requested by management