Line Cook | Saint James French Diner

Saint James French Diner; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off and holidays

Sick pay

Job summary

Saint James French Diner is seeking a Line Cook to join its kitchen team in a fast-paced dining environment. You will set up stations, prep ingredients, and plate dishes with care to ensure a consistent guest experience.

The role requires energy, focus, and a passion for cooking. You will work collaboratively with a team, maintaining cleanliness and following safety protocols while supporting service during peak hours.

Qualifications

• 1 year of related experience as a line cook in a high-quality full-service or fast-casual environment.
• Positive, upbeat attitude and a genuine passion for cooking.
• Collaborative team player, comfortable pivoting quickly when the situation calls for it.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong prioritization and basic math/critical-thinking skills for prep and recipes.
• Clear, professional communicator who listens and adapts to feedback.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Set up your station and complete your daily prep list.
• Receive and inspect vendor goods to ensure all products meet our standards.
• Prepare and deliver beautifully plated items to the line, supporting other stations as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized workspace, including all food storage areas.
• Follow prep lists, portion guidelines, and exceptional cooking technique to prepare for service.
• Collaborate with the team to complete service in a positive, respectful environment, matching the pace of a demanding kitchen.
• Work safely and sanitarily at all times, protecting the health of staff and guests.
• Complete opening/closing tasks and lend a hand wherever needed to help the team finish service efficiently.

Skills

Line cook experience

Positive attitude

Collaborative team player

Organized and detail-oriented

Clear communicator

Flexible schedule

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

Palisociety is a society of unique hotels and residences — Palihouse, Palihotel, Le Petit Pali, ARRIVE by Palisociety, and a growing collection of independently branded properties. Since our first hotel opened in Los Angeles in 2009, we've grown into a nationwide portfolio of neighborhood-centric hotels, restaurants, bars, and event spaces, earning recognition from Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, the New York Times, and more.

We consider our employees our greatest asset: structured training from day one, consistent feedback, and a clear path for growth. We develop our leaders from within, because the strongest hospitality companies are the ones that grow their own.

ABOUT SAINT JAMES FRENCH DINER:

Saint James French Diner is a restaurant and bar blending the utilitarian nature of the American diner with the subtle elegance of French bistro cuisine. Offering daily barista service, happy hour and dinner Wednesday to Sunday, and weekend brunch for hotel guests and locals, the menu is hearty and simple, yet refined by nature, paying homage to roadside food halls in Southern France. It's shared mussels and a beer, or burgers and martinis. It's sensible, unpretentious, and totally chic.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Line Cook is a key player behind every dish at Saint James French Diner - prepping, cooking, and plating with care to deliver a delicious, consistent guest experience. You'll bring energy and precision to a fast-paced kitchen, keeping your station running smoothly night after night.

THE TASK AT HAND:

• Set up your station and complete your daily prep list.

• Receive and inspect vendor goods to ensure all products meet our standards.

• Prepare and deliver beautifully plated items to the line, supporting other stations as needed.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitized workspace, including all food storage areas.

• Follow prep lists, portion guidelines, and exceptional cooking technique to prepare for service.

• Collaborate with the team to complete service in a positive, respectful environment, matching the pace of a demanding kitchen.

• Work safely and sanitarily at all times, protecting the health of staff and guests.

• Complete opening/closing tasks and lend a hand wherever needed to help the team finish service efficiently.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Required

• 1 year of related experience as a line cook in a high-quality full-service or fast-casual environment.
• Positive, upbeat attitude and a genuine passion for cooking.
• Collaborative team player, comfortable pivoting quickly when the situation calls for it.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong prioritization and basic math/critical-thinking skills for prep and recipes.
• Clear, professional communicator who listens and adapts to feedback.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Physical

• Ability to stand or walk a minimum eight-hour shift, including bending and lifting up to 30 lbs.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Competitive compensation package with medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus 401(k).
• Paid time off, holiday pay, and sick pay.
• Career advancement and professional development as we open new hotels and restaurants nationwide.
• Employee discounts across our entire portfolio (25 hotels and more to come!).