Pastry Cook

Driftwood Hospitality Management; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Room discounts

Employee food & beverage discounts

Job summary

Driftwood Hospitality Management’s The Radical is seeking a Pastry Cook to bring precision and creativity to our River Arts District kitchen in Asheville. You’ll craft desserts and pastry items to spec, collaborate on seasonal menus, and help keep a fast-paced, guest-focused station thriving.

We value a steady hand, attention to detail, and a positive team spirit, with room to grow into leadership as you develop skills alongside a passionate culinary team.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional pastry, bakery, or kitchen setting is a plus — but passion and a willingness to learn matter more.
• A steady hand, a sharp eye for detail, and pride in consistent execution.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment
• A team-first attitude — the kind of person who shows up, helps out, and keeps the energy positive
• Basic food safety knowledge (or willingness to get certified — we'll help)
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as the hotel never really sleeps

Responsibilities

• Prepare and plate desserts, baked goods, and pastry items to spec, with consistency and craftsmanship every service
• Support daily mise en place — batters, doughs, fillings, garnishes, and components prepped ahead of the rush
• Collaborate with the culinary team on seasonal menu development and specials rooted in local, fresh ingredients
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient pastry station that meets health and safety standards
• Manage inventory and ingredient freshness, flagging needs before they become problems
• Bring a guest-first mindset to every plate — presentation and quality matter, always
• Jump in and support the broader kitchen team when needed; we win as a crew

Skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Fast-paced kitchen

Food safety knowledge

Job description

The Radical isn't your average hotel kitchen. Set in the heart of Asheville's River Arts District, our F&B program pulls inspiration from the artists, makers, and misfits who call this neighborhood home, and desserts are where that creativity gets to run wild. We're looking for a Pastry Cook who takes pride in precision, loves to experiment, and wants their work to actually mean something on the plate. If you want a kitchen that respects the craft and gives you room to create, this is it.

What You'll Do

• Prepare and plate desserts, baked goods, and pastry items to spec, with consistency and craftsmanship every service
• Support daily mise en place — batters, doughs, fillings, garnishes, and components prepped ahead of the rush
• Collaborate with the culinary team on seasonal menu development and specials rooted in local, fresh ingredients
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient pastry station that meets health and safety standards
• Manage inventory and ingredient freshness, flagging needs before they become problems
• Bring a guest-first mindset to every plate — presentation and quality matter, always
• Jump in and support the broader kitchen team when needed; we win as a crew

Qualifications & What We're Looking For

• Experience in a professional pastry, bakery, or kitchen setting is a plus — but passion and a willingness to learn matter more
• A steady hand, a sharp eye for detail, and pride in consistent execution
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment
• A team-first attitude — the kind of person who shows up, helps out, and keeps the energy positive
• Basic food safety knowledge (or willingness to get certified — we'll help)
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as the hotel never really sleeps

Why The Radical

Creative Kitchen Culture

A culinary program that treats pastry as art, not an afterthought — your ideas have a real seat at the table.

Room to Grow

Clear paths toward Lead Pastry Cook and beyond, with mentorship from a team that wants to see you develop.

River Arts District Energy

Work surrounded by studios, galleries, and Asheville's most creative community — inspiration is baked right in.

A Team That Has Your Back

No corporate stiffness — just a crew that works hard, supports each other, and takes real pride in the craft.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Room discounts
• Employee food & beverage discounts

EEO: Driftwood Hospitality Management is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.