Restaurant Cook - Dana Point

Mother's Market & Kitchen; Dana Point (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Employee discount

Flexible scheduling

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

A local health-focused grocery and dining company is seeking a Restaurant Cook with 2+ years of experience in high-volume kitchens. The ideal candidate will create flavorful, scratch-made dishes while ensuring quality and safety standards. Responsibilities include preparing diverse hot bar dishes and maintaining cleanliness in a fast-paced environment. This position offers competitive pay, benefits like medical and dental insurance, and a team-oriented culture that values health and wellness.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a line cook or chef in high-volume environments.
• Strong knowledge of sauce-making fundamentals.
• Ability to execute batch cooking while maintaining high culinary standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare variety of hot bar dishes including proteins and vegetables.
• Create scratch-made sauces and dressings.
• Maintain quality and safety of food served.

Skills

Cooking precision

Sauce-making fundamentals

Flavor balance

Batch cooking

Teamwork

Job description

Restaurant Cook at Mother’s Market

The Restaurant Cook at Mother’s Market has a passion for creating flavorful, scratch‑made sauces and composed dishes for a high‑quality hot bar program. This role is responsible for producing consistent, visually appealing, and delicious prepared foods that meet our standards for freshness, quality, and presentation. The ideal candidate understands batch cooking, speed, and consistency while maintaining chef‑driven flavor and creativity. The Restaurant Cook helps deliver nutritious, flavorful meals that reflect Mother’s Market’s commitment to healthy living.

Wage Range

$22-$26/hour

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & in‑store discounts

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare a variety of hot bar ready dishes including proteins, vegetables, grains, and composed entrées
• Create and execute scratch‑made sauces, gravies, broths, and dressings to elevate hot bar offerings
• Follow recipes and production plans while maintaining consistent flavor, quality, and portioning
• Set up, maintain, and refresh hot bar items to ensure peak presentation and food safety
• Monitor food quality, temperature, and freshness throughout service
• Collaborate with kitchen leadership on menu development, seasonal specials, and daily features
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workstation
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards
• Manage prep lists, production schedules, and minimize food waste
• Assist with ordering, inventory, and proper product rotation as needed
• Promote Mother’s Market values, including wellness, sustainability, and community
• Work collaboratively with kitchen and store teams

Qualifications

• 2+ year’s experience as a line cook or chef in high‑volume kitchen, hot bar, or catering/buffet environment
• Strong knowledge of sauce‑making fundamentals (stocks, reductions, emulsions, gravies, plant‑based sauces, etc.)
• Ability to execute batch cooking while maintaining high culinary standards
• Understanding of seasoning, flavor balance, and presentation
• Experience with scratch cooking and fresh ingredients preferred
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Desired Traits

• Speed with precision and consistency
• Strong palate and attention to flavor
• Organized and production‑minded
• Team‑oriented with positive attitude
• Passion for quality prepared foods and hospitality
• Creative but disciplined with recipes and systems
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced kitchen environment
• Dependable and self‑motivated
• Ability to maintain full, fresh visually appealing hot bar at all service times
• Ability to create signature sauces and dishes that drive repeat customers
• Ability to execute consistently and have minimal waste
• Ability to maintain clean organized kitchen and have strong food safety standards

Benefits (may vary by position)

• Competitive pay
• Employee discount on Mother’s Market products
• Flexible scheduling
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Supportive, mission‑driven work environment

Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, bending, and repetitive motions throughout the shift
• Lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to heat, steam, and kitchen equipment

Why Work at Mother’s Market?

• Mission‑driven company focused on health, wellness, and sustainability
• Supportive, team‑oriented culture
• Opportunities for growth and career development
• Employee discounts on organic food and wellness products

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mother’s Market is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.