Restaurant Team Member - Cook

Noodles & Company; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 15,153 - 23,419; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay plus tips

Flexible schedules

Meal discounts

Tuition assistance

Recognition programs

Medical and dental insurance

Job summary

A popular restaurant chain in Ames, IA is seeking Team Members for their back-of-house kitchen crew. The role involves preparing fresh ingredients, cooking dishes to order, and maintaining a clean working environment. Ideal candidates will work well in a fast-paced team setting, possess a positive attitude, and be eager to learn kitchen skills. This part-time position offers competitive pay of $11.00 to $17.00 per hour and flexible scheduling options, making it a great opportunity for teens and first-time job seekers.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• No previous cooking experience is needed; paid training provided.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh ingredients and cook dishes to order.
• Ensure each dish meets quality and presentation standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.

Skills

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Positive attitude

Job description

At Noodles and Company, our mission is to nourish and inspire every team member, guest, and community we serve. We are hiring Team Members for our back‑of‑house kitchen crew as cooks and line cooks who prepare fresh ingredients, cook dishes to order, and keep our kitchens running smoothly and consistently.

Our back‑of‑house teams bring that to life everyday through fresh prep, real cooking techniques, and care in every bowl we serve. Whether you’re learning our sauté skills, supporting your team during a rush, or helping maintain a positive kitchen environment, your work shapes every bowl we serve.

Why Choose Noodles & Company?

• Competitive pay plus tips
• Flexible schedules for part‑time or full‑time employees
• Early access to earned pay
• Meal and lifestyle discounts, including event tickets and cell phones
• Tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities
• Recognition programs that celebrate your achievements
• Free mental health, legal, and financial resources to support wellbeing
• Medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and pet insurance
• 401(k) with employer match and stock purchase discounts
• Leadership development programs to fuel growth
• Free online Spanish and English courses
• Noodles Resource Groups – inclusive communities fostering belonging, connection, and growth
• Learn more about our benefits

What You Bring to the Table

• Preparing fresh ingredients and cooking dishes to order. No experience with a sauté pan is needed; paid training is provided.
• Ensuring each dish is made with consistency, quality, and presentation.
• Following recipes, prep guides, and standard procedures accurately.
• Learning and refining kitchen and sauté skills through hands‑on training.
• Maintaining pace during peak hours to support smooth kitchen flow.
• Working in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment where communication matters.
• Managing multiple tasks to meet guest expectations during busy shifts.
• Working safely around kitchen equipment, heat, and steam.
• Using kitchen tools, timers, and basic systems as part of daily routines.
• Keeping the restaurant clean and organized while following food safety and sanitation standards.
• Bringing dependability, positivity, and a supportive attitude to every shift.
• Meeting the physical requirements of the role, which may include standing for long periods, bending, twisting, reaching, lifting up to 55 lbs, and other routine tasks.
• Obtaining and maintaining required food safety licenses or certifications as per local, state, and federal regulations.
• Must be at least 16 years old – a great opportunity for teens or anyone eager to gain new skills and start their career.

We treat every candidate to a complimentary meal (up to $10 value) after your interview – because every great connection starts with great food.

Pay Range

USD $11.00 – $17.00 per hour

Location

414 S. Duff Avenue
Ames, IA

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Part‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Restaurants

Noodles & Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Military Friendly workplace. We encourage Veterans and their spouses to apply. We are proud to be recognized on Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Women, and Company Culture lists and are committed to creating a workplace where Noodlers feel supported, respected, and able to bring their full selves to work.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Noodles & Company by 2x.

Application Deadline: We accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no specific deadline; we encourage interested individuals to submit at their convenience.