Sushi Chef Instructor

CocuSocial; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 4,500 - 7,800; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Portfolio building

Job summary

CocuSocial is seeking a Sushi Chef Instructor in the Denver area to lead hands-on sushi classes at partner venues. Classes are typically 2 hours, serving 8–26 guests, with a focus on interactive, social learning and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

The role emphasizes a confident kitchen presence, strong sushi skills, and the ability to engage beginners while maintaining a fun, social environment. Flexible scheduling and venue-based teaching are offered.

Qualifications

• Professional experience preparing sushi or Japanese cuisine.
• Strong knife skills and familiarity with sushi preparation techniques.
• Comfortable working with raw fish and other sushi ingredients.
• Previous teaching, demonstration, catering, restaurant, or hospitality experience is a plus.
• Friendly, outgoing personality and genuine interest in working with people.
• Ability to confidently explain cooking techniques to complete beginners.
• Reliable, organized and capable of leading a group independently.
• Food-handler certification or willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to commit to teaching at least 2 classes per month.

Responsibilities

• Lead sushi-making classes for groups of 8–26 guests.
• Demonstrate sushi techniques and guide guests through hands-on prep.
• Teach guests about ingredients, tools, and techniques in an approachable way.
• Create a welcoming, social environment for all skill levels.
• Keep classes engaging, organized, and on schedule.
• Follow CocuSocial recipes, formats, and food-safety standards.
• Assist with setup and cleanup before and after classes.
• Coordinate with CocuSocial team on logistics and guest feedback.

Skills

Sushi prep

Knife skills

Food safety

People skills

Teaching ability

Reliability

2+ classes per month

Japanese cuisine

Job description

CocuSocial is one of North America's leading providers of hands-on culinary experiences, bringing people together through fun, social, and accessible cooking classes. Our experiences take place at unique partner venues including breweries, cafés, hotels, and event spaces across our growing network of cities.

We handle the marketing, ticket sales, customer service, venue partnerships, and event logistics so our Chef Instructors can focus on what they do best: creating memorable experiences and sharing their passion for food.

Job Description

As a Sushi Chef Instructor, you’ll guide guests through the process of making sushi from start to finish. Our classes are designed to be interactive, social, and approachable, so you don’t need to be a formal culinary instructor. We’re looking for someone who loves food, enjoys working with people, and can make guests feel comfortable trying something new.

Classes are typically around 2 hours and accommodate approximately 8–26 guests. You’ll demonstrate techniques, guide guests through hands-on preparation, answer questions, and help create an experience that guests will remember.

What You’ll Do

• Lead fun, interactive sushi-making classes for groups of approximately 8–26 guests
• Demonstrate sushi preparation, rolling, cutting, and presentation techniques
• Teach guests about sushi ingredients, tools, and techniques in an approachable way
• Guide participants through hands-on preparation and provide support throughout the class
• Create a welcoming and social environment for beginners and experienced home cooks alike
• Keep the class engaging, organized, and on schedule
• Follow CocuSocial recipes, class formats, and food-safety standards
• Assist with basic setup and cleanup before and after classes
• Communicate with the CocuSocial team regarding class logistics, ingredient needs, and guest feedback

What You’ll Get

• $200–$350 per class, based on attendance
• Opportunities to build your teaching and culinary portfolio
• Support from CocuSocial with marketing, ticket sales, customer service, ingredients, equipment, and event logistics
• The opportunity to introduce people to sushi in a fun, relaxed, and social environment

Who Thrives at CocuSocial?

The best fit for this role is someone who is confident in the kitchen but doesn’t take themselves too seriously. You should enjoy connecting with people, making guests laugh, and helping someone feel successful when they make sushi for the first time.

This is not a traditional restaurant role. You’ll be teaching people how to cook while creating a fun night out.

If you’re an experienced sushi chef who loves sharing your craft and working with people, we’d love to hear from you!

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Professional experience preparing sushi or Japanese cuisine
• Strong knife skills and familiarity with sushi preparation techniques
• Comfortable working with raw fish and other sushi ingredients
• Previous teaching, demonstration, catering, restaurant, or hospitality experience is a plus
• Friendly, outgoing personality and a genuine interest in working with people
• Ability to confidently explain cooking techniques to complete beginners
• Reliable, organized, and comfortable leading a group independently
• Food-handler certification or willingness to obtain one, as required
• Ability to commit to teaching at least 2 classes per month

Additional Information

Job Type: Part-time, Contract

Schedule: Flexible; instructors may teach a few classes per month or multiple classes per week depending on availability and class demand.

Work Location: In person at CocuSocial partner venues throughout the Denver area.

Additional Opportunity: Candidates with access to a suitable venue for hosting cooking classes, such as a commercial kitchen, restaurant, event space, or other appropriate venue, are encouraged to mention this in their application.

CocuSocial is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive experiences for our guests, Chef Instructors, and partners. We celebrate diversity and believe food has the power to bring people together across cultures and backgrounds.