Cook

Job Summary: The Kitchen Cook is responsible for managing all aspects of the food service and beverage operation. The kitchen cook is responsible for maintaining a safe, sanitary and appetizing food service environment. The cook ensures an exceptional customer experience.

Principal Duties:

Ensure a pleasant shopping experience for all customers. Respond to customer complaints or inquiries. Solicit customer feedback, input and information through various communication vehicles. React to information and create a plan to consistently meet the expectations of all customers.

Ensure the execution of all food service programs including proper ordering, production planning, product handling and display.

Responsible to meet and/or exceed food service and beverage performance and profitability goals according to corporate objectives.

Execute food service efficiencies and ensure planograms are utilized and followed.

Oversee the inventory and ordering of product and supplies and ensure routine maintenance and upkeep of the food service equipment and facilities.

Analyze food service results and trends. Prepare action plans to leverage the store’s fresh food strengths and address areas of opportunity to ensure food service profitability. Execute all action plans.

Responsible to be an expert on all food service marketing programs, campaigns, strategies and initiatives. Educate all food service associates to be the same.

Execute the training, coaching and performance management of food service customer service associates. Assist with all matters relating to food service associates and the store team - recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, associate engagement and performance management. Recognize and reward associates.

Execute the corporate training plan for all food service CSAs and effectively conduct hands on training to ensure associate proficiency.

Ensure execution of established safety, security, quality, and store operations policies, procedures and practices.

As needed, the FSM will need to run shift, including deposit preparation and fuel operations, where applicable.

Essential Functions:

Ability to work well individually as well as in a team environment

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent customer service skills

Ability to work with little or no supervision

Detail oriented and excellent organizational skills

Ability to apply critical thinking skills in all situations

Ability to apply root cause techniques in order to solve problems

Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and independently

Proven self-starter with demonstrated ability to make decisions

Understanding of store finances and awareness of impact to business

Must be able to perform the following physical behaviors repetitively throughout a shift: standing, walking, handling, reaching horizontally and grasping firmly

Must be able to perform the following physical behaviors frequently throughout a shift: reaching above the shoulder, reaching below the waist, pushing buttons, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling and pushing

Must be able to lift and carry up to 35 lbs

Excellent relationship building, interpersonal and leadership skills

Ability to learn and utilize the store’s technology

Basic Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Leadership experience required, leadership experience in a food service environment preferred

Flexible availability which may include all shifts, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs

Ability to work 35 – 40 hours per week

Experience selecting, training, performance management of staff, sales building, scheduling and managing expenses

Experienced in all areas of store operations, including foodservice

Experience in effectively implementing change and demonstrated results in execution

Serve Safe Certification

Proven and consistently demonstrated skills in the following:

Exceptional Customer Service

Relationship Building

Effective Communication

Training

About Pooja Laurel Hospitality Inc

Founded in 2010, Pooja Group, Inc. remains a family-owned and operated enterprise, embodying the true spirit of unity and dedication. Our portfolio proudly encompasses 14 convenience stores, gas stations, and 5 restaurants across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Our esteemed brands, including Little Sue, Pizza Boys, Oasis Travel Plaza, Assateague Bar and Grill, R&R Grill, and Hardee's, serve as landmarks of quality and service in their respective communities. At Pooja Group, we forge stronger bonds than those of mere colleagues; we are a tightly-knit family. This sense of belonging and mutual respect drives us to nurture and develop talent from within, ensuring that our team not only grows professionally but also personally Our commitment to a values-driven culture is the cornerstone of our operations, earning us consistent recognition. We pride ourselves on our dedication to excellence, community service, and the unwavering support we provide to each member of the Pooja Group family.