Cook / Kitchen Team Member (Prep, Baking & Menu Development)

Cook / Kitchen Team Member (Prep, Baking & Menu Development) – Rustic Fire
$24–$30/hour (including tips)

Rustic Fire is a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant in Paso Robles known for our brick oven pizzas, fresh salads, house-made soups, gelato, specialty coffee, and a wide selection of local beer and wine. We are focused on the highest quality food, strong systems, and genuine hospitality. Our goal is to create the best possible experience for our guests.

Rustic Fire is a locally owned, family-run restaurant serving Paso Robles for nearly 20 years, fostering a culture of teamwork, high standards, and genuine connection with our guests.

We’re looking for reliable, hard-working team members who take pride in their work and want to be part of a high-level team. In addition to core kitchen responsibilities, this position includes prep, baking, and opportunities to contribute to menu development.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare food to our standards with consistency and attention to detail
• Work across multiple stations (prep, pizza, oven, salads, etc.)
• Assist with preparation of soups, sauces, and house-made items
• Participate in baking bread and other baked goods
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment
• Support teammates during busy periods
• Assist with food running and guest interaction when needed
• Help maintain speed without sacrificing quality

For team members who show initiative and consistency, there are opportunities to contribute ideas toward new menu items and specials.

What We’re Looking For

• Reliable and on time — no exceptions
• Able to move with urgency in a fast-paced environment
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Team-oriented mindset
• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Flexible availability, including a mix of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts
• Interest in food, creativity, and learning beyond basic kitchen tasks is a strong plus

Experience is helpful, but not required. We are willing to train the right person.

Compensation

Team members at Rustic Fire are compensated through a combination of hourly base pay and participation in our shared tip pool.

Base Pay
Starting hourly wages typically range from $20–$22 per hour, based on experience, reliability, and overall fit.

Tips
All team members participate in a structured tip pool based on hours worked and level of responsibility within the restaurant.

• Entry-level team members typically earn an additional $4–$5 per hour in tips
• As team members gain experience and take on more responsibility, tips typically increase to $5–$7 per hour
• High-performing, fully trained team members may earn $7–$8+ per hour in tips

Total Earnings
Most team members can expect to earn between $24–$30 per hour when combining base pay and tips.

Actual earnings will vary based on performance, role level, shift coverage, and overall business volume.

Rustic Fire’s tip pool is designed to reward teamwork, consistency, and a high level of guest service.

Additional Benefits

• 401(k) program with company matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employee & family discounts
• Paid training
• Referral Program

Schedule

• Flexible availability is required, including daytime, evening, and weekend shifts
• Schedules will often trend toward daytime to early evening shifts as the role develops
• Weekend availability is important based on business needs
• Consistent hours are available for reliable team members
• Rustic Fire is closed on major holidays (Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day) and every Tuesday, providing consistent time off throughout the year

If you’re someone who shows up, works hard, and takes pride in doing things the right way, we’d like to meet you. Apply today, and we’ll follow up with next steps.

Pay: $24.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid training
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person