Cook/Baker/Line Cook

Experienced Cook – Soul Coffee

Location: Escalon, CA
Position: Cook / Kitchen Team Member
Experience Required – Serious Applicants Only

Job Description

Soul Coffee is looking for an experienced, reliable, hardworking, and detail-oriented cook to join our team!

We are a busy, locally owned café serving freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items. We take pride in the quality of our food, cleanliness of our kitchen, and overall customer experience.

We are looking for someone who understands that being a cook involves much more than preparing food. Kitchen cleanliness, organization, dishwashing, inventory management, food preparation, and teamwork are all essential responsibilities of this position.

The ideal candidate is someone who takes initiative, works independently, stays productive during slower periods, and maintains high standards without needing constant reminders.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations

• Prepare breakfast and lunch items according to Soul Coffee recipes, portions, and presentation standards.
• Maintain consistent food quality and timely ticket completion.
• Follow proper food handling, storage, labeling, and sanitation procedures.
• Complete daily food preparation and restocking to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Communicate effectively with baristas, shift leads, and management.
• Minimize food waste and properly rotate ingredients using FIFO (First In, First Out).

Cleaning & Kitchen Maintenance

• Wash, sanitize, dry, and properly put away dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment throughout the shift.
• Keep up with dishes while preparing food. Dishes should not be left to accumulate until closing.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize prep stations, countertops, cooking equipment, and other food-contact surfaces.
• Sweep, mop, and maintain clean kitchen floors.
• Clean the griddle, kitchen appliances, and equipment as assigned.
• Regularly clean and organize refrigerators, freezers, dry storage, and shelving.
• Complete assigned daily, weekly, and deep-cleaning tasks.
• Properly dispose of trash and maintain clean trash receptacles.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen throughout the entire shift, not just at closing.
• Ensure all closing duties are completed before leaving, including washing and putting away dishes, cleaning equipment, securing food, and preparing the kitchen for the following day.

Inventory & Organization

• Participate in weekly inventory counts and submit accurate inventory information by established deadlines.
• Physically check refrigerators, freezers, dry storage, and pantry areas before reporting inventory needs.
• Monitor ingredient levels and promptly communicate low-stock or missing items.
• Assist with receiving deliveries, checking product quality, and organizing supplies.
• Properly date, label, rotate, and store all food products.
• Prevent unnecessary overordering, spoilage, and food waste.
• Keep storage areas organized and ensure ingredients are returned to their designated locations.

Teamwork & Accountability

• Take initiative and complete assigned tasks without constant supervision.
• Stay productive during slower periods by cleaning, organizing, prepping, or restocking.
• Assist fellow kitchen employees when needed.
• Follow opening and closing checklists consistently.
• Take responsibility for completing duties accurately and thoroughly.
• Communicate issues, shortages, equipment concerns, or incomplete tasks to management promptly.
• Arrive on time, ready to work, and maintain dependable attendance.
• Follow all Soul Coffee policies, procedures, and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Previous professional cooking or commercial kitchen experience required.
• Experience preparing breakfast, brunch, or café-style food strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.
• Experience with kitchen inventory, food storage, and ingredient rotation.
• Ability to multitask and manage food orders while maintaining a clean workstation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
• Reliable, punctual, responsible, and able to follow instructions.
• Willingness to perform cleaning, dishwashing, and other kitchen duties without hesitation.
• Valid California Food Handler Card or ability to obtain one within the legally required timeframe.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Comfortable working around hot cooking equipment and in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
• Ability to perform routine cleaning and sanitation duties.

What We're Looking For

We value employees who take pride in their work, respect their teammates, and treat our kitchen as if it were their own.

This is not a cooking-only position. All kitchen employees are expected to participate in cleaning, dishwashing, inventory, organization, food preparation, and maintaining a safe and sanitary workspace.

We are looking for someone who notices what needs to be done and takes action without waiting to be asked.

If you are experienced, dependable, organized, and take pride in maintaining a clean kitchen, we would love to hear from you!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Work Location: In person