Line Cook/Kitchen lead

Experienced Line Cook / Kitchen Lead – Breakfast, Lunch & Buffet

Bellmore, NY 11710
$27.00–$35.00 per hour — Based on Experience
Full-Time | In Person

About the Position

We are looking for an experienced Line Cook / Kitchen Lead to join our growing café and food service operation in Bellmore.

Our kitchen is more than a traditional bagel shop. In addition to breakfast and specialty sandwiches, we operate a hot food buffet, where our kitchen team prepares multiple dishes throughout the day and maintains the buffet with fresh, properly prepared food.

We are looking for a cook who understands volume cooking, food quality, prep organization, timing, and kitchen efficiency. The right person should be confident working independently and capable of taking ownership of the kitchen during service.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced cook who wants to play an important role in establishing and maintaining a professional kitchen operation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook hot food for our daily buffet
• Prepare breakfast and lunch items including eggs, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, specialty sandwiches, and grilled items
• Execute recipes consistently while maintaining quality, flavor, portion size, and presentation
• Prepare meats, vegetables, sauces, sides, and other ingredients for daily service
• Manage daily mise en place and prep so the kitchen is ready for service
• Monitor the buffet throughout service and ensure food is fresh, properly stocked, and presented
• Cook additional batches as needed during busy periods
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment including flat-top grill, slicer, toaster, ovens, and other cooking equipment
• Properly store, label, rotate, and handle food
• Maintain proper cooking, holding, cooling, and reheating temperatures
• Keep kitchen stations clean, organized, and properly stocked
• Minimize food waste through proper portioning, preparation, and inventory awareness
• Communicate with management and front-of-house staff regarding food levels, orders, and kitchen needs
• Help establish efficient prep lists, cooking procedures, and kitchen organization
• Maintain a clean and professional kitchen while following all applicable food-safety requirements

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced cook — not an entry-level kitchen worker.

The ideal candidate has:

• 3+ years of professional cooking or line-cook experience preferred
• Experience cooking in a restaurant, café, deli, catering operation, buffet, or high-volume kitchen
• Strong experience with griddle/flat-top cooking
• Experience preparing food in large batches for service
• Strong knife and food-preparation skills
• Ability to manage multiple cooking tasks at the same time
• Understanding of food safety, temperature control, storage, and sanitation
• Ability to work quickly without sacrificing food quality
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of the kitchen
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Comfortable working early morning shifts
• Professional attitude and strong communication skills

Leadership Opportunity

For the right experienced candidate, this position can develop into a Kitchen Lead / Kitchen Manager role.

We are especially interested in cooks who can bring experience and help us improve:

• Buffet production
• Daily prep systems
• Recipe consistency
• Portion control
• Kitchen organization
• Food quality
• Inventory and waste control
• Service efficiency

We want someone who can bring experience to the operation, not simply follow instructions.

Compensation & Benefits

• $27.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on experience and skill level
• Full-time position
• Employee discount
• Opportunity for advancement
• Opportunity to take on a leadership role as the business grows
• Professional, fast-paced working environment

Schedule

This is a morning/daytime kitchen position with early starts to prepare for breakfast and daily buffet service.

Candidates must be comfortable working early mornings, weekends, and busy breakfast/lunch periods.

If You Have Kitchen Experience, We Want to Meet You

If you're an experienced line cook, chef, deli cook, catering cook, or kitchen professional who takes pride in good food, organization, consistency, and speed, we'd like to hear from you.

Experience:

• Professional Cooking: 4+ years preferred
• Line Cook: 4+ years preferred
• Buffet / High-Volume Cooking: Preferred
• Restaurant or Café Kitchen: Preferred

Location: Bellmore, NY 11710
Work Location: In person

Pay: $27.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Experience:

• Cooking: 2 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Bellmore, NY 11710 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person