Position Overview
The Garde Manger Cook is a key member of our kitchen team, responsible for the preparation, assembly, and presentation of our cold-side menu offerings—currently focusing on our desserts and salads—in accordance with restaurant standards.
This role requires a high degree of culinary competence, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Because this role heavily involves dessert preparation and presentation, our ideal candidate is an experienced baker who takes pride in quality and consistency.
Schedule & Hours
This position offers a fixed weekly schedule:
- Wednesday: 3:00 PM – Close
- Thursday: 3:00 PM – Close
- Friday: 2:00 PM – Close
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – Close
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – Close
- Monday & Tuesday: OFF
(Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.)
Key Responsibilities
- Cold Station Execution: Prepare, cook, assemble, and plate salads, desserts, and cold menu items according to established recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Quality & Portion Control: Maintain strict portion control and culinary standards to ensure dish consistency, minimize waste, and manage costs.
- Food Safety & Temperature Control: Routinely monitor food temperatures using calibrated thermometers; ensure proper cold storage and adherence to all health and sanitation codes.
- Allergy & Dietary Compliance: Follow strict protocols for food allergies and special dietary requests to ensure guest safety.
- Inventory Management: Monitor station inventory levels and communicate low stock promptly to management and front-of-house staff.
- Communication & Collaboration: Work closely with the kitchen coordinator, chefs, and line staff to maintain smooth service flow and report any quality issues or service delays immediately.
- Station Maintenance: Clean and sanitize station, tools, and equipment throughout and at the end of every shift. Complete additional supportive kitchen tasks as assigned.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: Proven kitchen experience, specifically in cold station work and baking.
- Skills: Proficient knife skills, safe operation of commercial kitchen tools and equipment, and strong attention to detail.
- Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during busy shifts.
- Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working in close quarters, varied temperature zones, and a fast-paced, high-noise kitchen environment.
- Soft Skills: Clear verbal and written communication skills; strong multitasking ability under pressure.
- Certifications (Required within 21 days of hire):
- Food Handler Certificate
- Restaurant Sexual Harassment Training Certificate
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law.
Established in 1974, Maple Tree Inn has been a destination for authentic Cajun/Creole cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and craft beer. The Maple Tree Inn was also named one of the "Best 50 Southern Restaurants In America", by OpenTable, Forbes, and Food & Wine.
With recipes prepared from scratch, both in the kitchen, and behind the bar, we are a team of dedicated, passionate professionals that bring creativity and energy to everything we do.
We are definitely not your typical restaurant.
We believe that our industry is a noble profession. We have built our team around like minded individuals who are dedicated to the hospitality industry and have a true heart to serve.
Come and work in a fun and exciting environment with a group of passionate and knowledgeable professionals.
Owners and Managers are fully involved in the business, on a daily basis, and are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to work with us, not for us!