Beverages, Catering Services, Communication Skills, Cook Dishes, Detail Oriented, Food Safety, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Order Delivery, Organizational Skills, Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Quality Metrics, Restaurant, Time Management
LOCATION
San Antonio, TX
POSTED
1 day ago
Downtown San Antonio, Texas
LINE COOK / PREP CHEF
Job Type: Full-Time & Part-Time Available | Schedule: Flexible | Pay: Competitive, Based on Experience
ABOUT US
We are an independent café concept rooted in warmth, craft, and community. Located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio, we're building something special - a gathering place where every guest feels at home and every dish is made with intention. Our food program is as important to us as our beverage program, and we're looking for kitchen talent who feel the same way.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Line Cook / Prep Chef is the backbone of our kitchen operation. You'll be responsible for executing our food menu with consistency and care - from daily prep through service - while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen at all times. This is a flexible role: some days are heavy on prep, some days you're running a station, and some shifts support catering or events. You need to be comfortable with all of it. We're a small, tight team and everyone contributes.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Execute daily prep work accurately and efficiently - mise en place done right sets the whole team up for success
Cook and plate menu items to recipe, portion, and quality standards during service
Support catering and private events - prep, transport, setup, and breakdown as needed
Maintain a clean, organized station throughout your shift and leave it better than you found it
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control protocols without exception
Properly store, label, and rotate all food items to minimize waste and ensure freshness
Communicate clearly with front-of-house and fellow kitchen staff during service
Assist with receiving and organizing deliveries - verify quantities and quality
Flag any equipment issues, supply shortages, or food safety concerns to the chef/manager immediately
Pitch in wherever the kitchen needs you - this is a team kitchen, not a silo
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Solid knife skills and fundamental cooking techniques - you know your way around a kitchen
Flexibility: prep cook one hour, line cook the next, catering support the day after - you adapt without complaint
Reliability: kitchens run on trust; show up on time, ready to work
Attention to detail: recipes, portions, temperatures, and presentation all matter
A clean, organized working style - you don't let your station get away from you
A team-first attitude: egos slow everything down
A desire to grow and learn in a craft-focused kitchen environment
REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or equivalent
Food Handler Manager Certification required (or must be obtained within 30 days of hire) - non-negotiable for anyone working in our kitchen
Minimum 1 year of kitchen experience preferred - café, restaurant, catering, or similar
Working knowledge of food safety standards, proper storage, and temperature guidelines
Must be available for flexible scheduling including early mornings, weekends, and occasional catering or event shifts
Experience with catering or events prep is a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to stand, walk, and move for the duration of a full shift
Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (bulk ingredients, sheet pans, supply deliveries)
Comfortable working in hot kitchen environments near open flame, ovens, and hot surfaces
Must be able to work in cold environments - walk-in refrigerators and freezers are part of the job
Ability to perform repetitive tasks - chopping, slicing, mixing - for extended periods
Must be able to reach, bend, kneel, and stoop to access equipment, shelving, and storage areas
Clear verbal communication with kitchen and front-of-house staff in a fast-paced environment
WORKING CONDITIONS
You'll work in a kitchen environment in Downtown San Antonio. Shifts vary and may include early mornings, weekends, and extended hours during events. Kitchen uniforms and safety footwear are required. This is a physically demanding role - you'll be on your feet and moving the entire shift. We keep a professional, respectful kitchen and expect everyone to contribute to that culture. Parking is easy and accessible for all team members.