Cafe Lead - 1st & 2nd Shift Available in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania at Bell and Evans

Join the Company that is 100% committed to moving the bar higher. Your future belongs at the home of the Excellent Chicken…Bell and Evans!

Job Summary

The Lead Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality food in a fast-paced, high-volume cafeteria environment. This hands-on position requires strong culinary skills, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain Bell & Evans' standards for food quality, consistency, safety, and sanitation. The Lead Cook works under the direction of the Sous Chef and Chef to support daily food production and efficient meal service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare and present menu items according to standardized recipes, portion specifications, and quality standards.
• Complete daily food preparation and production tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Work across assigned cooking stations, including pizza, sandwich, hot line, and salad stations as needed.
• Perform pizza station duties, including dough preparation, stretching, topping, baking, and finishing.
• Monitor food quantities, maintainappropriate product levels, and keep stations stocked and ready for service.
• Minimize food waste through proper preparation, portion control, and ingredient utilization.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, temperature control, food storage, labeling, and FIFO rotation procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary workstations, equipment, and kitchen areas.
• Assist with inventory receiving, storage, rotation, catering events, and special menu preparation as needed.
• Communicate production needs, shortages, and operational concerns to the Sous Chef or Chef and perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Previous professional cooking experience in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, or high-volume food service operation.
• Knowledge of cooking techniques, commercial kitchen equipment, and food safety practices.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and consistently produce quality food.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, follow direction, and function effectively in a team environment.

Physical Requirements

This position requires standing and walking for extended periods throughout the shift. Team members must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks that involve bending, reaching, stooping, carrying supplies, stocking products, and cleaning work areas. The ability to work safely and efficiently in a busy food service environment is essential.