Line Cook/Prep Cook in Buffalo, New York at Ember Custom Event Planning & Catering LLC

Position Summary

The Line Cook/Prep Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting high-quality food while maintaining exceptional food safety, cleanliness, and guest service standards. Because Ember Kitchen operates an open kitchen, this position regularly interacts with guests while preparing and serving food. Team members are expected to provide friendly, professional service while efficiently executing orders and maintaining an organized workstation.

This position supports daily operations for Ember Kitchen, Café 257, corporate catering, and special events as needed.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Production
-Prepare ingredients according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
-Cook and prepare breakfast, lunch, catering, and event menu items.
-Prepare sauces, soups, proteins, vegetables, starches, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, desserts, and other menu items as assigned.
-Maintain quality, consistency, presentation, and portion control standards.
-Assist with catering production and event preparation.
-Monitor food quality throughout service and replenish products as needed.
-Follow recipes and production procedures to ensure consistency.

Guest Service
-Serve guests directly from the service line in a friendly, professional, and efficient manner.
-Greet guests and answer questions regarding menu items, ingredients, and preparation methods.
-Provide recommendations when appropriate.
-Maintain a welcoming and positive attitude during guest interactions.
-Communicate professionally with guests while working in the open kitchen environment.
-Address guest concerns courteously and notify management when necessary.

Kitchen Operations
-Set up and stock assigned workstations before service.
-Maintain an organized, clean, and fully stocked station throughout each shift.
-Assist with receiving deliveries and rotating inventory using FIFO procedures.
-Label, date, and properly store all food products.
-Monitor product quality and report shortages or concerns to management.
-Assist with opening and closing kitchen duties.

Sanitation & Food Safety
-Follow all health department regulations and Company food safety procedures.
-Maintain ServSafe standards and proper food handling practices.
-Monitor food temperatures and complete required temperature logs.
-Clean and sanitize workstations, equipment, utensils, and kitchen areas throughout the shift.
-Properly dispose of waste and recycling materials.
-Report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns immediately.

Teamwork & Communication
-Work collaboratively with kitchen, café, catering, and front-of-house staff.
-Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding production needs and inventory levels.
-Assist coworkers during busy service periods.
-Support cross-training and assist in other kitchen areas as business needs require.
-Maintain a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Qualifications
-Previous restaurant, café, catering, or institutional food service experience preferred.
-Experience in food preparation and cooking techniques.
-Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
-Strong organizational and time-management skills.
-Excellent communication and customer service skills.
-Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
-ServSafe Certification preferred or ability to obtain after hire.

Physical Requirements
-Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
-Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
-Lift, carry, push, and pull 50 pounds or more, with or without reasonable accommodation. Team lifting or mechanical assistance should be utilized when appropriate.
-Safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including knives, slicers, mixers, ovens, grills, fryers, and other food service equipment.
-Work safely in environments with varying temperatures, including hot kitchens, walk-in coolers, freezers, and outdoor event locations.
-Possess the manual dexterity necessary to prepare food, operate equipment, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
-Maintain the physical stamina necessary to perform the essential functions of the position throughout the scheduled shift.

Work Environment
This position works in Ember Kitchen, Café 257, catering production areas, and other Company-operated food service locations. The environment includes commercial kitchen equipment, open guest service areas, catering production, and occasional off-site events.

Schedule Expectations
This position is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday during daytime business hours. Typical shifts begin as early as 6:30 a.m., with later start times generally between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Most shifts conclude between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Schedules are based on business needs and may vary depending on catering events, special functions, holidays, or operational requirements. Occasional earlier start times, later end times, evenings, or weekends may be required to support catering, special events, or other business needs.

Core Competencies
-Food Preparation & Cooking
-Guest Service
-Food Safety & Sanitation
-Teamwork
-Communication
-Time Management
-Attention to Detail
-Organization
-Adaptability
-Professionalism
-Reliability

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as business needs require.