WHO WE ARE

We’re a community-owned natural foods grocery store passionate about high-quality food, sustainability, and the cooperative business model. Our mission is rooted in serving our community while creating a workplace that is inclusive, engaging, and supportive. We strive to set a high standard for employment practices by fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and growth. We’re looking for positive, self-motivated people who take pride in delivering excellent customer service, value the quality of their work, show up reliably for their team, and enjoy working together to make a meaningful impact every day.

Job Title: Hot Bar Cook

Reports to: Prepared Foods Managers

Status: Non-Exempt, Union Classification Level 3

Schedule:  Monday-Thursday, 1:00 pm - 9:00pm

POSITION SUMMARY

This position plays a key role in supporting the Co-op’s mission to nourish our community with scratch-made meals crafted from high-quality ingredients. As part of the Production Kitchen team, this role focuses on preparing hot bar dishes and deli items with care and consistency, ensuring they meet our culinary standards and reflect our commitment to great food.

In addition to food preparation, this role contributes to a collaborative, inclusive kitchen environment by supporting daily operations such as inventory management, food safety practices, and creative input on seasonal menus. It’s a fast-paced, hands-on position ideal for someone with solid cooking skills, an eye for presentation, and a passion for teamwork and community-focused service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Hot Bar Meal Preparation & Presentation

• Prepare, cook, and present a variety of hot bar dishes following Co-op recipes and portioning guidelines, ensuring quality, consistency, and visual appeal.
• Monitor hot food for correct cooking times and holding temperatures to meet food safety and quality standards.
• Taste and adjust hot bar items as needed to maintain flavor standards and customer satisfaction.
• Refill and maintain the hot bar throughout the day, keeping it clean, attractive, and well-stocked.

General Food Production

• Prepare additional deli items such as soups, salads, and entrees according to established recipes and menu guidelines.
• Perform kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, marinating, seasoning, and mixing ingredients efficiently and safely.
• Demonstrate adaptability with changing menus and custom requests.

Menu Collaboration & Creativity

• Suggest new hot bar dishes or menu items based on seasonal ingredients, customer preferences, and culinary trends.
• Collaborate with Prepared Foods Managers to ensure items are prepared consistently and align with Co-op promotions and goals.
• Contribute creative ideas for flavor profiles, presentation, or efficiency improvements.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with other kitchen team members to ensure smooth, timely meal production.
• Communicate effectively to relay important information, address challenges, and adjust to real-time needs.
• Foster a respectful, cooperative, and inclusive kitchen culture.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handling, storage, labeling, and cleaning procedures.
• Ensure workstations, tools, and shared spaces are kept clean, organized, and compliant with health department standards.
• Participate in routine and deep cleaning tasks as needed.

Inventory & Equipment

• Receive deliveries, verify invoice accuracy, and properly store food and supplies to maintain freshness and safety.
• Assist with placing orders as directed by kitchen managers.
• Use kitchen equipment safely and correctly; report any malfunctions or hazards promptly.

Additional Duties

• Stay up to date on deli promotions, featured items, and product knowledge.
• Support front-of-house needs as required, including restocking and light customer interaction.
• Perform other related duties to support team and department goals.

• Solid cooking skills including sautéing, baking, grilling, and knife handling; able to follow recipes and portion guidelines accurately.
• Skilled in food presentation, garnishing, and creating visually appealing displays.
• Knowledge of food safety practices, sanitation standards, and ability to maintain a current food worker card.
• Strong time management and attention to detail, especially in food presentation and maintaining a clean work area.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to troubleshoot kitchen challenges and stay calm under pressure.
• Effective communicator and reliable team player with a positive attitude and consistent attendance.
• Willing to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in environments with moderate to loud noise (e.g., phones, music, conversations, machinery).
• Regularly required to stand, bend, twist, push/pull carts, perform repetitive motions, and lift 10–50 pounds.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling, reaching, holding, and performing repetitive movement such as stirring, chopping, cutting.
• Withstand exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. 
• Withstand exposure varying to temperatures: Coolers, freezers, ovens/stoves.

BENEFITS AT THE CO-OP

• Up to 25% staff discount & access to wholesale orders 
• Great medical/dental/vision and supplemental insurance options
• 401(k) w/match
• Paid time off
• Pay on Demand 
• Potential year-end bonus 
• Access to employee assistance program

UNION AFFILIATION: This position is represented by Teamsters Local 231. Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions, are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the Community Food Co-op and the union.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: The Community Food Co-op is 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.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the Co-op, even if doing so requires actions or responsibilities not listed in the above job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned which are not considered essential and may not be listed here.