Head Line Cook

Head Line Cook
Pubkey DC — Penn Quarter, Washington, D.C.
Full-Time · On-Site

About Pubkey DC

Pubkey is a Bitcoin bar in the heart of Penn Quarter, bringing tavern hospitality, quality food, and a distinctive culture together under one roof. Our kitchen serves a high-volume à la carte line, private dinners, and large-format banquet events, and we're looking for a Head Line Cook who can lead the line with consistency, speed, and pride in every plate.

Position Summary

The Head Line Cook is a senior kitchen leadership role responsible for running day-to-day line operations while also supporting the venue's banquet and private event programming. This person sets the standard on the line, mentors the cooking staff, manages food ordering and inventory, and ensures that every dish leaving the kitchen meets Pubkey's standards for quality, safety, and presentation. The ideal candidate is an experienced cook who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is ready to take ownership of both the line and the people on it.

Key Responsibilities

Line Operations

• Lead and execute regular line operations across all stations during service, ensuring speed, accuracy, and consistency.
• Expedite and coordinate ticket flow during peak volume, keeping communication clear between the line, expo, and front of house.
• Maintain station organization, mise en place, and readiness before and throughout each shift.

Banquets & Private Dinners

• Cook for and help coordinate banquet service and private dinner events, including large-format and plated menus.
• Partner with kitchen and events leadership to prep, stage, and execute events on time and to specification.
• Adapt to custom menus and guest requirements while maintaining quality under volume.

Food Ordering & Inventory

• Manage food ordering, receiving, and inventory to keep stations properly stocked while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
• Monitor par levels, rotate product (FIFO), and communicate needs to vendors and management.

Staff Training & Leadership

• Train, coach, and develop line cooks and prep staff on recipes, technique, station standards, and pace.
• Provide direction and support during service and hold the team accountable to Pubkey's standards.
• Help onboard new kitchen hires and reinforce a positive, professional kitchen culture.

Safety & Quality Standards

• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and health-code standards throughout the kitchen (HACCP, proper temperatures, labeling, storage, and cleaning).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment at all times.
• Ensure every dish meets Pubkey's specifications for quality, portioning, and presentation.

Recipe Development

• Contribute to recipe development and menu execution, refining dishes for both the line and event menus.
• Standardize recipes and documentation to ensure consistency across the kitchen and across shifts.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a line cook, lead line cook, or similar role in a high-volume, full-service restaurant; banquet or private-event experience strongly preferred.
• Strong command of core cooking techniques and multiple stations (grill, sauté, garde manger, etc.); steakhouse experience a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate a kitchen team.
• Working knowledge of food ordering, inventory management, and cost control.
• Thorough understanding of food safety and sanitation standards; valid food handler/manager certification (e.g., ServSafe) preferred or required upon hire.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, work in a hot kitchen environment, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Why Pubkey

Join a fast growing, high-energy venue with a distinctive identity and a serious commitment to quality. This is a leadership role with real ownership of the line, room to shape menus and events, and the opportunity to grow with the Pubkey team.