Line Cook

The Line Cook is responsible for the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food during service. This role requires a working knowledge of kitchen equipment, a commitment to food safety and quality standards, and the ability to perform consistently in a fast-paced environment. Line Cooks are an essential part of what makes every guest experience at Mellow Mushroom worth coming back for, and we take that seriously. FOOD PREPARATION & COOKING Prepare and cook pizzas, hot appetizers, hoagies, salads, and desserts in accordance with established recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards. Weigh, measure, and combine ingredients using appropriate kitchen utensils and equipment, following recipes with precision. Cook and bake menu items including pizzas, hot appetizers, and desserts using pizza ovens, convection ovens, and speed ovens. Monitor cooking progress by testing, tasting, smelling, and visually inspecting food to confirm proper doneness before service. Turn and stir foods as needed to ensure even cooking and consistent results across all items. Season food according to established recipes, applying personal judgment and experience where appropriate. Wash, cut, and prep vegetables, toppings, and other ingredients in preparation for service. Portion, arrange, and garnish all dishes according to standard portion sizes, recipe specifications, and plate presentation guidelines. FOOD QUALITY & STANDARDS Maintain a thorough understanding of the restaurant’s standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality benchmarks, and kitchen policies, and apply them consistently on every shift. Take personal responsibility for the quality of every product that leaves your station. Ensure food is stored and cooked at the correct temperatures by properly regulating kitchen equipment throughout the shift. Check ingredients and food products for freshness and quality, rotating stock appropriately and flagging items that do not meet standards. Stock and maintain sufficient food product levels at your assigned station to support uninterrupted service throughout each shift. Handle, store, and rotate all food products and supplies in accordance with restaurant policies and food safety requirements. Inspect, clean, and maintain food preparation areas, equipment, and work surfaces throughout the shift to ensure safe and sanitary conditions at all times. Follow all food safety protocols related to handling, storage, temperature control, and personal hygiene. Complete closing duties for your assigned station in accordance with the kitchen closing checklist, and assist fellow team members in closing all remaining stations as needed. Maintain a clean and organized workstation throughout service, not just at the end of the shift. TEAMWORK & OPERATIONS Coordinate with and support fellow team members throughout service to meet guest needs and maintain smooth kitchen operations. Assist other cooks during rush periods or when coverage is needed, stepping in wherever the kitchen requires support. Contribute to food preparation during off-peak periods to stay ahead of service demands. Attend all scheduled team meetings and come prepared to engage, ask questions, and offer input. Fill in for fellow employees as needed to uphold guest service standards and operational efficiency. Consult with kitchen leadership on menu planning, special event needs, and cost considerations when called upon. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Two or more years of experience in kitchen preparation and cooking. At least six months of experience in a comparable line cook or kitchen role. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with managers and kitchen staff. Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and lift up to 40 pounds on a regular basis. Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods, up to nine hours per shift. TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Pizza ovens, convection ovens, and speed ovens. Robot Coupe food processors and commercial slicers. Chef’s knives and serrated knives. #J-18808-Ljbffr