Kitchen Lead

Kitchen Lead

As Kitchen Lead, you'll be the heartbeat of our back-of-house team, ensuring smooth daily operations, high-quality food preparation, and a positive team environment. You'll lead by example, support your teammates, and help maintain the standards that make Hometown Coffee & Juice a beloved community spot.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations during prep and service, ensuring food is prepared to recipe standards and served promptly.
• Manage ticket flow and station organization to maintain efficiency and consistency.
• Take initiative to solve problems and support the team during peak hours. Teamwork & Professional Conduct
• Foster a collaborative and respectful kitchen culture.
• Train and mentor new team members, helping them understand our values and standards.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with all team members.

Food Preparation & Safety

• Ensure all food is prepared and presented according to Hometown's quality standards.
• Follow food safety and sanitation protocols, including FIFO practices and allergen awareness.
• Monitor and maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization.

Customer Focus

• Support the front-of-house team by ensuring timely and consistent food delivery.
• Maintain high standards that contribute to a positive customer experience.

Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with the prep and smoothie teams to coordinate ingredient needs and service flow.
• Communicate stock levels, special requests, and operational issues to management.

Compliance & Cost Control

• Monitor inventory and assist with ordering and receiving supplies.
• Follow portion control guidelines to reduce waste and manage food costs.
• Ensure proper storage and rotation of ingredients.

Culture

• Learn: Understand and embody Hometown's culture, values, and customer experience standards.
• Teach: Help onboard and train new team members, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Live: Demonstrate teamwork, quality, and customer focus in every shift.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a high-heat environment.
• Comfortable lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Strong knife skills and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a kitchen leadership role (or equivalent experience).
• ServSafe certification preferred (can be obtained upon hiring).
• Ability to multitask and lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Why You'll Love This Job

• Be part of a supportive, high-energy team.
• Grow your skills and take on leadership opportunities.
• Work in a vibrant café environment where your contributions matter.
• Enjoy perks like food and beverage discounts and opportunities for advancement.

Pay & Benefits

• Compensation - $22 -$25 per hour
• Hours - 40-48 hours per week
• FT or PT - FT

EEO Statement

Uptown and Hometown Coffee & Juice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic orientation, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We are committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.