Lead Cook / Assistant Chef

Our menu includes breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, manti, bakery products, desserts, and Turkish-inspired specialties. The Assistant Chef will support daily kitchen operations and work closely with the Head Chef and management team to maintain quality, consistency, cleanliness, and efficient service.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations

• Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and presentation standards

• Support breakfast and lunch service during busy periods

• Supervise prep and line staff when needed

• Maintain consistent food quality, portioning, and plating

• Help organize daily prep lists and kitchen workflow

• Monitor ingredient levels and communicate purchasing needs

• Receive, inspect, and properly store food deliveries

• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards

• Ensure proper labeling, storage, rotation, and inventory control

• Reduce food waste and help manage food costs

• Train and support kitchen team members

• Coordinate closely with front-of-house staff and management

• Help with opening and closing kitchen procedures

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience

• Previous experience as an Assistant Chef, Sous Chef, Lead Cook, or similar role preferred

• Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen organization, and food safety

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced café or restaurant environment

• Experience with breakfast and lunch service preferred

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Reliable, punctual, and team-oriented

• Able to stand for extended periods and lift kitchen supplies as needed

• Flexible availability, including weekends and holidays

• Culinary education is a plus but not required

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is organized, responsible, calm under pressure, and willing to work hands-on with the team. The ideal candidate should care about food quality, cleanliness, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

About Taskin Bakery

Taskin Bakery was founded in New Jersey in 1997 and is known for its bakery products, Turkish flavors, and hospitality. Our New York City location brings that tradition to Midtown Manhattan, directly across from the United Nations.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and include your availability, relevant kitchen experience, and preferred start date.