Lead Cook

The Good Fork Pub is seeking a Lead Line Cook to join our team for busy weekend services. This position is ideal for a cook who stays composed under pressure, anticipates problems before they happen, and takes pride in helping a kitchen run smoothly.

We're looking for a strong team player who leads by example, communicates well, and helps maintain standards on the line. This is not a role for someone looking to take over the kitchen, but for someone who enjoys supporting their teammates, solving problems during service, and contributing to a positive and professional work environment.

If you work clean, stay organized, and understand that great service is a team effort, we'd love to hear from you.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for upholding kitchen standards during prep and service operations while supporting the Chef through leadership, delegation, training, organization, and execution of daily service, specials, and events.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES, LEADERSHIP & SERVICE

• Uphold the highest standards of line cook execution and station management
• Understand and support both line cook and prep cook responsibilities
• Help maintain smooth and organized service flow
• Work directly with Chef to fine-tune dish pickups and service standards
• Execute and assist with specials, events, and large parties
• Support overall kitchen communication and daily operations
• Ensure opening and closing of stations according to standards set by the chef

DELEGATION & TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Delegate prep and cleaning tasks as needed
• Delegate responsibilities during service, events, and slower periods
• Help direct Porters, Prep Cooks, and Line Cooks during shifts
• Assist with training and development of staff and trails
• Help reinforce kitchen systems, standards, and workflow expectations

PREP & ORGANIZATION

• Help maintain organized prep systems and walk-in organization
• Step in to organize and maintain storage areas as needed
• Ensure prep standards, labeling, rotation, and organization are upheld
• Monitor prep consistency and communicate issues to Chef immediately
• Assist with maintaining accurate prep and production flow

STANDARDS & SANITATION

• Uphold kitchen standards including:
• First in, first out (FIFO)
• Station cleanliness and sanitation
• Proper food storage and labeling
• Time and temperature safety standards
• Proper station setup and breakdown procedures
• Maintain awareness of kitchen cleanliness and organization at all times

COMMUNICATION & PROBLEM SOLVING

• Flag all 9-1-1 issues involving:
• Equipment
• Prep inconsistencies
• Ordering issues
• Recipe inconsistencies
• Line execution problems
• Communicate clearly with Chef and kitchen staff regarding priorities and issues

EXPECTATIONS

• Lead by example through urgency, professionalism, and consistency
• Maintain strong communication and awareness during service
• Support team accountability and kitchen standards
• Work cleanly, efficiently, and calmly in high-volume environments
• Be adaptable and solution-oriented

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stand for extended periods
• Lift and carry heavy items safely
• Work in hot, fast-paced kitchen environments