Cook (DFTA 5:00 AM Shift)

About us:

From innovative menus and striking design to impeccable service and critical attention to detail, at Great Performances, we weave our mission into all we do. Serving New York City for over four decades, Great Performances has evolved from a waitress staffing agency to the leading catering, events, and hospitality companies in the greater New York area. We provide food services in an array of celebrated New York City cultural institutions, including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Wave Hill, and The Apollo Theater. We are known for full-service catering and events, corporate workplace dining and amenity programs, and large-scale event and festival production. Great Performances is the nation’s first caterer to own and operate an organic farm, Katchkie Farm, located in Kinderhook, NY. Progressive from the start, we consistently set the pace for industry best practices.

We are seeking highly motivated and talented individuals to join our team and to support our vision, mission, and values through everything they do. If you share our passion and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply. 

Our Vision: Building Community to Better Our World

Our Mission: Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality

Our Core Values:

Craftsmanship: developing new menus, designs, and moments to deliver engaging experiences to our clients and guests.

People: creating fair access, opportunity, and advancement for everyone. Our employees are our greatest asset.

Sustainability: upholding and elevating standards for sustainable behaviors that support our planet.

Collaboration: aligning with our clients’, colleagues’, and community’s visions to execute a successful experience.

Doing Good through Food: engaging in action around food access, health and wellness, education, and philanthropy.

We are seeking a dedicated, reliable, and experienced Cook to join our Home-Delivered Meals Program serving clients under the Department for the Aging (DFTA). The Cook plays a vital role in preparing high-quality, nutritious meals that meet established dietary, safety, and portion standards. This individual will ensure all meals are produced efficiently and in compliance with DFTA nutritional guidelines, food safety regulations, and Great Performances’ culinary standards.

The ideal candidate has strong culinary skills, attention to detail, and a passion for supporting the health and well-being of New York City’s older adults. This position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen while maintaining consistency, cleanliness, and teamwork. The Cook will also assist with menu execution, oversee proper storage and labeling of ingredients, and collaborate with kitchen and packing teams to ensure timely and accurate meal preparation and delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who takes pride in their craft, values teamwork, and wants to make a meaningful impact by preparing meals that nourish and support the community.

Responsibilities:

• Review recipes, assemble, combine, and cook ingredients while maintaining a sanitary kitchen environment.
• Execute hot food production in accordance with plating guide specifications and established standards.
• Pay close attention to the details and presentation of each order to ensure high-quality results.
• Place and expedite orders efficiently to meet program service standards and delivery timelines.
• Maintain proper food safety, sanitation, and storage requirements in compliance with DOH and DFTA regulations.
• Keep an organized and clean workstation at all times, following kitchen opening and closing procedures.
• Ensure food is cooked and held at proper temperatures to prevent foodborne illness.
• Excel in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while maintaining professionalism and quality under pressure.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2–3 years of cooking experience in a high-volume kitchen, catering, or institutional food service environment (DFTA or senior meal program experience a plus).
• Strong knife skills with the ability to efficiently and safely chop, dice, slice, and prepare ingredients to precise specifications.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, production sheets, and portion control guidelines accurately.
• Solid understanding of nutrition, portion control, and special dietary needs preferred.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
• Valid Food Handler’s Certificate.
• Must own a complete knife and tool kit.
• Strong work ethic, well-organized, focused, attentive to details
• Dependable and punctual.
• Familiarity with kitchen sanitation practices and food safety standards.

Location : 2417 3rd   Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451

Salary: $19.25/hour

Job Type : Full-Time

Schedule:  5:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Benefits:   Accrued sick & vacation time, 401K, Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, Transit, and FSA (Flexible Spending Account)

Must be able to provide valid documentation that you are legally eligible to work in the United States.

Great Performances is an equal opportunity employer. At Great Performances, we employ qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience. Great Performances does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based on race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.