Pastry Cook - NAIA

Job Description

Job Description

Brought to you by DineAmic Hospitality and situated along the Chicago River in River North, NAIA is a sweeping Greek-Levantine dining destination inspired by the culture, cuisine, and hospitality of the Mediterranean. Led by internationally acclaimed Chef Athinagoras Kostakos, NAIA features vibrant mezze, fresh seafood, wood-grilled specialties, and an expansive beverage program in a stunning indoor-outdoor waterfront setting.

Pastry Cooks are responsible for the skillful execution and preparation of all dessert items in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment. This role plays a critical part in delivering exceptional desserts, including signature offerings, by preparing doughs, cakes, custards, creams, tarts, pastries, ice creams, sorbets, and other specialty items while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.

Successful candidates are detail-oriented culinary professionals who thrive in high-energy environments, maintain strong organizational skills, and take pride in creating memorable guest experiences through exceptional pastry production. Pastry Cooks contribute to the overall success of the culinary team by ensuring production goals are met, maintaining proper inventory levels, and upholding all food safety and sanitation standards.

Essential Responsibilities + Duties

• Prepare all dessert components, including cakes, pastries, doughs, creams, custards, ice creams, sorbets, and specialty items according to company recipes and yield guides.
• Execute daily production schedules to ensure sufficient product levels for multiple restaurant venues and service periods.
• Decorate and finish pastry items to company presentation standards, ensuring products are visually appealing and guest-ready.
• Monitor inventory levels and production schedules to maintain appropriate par levels and minimize waste.
• Accurately label, date, and rotate products using FIFO procedures.
• Maintain freshness and quality standards by properly storing and handling all ingredients and finished products.
• Inspect tools, equipment, and workstations to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and safe operation.
• Maintain sanitation standards in all food preparation, production, and storage areas.
• Collaborate effectively with pastry and culinary team members to ensure efficient production and service execution.
• Follow all company policies, food safety guidelines, and health department regulations.
• Contribute positively to team morale and support fellow team members during high-volume periods.
• Complete additional duties as assigned within the scope of the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in a pastry, baking, or dessert production environment required; fine dining and/or high-volume restaurant experience preferred.
• Degree from a culinary school, baking and pastry program, food service program, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Valid Food Handler Certification required.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Demands + Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8+ hours per shift)
• Ability to frequently lift, push, carry, and place objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and repetitive motion
• Continuous movement in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to complete tasks that require repetitive motion.
• Ability to safely work around kitchen equipment, ovens, mixers, and refrigerated storage areas.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Integrity
• Personal Development
• Professionalism
• Self-Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Technical Proficiency with computers and POS systems

Benefits + Perks

• Paid Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• 401K + Match
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program
• Food & Beverage Discounts

Dineamic Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.