Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chef / Lead Cook specializing in authentic Jamaican cuisine and patty baking to join our vibrant culinary team. In this dynamic role, you will lead food preparation efforts, craft delicious traditional dishes, and oversee kitchen operations to ensure exceptional quality and consistency. Your expertise will help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy flavorful, high-quality Jamaican dishes. This position offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary talents while managing a team dedicated to excellence in food service.
REQUIRED SKILLS #1 REQUIREMENT – JAMAICAN PATTIES FROM SCRATCH Applicants must be able to independently: Prepare Jamaican patty dough/pastry from scratch Roll and portion dough Prepare properly seasoned patty fillings Fill, shape and seal patties Bake patties correctly Produce a consistent golden Jamaican patty crust Maintain consistency in size, filling, texture and quality Produce patties efficiently in batches Applicants must also have strong experience preparing traditional Jamaican cuisine, including dishes such as oxtail, curry chicken, jerk chicken, brown stew chicken, rice and peas, plantain, steamed vegetables, traditional gravies, sauces and other Jamaican favourites.
Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and cooking of authentic Jamaican dishes, including signature patties, ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards
- Supervise kitchen staff, providing guidance, training, and support to maintain efficient operations and high food safety standards
- Oversee food handling procedures, ensuring compliance with health regulations and proper sanitation practices
- Manage daily kitchen operations, including inventory control, ordering supplies, and maintaining cleanliness
- Collaborate with team members to develop new menu items that highlight traditional Jamaican flavors and innovative culinary techniques
- Ensure timely delivery of orders while maintaining the highest standards of food presentation and taste
- Provide excellent food service experience by supporting bartenders and servers as needed during busy periods
Skills
- Proven supervising experience in a fast-paced kitchen or restaurant environment
- Extensive food preparation and cooking skills with a focus on Jamaican cuisine and patty baking
- Strong leadership abilities with experience managing kitchen teams and restaurant staff
- Knowledge of food safety protocols, sanitation standards, and proper food handling procedures
- Excellent communication skills to coordinate with team members and ensure smooth operations
- Background in restaurant management or hospitality industry preferred
- Ability to multitask efficiently while maintaining attention to detail in food presentation and quality
- Experience in food industry roles such as bartending or serving is a plus for supporting overall customer experience
PRACTICAL INTERVIEW – REQUIRED Applicants who successfully complete the initial screening process may be selected to attend an in-person practical group interview at the restaurant. Each selected candidate will receive their own designated preparation/work area and will be asked to demonstrate their cooking and baking abilities. Ingredients required for the practical assessment will be provided to selected candidates.
Each candidate must:
- 1. Bake Jamaican patties completely from scratch. Candidates must demonstrate the preparation of the dough, filling, shaping, sealing and baking process.
- 2. Prepare ONE traditional Jamaican dish. The dish may be selected or assigned as part of the interview process. The food prepared during the assessment is for evaluation purposes and will not be prepared for customer sale as part of the interview.
Candidates will be evaluated on taste, authenticity, patty crust and texture, seasoning, cooking/baking technique, presentation, cleanliness, organization, food-safety practices, efficiency and overall skill. The practical interview is an important part of our hiring process because we want to see what candidates can actually create in the kitchen.
Join us if you're eager to bring authentic Jamaican flavors to life while leading a passionate culinary team! Your expertise will help create memorable dining experiences that celebrate rich cultural traditions through exceptional food.
Pay: $18.00-$23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
