Morning Cook

Position Summary: The Deli Morning Cook is responsible for preparing, cooking, merchandising, and maintaining the hot bar and other prepared food offerings for customers. This position ensures high-quality food production, food safety compliance, proper presentation, and excellent customer service while maintaining a clean and organized work environment. This position has start times ranging from 5am - 8amEssential Duties and Responsibilities Food Preparation & Production:

• Prepare and cook hot bar items according to company recipes and production standards.
• Set up and stock the hot bar before store opening.
• Monitor product quality, freshness, and appearance throughout the day.
• Follow production schedules to maintain adequate inventory and minimize waste.
• Prepare side dishes, entrees, soups, breakfast items, and specialty offerings as assigned.
• Properly label, date, and rotate products using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Ensure all food is held at proper temperatures and meets food safety standards.
• Merchandising & Presentation:
• Maintain an attractive, full, and clean hot bar presentation throughout operating hours.
• Replenish products as needed to maximize sales opportunities.
• Ensure food displays meet company merchandising standards.
• Monitor sales trends and adjust production levels accordingly.
• Food Safety & Sanitation:
• Follow all local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
• Maintain proper hot and cold holding temperatures and complete required logs.
• Practice proper handwashing and personal hygiene procedures.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, workstations, and food preparation areas.
• Report any food safety concerns to management immediately.
• Customer Service:
• Provide friendly and professional customer service.
• Answer customer questions regarding ingredients, preparation methods, and menu items.
• Assist customers with special requests when possible.
• Promote department products and suggest complementary items.
• Team Support:
• Assist with catering, special orders, and other deli production as needed.
• Work collaboratively with deli team members to ensure department success.
• Support department goals for sales, food quality, labor, and shrink control.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications: Previous cooking, deli, restaurant, or food service experience preferred. Knowledge of safe food handling practices. Ability to follow recipes and production plans. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly. Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and twisting. Ability to work around hot equipment, ovens, fryers, and cooking surfaces. Ability to work in refrigerated and freezer environments when necessary.

Work Schedule: Typically scheduled early morning shifts ranging from 5am - 8am and including weekends and holidays as business needs require. Must be reliable and punctual to ensure hot bar readiness for opening and peak shopping hours.