Job Summary
Cafe Vanak is looking for an experienced, fast-moving Grill & Prep Cook to join our kitchen team in Belmont, MA.
This position is ideal for someone who is comfortable working in a busy, high-volume restaurant kitchen and takes pride in speed, consistency, cleanliness, and organization.
Our kitchen prepares grilled meats, chicken, kebabs, rice, vegetables, and other Persian dishes. Previous Persian or Middle Eastern restaurant experience is helpful, but not required. We can teach our recipes and preparation methods.
What is important to us is that you already know how to work efficiently in a professional kitchen.
Responsibilities
- Work the grill during restaurant service
- Prepare meats, chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients for service
- Follow recipes, portion sizes, and preparation procedures consistently
- Organize and maintain your workstation
- Work quickly and accurately during busy periods
- Coordinate with other kitchen team members to keep orders moving
- Monitor food quality and cooking consistency
- Properly label, store, rotate, and handle food
- Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation throughout the shift
- Complete assigned prep efficiently and on schedule
- Assist with opening, closing, and kitchen cleaning responsibilities
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience in a restaurant kitchen strongly preferred
- Grill, line cook, or high-volume prep experience is a major plus
- Fast and efficient working pace
- Strong knife and food-preparation skills
- Comfortable handling and preparing raw meat and chicken
- Able to follow recipes and instructions consistently
- Organized and clean while working
- Able to handle multiple tasks without becoming overwhelmed
- Reliable and punctual
- Strong teamwork and communication
- Able to stand and work actively throughout the shift
- Evening and weekend availability preferred
Persian cuisine experience is NOT required. We would rather hire a strong, experienced kitchen professional and teach our recipes.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay based on experience and ability
- Consistent weekly hours
- Employee meals/discounts
- Training on our recipes and kitchen procedures
- Opportunity for increased hours, pay, and responsibility based on performance
- Stable, year-round restaurant work
Before You Apply
This is a fast-paced kitchen position. Please apply if you are comfortable working quickly while maintaining food quality and cleanliness.
When applying, please answer:
What was the busiest restaurant kitchen you worked in, what station did you work, and what foods were you responsible for preparing?
Candidates with relevant experience may be invited for a paid practical working evaluation so that we can make sure the position is a good fit for both sides.
Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
