Kokoro Don Café, a Japanese homemade-style restaurant in Somerville, Massachusetts, is seeking a full-time Cook to prepare authentic Japanese dishes — including sushi, sashimi, donburi rice bowls, and other menu items — while maintaining high standards of quality, consistency, and food safety.
Position DetailsJob Title: Cook
Employer: Kokoro Don Café
Worksite Location: 66 Summer Street, Somerville, MA 02143
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week; must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Rate of Pay: $17.48 per hour for the first two (2) years of employment; $19.72 per hour thereafter
Job Description
The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking Japanese menu items while maintaining high standards of food quality, consistency, and food safety. This position requires knowledge of proper cooking techniques, ingredient handling, portion control, and kitchen sanitation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook menu items — including sushi, sashimi, donburi rice bowls, and other Japanese dishes — according to the restaurant's standardized recipes and quality standards.
- Ensure consistency in food presentation, taste, and portion size.
- Prepare ingredients, including cutting vegetables, portioning proteins, slicing fish, and preparing sauces, seasonings, and sushi rice.
- Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
- Monitor food quality and freshness to ensure compliance with company standards.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work station in accordance with local health regulations.
- Follow food safety procedures, including proper food storage, temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention — with particular care given to the handling of raw and undercooked seafood.
- Assist with inventory management by monitoring ingredient levels and reporting supply needs.
- Work efficiently during busy service periods while maintaining accuracy and quality.
- Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation of customer orders.
- Participate in opening and closing kitchen duties.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Requirements
Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience: Three (3) months of experience in the job offered or in a related occupation (e.g., Cook, Assistant Chef, or comparable restaurant kitchen position involving the preparation of Japanese cuisine, sushi, and sashimi).
Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of Japanese food preparation, food safety and sanitation practices, and proper handling of raw and undercooked seafood; ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment; strong attention to detail and commitment to food quality; ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds; reliable and punctual.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following with their application:
- A resume, or a letter from a current or former employer documenting closely related work experience.
- Verifiable professional references. A reference check will be conducted as part of the hiring process.
Benefits
No benefits are offered other than those required by law.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should submit their resume or experience letter and references to Kokoro Don Café at 66 Summer Street, Somerville, MA 02143.
Kokoro Don Café is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.48 - $19.72 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
